truBlue- yes, JB/LH do have AMAZING chemistry, makes them that much easier to writeI can totally picture them as well while Im writing. Thanks for commenting.

moonshadow, Lyn, newcomer, Thumbs, Lwordjunkie, shades, Betty, wo`wo, lost1, callmecrazy thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know what you think:).

nightswim- I am humbled by your flattering words mate. ~big smiles~ Thankyou for taking the time to comment.

rebakathy1- first time commenting ~cool~.I love your new story btw. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

24betteandtina- Hey, thanks for your support and taking the time to comment mate.

Veronica- Im so glad you decided to leave a comment, Thanks for your kind words. All the way from Asia hey, that is a long way from me. Ill do my best to post more regularly againUnfortunately bloody life sometimes gets in the way ~hehe~ I hope you continue to read and enjoy (and comment)

Slacker- you are right on the money mate! I though the same way you did!! Thanks for letting me know what you think.

Trolle- Heres Friday morning for you. Rest of Friday coming up soonI promiseThanks for commenting:)

Laurel- So glad youre all better babeu had me worried bout you. Thanks for your support always xx :D

Tamaratag- thankyou for your continued support and encouragement; It means a lot.

Jwet- Wow, thank you for your comment. Btw LOVE your new story, just in case you didnt know ~lol~

M99- Hey, I figure Tina hasnt left yet so??? ~hehehe~ Thanks for your comments.

MARSUPIAL- thankyou- what a ‘*****’ great comment. short and to the point, I loved it! ~so cool~

Wildtouch- always a pleasure to read a comment from the master of drama. ~hehe~ Thanks for your comment mate :D

Amanda- You know all about the chemistry btwn our two girls better than anyone I reckon ~wink~, so lets see if Tina goes home shall weThanks for always taking the time to comment:)

Maybeyes- yes you are right. Bette will do the best thing for Tina; Tina just needs to see that. Thanks for commenting:)

Nix- thanks mate. glad I put a goofy grin on your face once again.hehehe.

t-boz- I hope this is soon enough for you and an added treat ~lol~the next one will be posted soon, its almost done:)!

Imlovinit- what Tina says and what she wants are two completely different things. ~hehe~ Thanks for taking the time to comment:)

Kat- so glad to see you are still reading mate. I am missing ur writingHope all is ok with you and you get the writing bug back really soon. Thanks x.

And for all the readers out there, hope you enjoy

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Chapter 40.

Friday morning came around quickly for Bette and Tina, the day of discharge!

Nancy had managed to convince her daughter that they would call by her house and pick up her necessary items on the way to the airport. Tina was being discharged early in the morning and Nancy subtly didnt book their flight till noon hoping for the best. Tina was totally oblivious to Nancys intent; and the resulting time difference, she had other matters on her mind.

They were going to pick up Bette at the house too. As Tina was being released so early Bette asked Tina if she minded meeting up with her when she came to grab the rest of her belongings. at their home.

Tina was really disappointed at Bettes request disappointed that Bette didnt want to spend their last night together, for a while anyway, by her side, holding Tina in her warm, caring arms. She sombrely accepted it though, figuring she had no right to ask anything of Bette, as she was the one who made the decision to leave entirely on her own.

Tina couldnt seem to shake this nagging feeling in her gut, this feeling as though Bette didnt even want her to stay. It seemed as though Bete simply accepted her decision and wasnt even putting up a fight for her. That wasnt her Bette Porter at all and Tina didnt know what to think of it!

Little did she know that Bette would be up half the night preparing everything to be perfect, pulling out all the stops in anticipation for her fight!

The closer Tina came to being discharged, the days, hours, minutes passing her by, the more anxious and doubtful she became.

She was beside herself with worry and concern and uncertainty; she didnt know what to do. Could she really do it, just up and leave her life in L.A.? Could she really leave behind her love and her heart, the only real love she would surely know? Did Bette really want her to stay though? She didnt seem to be telling her so? All Bette was saying was she was going to visit? What the ***** does that mean anyway? Tina frustratingly thought to herself.

Tina was driving herself crazy with conflicting thoughts. She had to keep adamantly telling herself that this wasnt a permanent arrangement and it would all work out in the end!

The resulting stress was causing her body more harm than good; she was regularly suffering from back spasms and sharp pains in her upper body, with no sign of change or improvement in her legs! There was nothing the doctors could do except increase her painkillers, and try and convince Tina to lower her stress levels.

However there was no way Tina was going to be able to achieve that until she was out of there, out of the constricting confines of the dingy, old hospital. Like Nancy had so wisely stated, Tina had too much time to think in there.

Bette hadnt tried to re-engage Tina in any form of sensual kissing (or touching), like they had shared earlier in the week; even though the gesture was entirely reciprocated by Tina. Bette reverted back to the gentle tender kisses; the loving friendly hugs and the light pecks on the cheek, knowing contently, cheekily where Tinas heart really lie.

Tina wasnt quite sure if she was happy about that, that Bette wasnt pressuring her for more than she could give right now, or saddened by it, that Bette didnt appear to want to kiss her again, more doubt and insecurity emerging, planting the seed, that maybe their breathtaking kiss, their reawakened desire was just a spur of the moment thing?

Tina did miss the incredible sensation of having Bettes love and passion filled desire coarse from Bettes eyes all the way through Tinas entire body; the feeling she hadnt known for so long, the feeling she had truly missed, the feeling she had appeared to push down to the deep confines of her soul, only to be awakened by one woman, one touch. She had been given a brief taste, remembering what it was like to simply feel, and she wanted more.

Tina didnt want to be the one to take the initiative and bring it up, after all she was the one who was leaving, it had to be up to Bette

It was 8am Friday morning and Tina Kennard was finally discharged, able to leave the sterile musky smell of the hospital room she had lived in and breathed for the last almost 5 weeks. After all the formalities were completed Nancy wheeled Tina down to the front entrance where a car, that Bette had arranged, complete with driver, was waiting diligently for the mother and daughter, to drive them. home?

As soon as Tina got out the doors she took a deep soothing breath, thankful that she would no longer be subjected to the beeping machines, the screams of patients, the unique odours that somehow wafted periodically into her room. She felt like she was free to start living again, to start hoping again. A huge smile enveloped her face as Nancy helped Tina into the car, the driver putting her chair in the boot, and they were on their way.

On the ride over there was an eerie silence in the car. Nancy was praying that Bette pulled off her little plan, and in the process made her daughter happy, while Tina was entertaining serious second thoughts, realizing it was only a few short hours before she would be in San Francisco, miles away from the only woman she would ever love.

Tina broke the silence, realizing she had to snap out of her thoughts and concentrate on the immediate future, (hesitantly) UmMom, I think you should go into the house and grab my belongings. and get Bette to come out to the car. It will be too hard to get up the stairs anyway. I can just remain in here. I um, wrote you a list of what I need. Tina pulled a hand written list out of her pocket and gave it to Nancy.

Nancy was momentarily taken aback, she hadnt planned on that, but figured it was too late to worry now, what ever happened, happened!

Nancy begrudgingly took the list and gently smiled at her daughter, simply stating, Ok sweetie, if thats what you want!

Tina: (adamantly) It is! Thanks mom.

They arrived at the house about 20 minutes later. The driver pulled up out the front and Tina looked at the exterior of her home, surprised at what she saw. A small smile spread on Tinas face as she saw that Bette had had ramps installed all the way from the curb basically to the front door. Tina was able to obtain her belongings herself, in fact she was able to enter and leave HER HOME as she pleased.

Tina: (quizzically looking at Nancy) Mom, did you know about this?

Nancy: (playing dumb) No sweetheart, I didnt. This is all Bettes doing!

Seeing the look on Tinas face, Nancy realized the plan was already beginning to have an effect on her daughter. That a girl Bette Nancy thought smiling to herself.

Nancy went to get out the car and retrieve Tinas belongings as requested. Tina lightly grabbed her moms arm, (curiously excited) Im going in too mom, can you help me please?

Nancy: (smiling warmly at her daughter) Sure sweetie!

Nancy grabbed Tinas chair out of the boot, helping her daughter out of the car, wheeling Tina into her home, Thanks mom! Tina lovingly acknowledged before opening the front door and entering.

She looked around her home in awe of the effort Bette had taken, at the changes she had put into place. As she wandered around she observed there were railings installed in the bathroom, a special bed delivered and set up in the spare room, along with all Tinas personal belongings, (in case Tina wasnt ready to share the master bedroom) all the furniture had been strategically placed to allow wheel chair access to the entire house and just about everything was at eye level so it was within Tinas reach, even in the kitchen.

After they had toured the inside of Tinas unfamiliar, yet familiarly warm home, Nancy wheeled her somewhat shocked daughter outside into the back yard, both women observing that Bette had even managed to make the outside pool area wheel chair friendly and the garden area too. She had thought of absolutely everything.

Tina began to tear up, loosing all her self-control and composure. Finally Tina was beginning to realize the true depth of love her wife, her Bette, had for her; how much she was irrevocably devoted to taking care of her, and Tina felt incredibly guilty for ever doubting that.

But how could she do all this in just a few days? Bette really doesnt want me to go does she? But where is she? Tinas thoughts were in disarray; she stared out at the tiny rippling waves in the pool, in complete silence, mulling over her new realization, the water and morning rays of sun creating a flickering effect in her own watery eyes.

Nancy sensed that her daughter needed some alone thinking time and knew that Bette would be appearing any minute so she decided to make herself scarce for a bit, Sweetheart, I just need to grab something from the car. Will you be ok for just a minute here?

Tina: (sombrely) Yeah, sure I will mom. Tina just sat there, by their pool, her head resting in her hands, quickly becoming lost in her confusing, overwhelming thoughts, as her mom made her getaway!

Bette walked cautiously around past the back gate, quietly entering their back yard, instantly observing Tinas weak figure slouched over in her chair by the pool, obviously deep in thought. You have waited so long for the chance to have Tee back here, at home, where she belongs. Dont blow this Porter Bette thought, trying to motivate herself, butterflies fluttering restlessly around in her stomach.

God she looks so beautiful! was Bettes last thought before she nervously began to approach Tina, with a false sense of confidence, clad in her classic black fitted suit, and a crisp white shirt, her dark curly strands flowing freely, unruly blowing around in the wind, a dozen red roses cradled in her arms, a genuine, ***** grin gracing her face

As she got closer she could see Tinas shoulders shaking, a sullen whimper escaping her lips. Tina was upset, she was crying. Bettes grin quickly abated as she immediately completed her journey and kneeled right in front of her.

Tina was unable to control her emotions, openly sobbing when she knowingly sensed Bette nearing her.

Bette put a palm of her hand under Tinas chin and lifted her teary, blurry eyes up until they came in direct contact with her own, (compassionately) Tee what is it? Are you ok baby? Bette caringly muttered, tears hastily forming in her own eyes as Bette thought the worst. that Tina was unhappy, that her efforts were all in vain!

Tears flowed freely down Tinas cheeks as she did her best to maintain the intense eye contact with her love, her silence adding to Bettes overactive imagination.

Bette felt like her heart was beating so fast that it was going to run off on her, Tee? she asked questionably, needing Tina to say somethinganything!

Tina took a deep calming breath and held out her hands to Bette, noticing the flowers in Bettes hand for the first time, (quietly, shyly smiling) Bette, babe, what is all this? *sniff* When did you do all this? Why did you do all this? *sniff* I cant believe you did all this.for me. her eyes becoming softer and more inviting as she spoke, a stray tear periodically escaping and trickling down her stained, reddened cheeks.

Bettes heart rate gradually returned to normal as soon as she saw the change in Tinas eyes, she realized Tina was in fact happy, they were happy tears, happy sobs that Tina was emitting.

Bette gained a renewed sense of genuine confidence and smiling purposefully she handed the roses to Tina; taking Tinas hands in her own while still kneeling in front of her, Bette spoke; directly from her heart.

Bette: (truthfully) Tee, I dont want you to leave! I dont want you to go to San Francisco! I know you dont want to be my partner or my wife, right now. and I will wait till youre ready. I just want you here, with me, in any capacity you wish! I promise you can set the pace, we can be just friends, whatever you want! I love you baby, so much, and I dont want to spend another day without you; we have lost so much already.

Bette was having a hard time staying focused and composed, tears were building, welling in her eyes and her voice began to crack with emotion, I have arranged so you have everything you could possibly need, right here Tee (running her fingers smoothly along Tinas slender hands) You can recover here, in your own home, and I will help you anyway you need me too. (smiling shyly) I even set up your own room so you wouldnt feel pressured

Tina interrupted, (softly) Bette I know I saw.

Bette gently put her finger up to Tinas lips, (her voice oozing with sincerity) Tee, you are my life! Im asking you to complete me once again and staystay here in L.A., in our homewith me? Staring warmly, lovingly at Tina in anticipation, Bette made her final plea, Will you Tee? Will you stay?

Tbc.