Tina rolled over and stretched her arms out yawning quietly. She glanced over at Bette again before carefully getting out of bed to use the bathroom. After brushing her teeth she went back to check on Bette, who was still sleeping, before going downstairs to make coffee. The coffee was almost done when Tina heard Bette coming down the stairs. Tina sighed to herself as she watched the coffee and thought about what Eric had said to her last night. Tina knew the adult thing to do was let Bette know how she was feeling and see what she had to say, but Tina still felt the jealousy inside her when she thought of Megan being so friendly with Bette and Tina did her best to keep that from surfacing. Bette walked into the kitchen still half sleeping and went over to Tina. She wrapped her arms around her and kissed her neck softly causing Tina to relax a little in her arms. Bette smiled when she saw Tina relax and started kissing her with a little more force and moving up to her earlobe. Tina could feel her body betraying her so she shook Bette off a little when the coffee timer sounded and moved over to the refrigerator. Bette frowned at Tinas behavior but didnt move as she watched her pull breakfast stuff out of the fridge. Bette poured two cups of coffee and went over to hand Tina one and leaned in for a kiss on the lips. Tina laughed halfheartedly and gave her a small peck before accepting the coffee. Bette pouted at this and Tina looked at her with a slightly annoyed look.

What?

Is that all I get this morning?

Well what do you think Bette? Im still mad at you for last night.

Tina I thought we were over that.

No YOU are over that. Im still mad.

Bette walked over and took Tinas coffee from her setting it down on the counter. She wrapped her arms around Tinas waist and looked her in the eye. Tina tried to look away but something about Bettes stare kept her eyes glued to the woman in front of her. Bette leaned down to kiss Tina but Tina pulled away looking at Bette angrily.

You cant just kiss me and make it all better you know.

Bette was hurt at Tinas angry tone and she gave Tina her best puppy dog look. Tina softened a little at this and she knew Bette was going to try and charm her way out of this. She knew that Bette knew she usually gave in when Bette was like this, but Tina was determined to at least make her point before succumbing to Bettes little game. Tina tried to pull away but Bette didnt let go of her so Tina settled for turning around in her arms. She was standing at the stove so she just started cooking breakfast and Bette stared at the back of her head for a while before bringing one hand up to push Tinas hair out of the way and begin her assault on Tinas neck. Tina smiled at first but then she quickly took the opportunity to step out of Bettes arms and turned around with a straight face.

I mean it Bette. I still want to talk about what happened last night.

Fine Tinalets talk about it.

Tina turned the stove off and let the bacon just sit there as she leaned against the stove and crossed her arms. Bette remained where she was and gave Tina an even look waiting for her to being speaking. Tina gathered her strength and tried to let her conversation with Eric guide her as she finally started talking.

Bette do you even know why I was so upset last night?

Because I didnt spend time with you at the opening.

And?

And you were mad because I didnt tell Megan that you were my girlfriend.

And?

And also because you thought she was hitting on me and you thought I was letting her.

And?

And what? I thought that was it.

Tina looked at Bette in disbelief. She couldnt believe Bette didnt understand that while those things may have happened last night, it wasnt the real reason she was mad at her. Tina thought Bette understood her and their relationship and Tina was getting more upset that Bette obviously hadnt thought too much about this last night.

Yes Bette it was all those things but do you really get why I was mad?

No T, I dont. So why dont you just tell me already?

Tina was getting more and more upset at Bettes nonchalant behavior and she was ready to give up on this altogether. Tina knew Bette was an intelligent woman, but sometimes she could be really thick. Tina shook her head as she looked at Bette and tried to think of the best way to word how she felt.

Bette I was upset because of the fact that we havent seen each other all month and when we finally did it was like it didnt even matter to you. You treated me like we saw each other every day when you know that wasnt true. I was so excited to see you last night and when I saw you talking to Megan it upset me because I remember when you used to talk to me like that. Its like weve become too comfortable with each other or something and weve only been together for a little over a year Bette.

Bette looked at Tina with an expression Tina couldnt read and didnt say anything for a long time. Tina wanted her to say something, anything, to give her some kind of sign that she still cared about this relationship. Bette sighed and looked down before speaking in a very low voice.

Tina I cant believe you just said that.

Tina looked at her with uncertainty thinking that Bettes temper was going to make an appearance and Tina braced herself for whatever was about to come out of Bettes mouth. Bette looked up and to Tinas surprise she had tears in her eyes and Tina instantly felt bad for hurting Bettes feelings.

Tina I never felt like that with you. But at least now I know how you feel.

Bette started to walk towards the door but Tina quickly moved to get in front of her. Bette tried to go around her but when Tina put her hands on Bettes arms to stop her Bette didnt try to physically push her out of the way. Bette just stared at Tina with the tears still building up in her eyes and Tina gave her a small smile before speaking softly.

Babe I never felt like thatit just came out wrongbut it does feel like we are so busy we dont have time for each other anymore, and thats all I want from you. Time. I just want to be able to see you more than once a month and Im sorry that I didnt want to share you last night but sometimes I just need you all to myself.

Tina tried to get Bette to smile but Bette still had that hurt look on her face and Tina knew Bette was going to pout until this was over. Tina lowered her arms and took one of Bettes hands in hers and led her over to one of the barstools to have a seat. Bette grudgingly sat down and Tina sat in the seat next to her. Tina looked at her for a moment before taking her hand and rubbing it gently while she spoke.

Bette its just that Im not used to being jealous of people and last night I admit I was jealous. Seeing you and Megan togetherI dont knowit got to me and I didnt like it. Then when I found out she was someone you had slept withI guess it just kind of pushed me over the edge. Im sorry if I overreacted but Ive never felt this strongly about someone and I got scared for a second that I might lose you. Do you understand?

Bette was looking down at the counter the whole time Tina was talking and Tina just sat there gently rubbing her hand while she waited for Bette to say something. Bette finally looked up and looked Tina in the eye for a second before continuing.

Tina I love you. I dont understand how you could think I would want someone else.

It just feels like sometimes you areI dont know

Im what?

Tina looked up at Bettes angry tone and saw the fire in her eyes. Tina was pretty sure Bette wasnt used to being told that she was like this and Tina wondered if Bette was more upset at the fact that Tina felt this way or that she was actually telling her how she felt.

It just feels like sometimes you take me for granted Bette. Babe I know youre busy and I am too and weve been through this before but it seems like nothing changes. Were better for a little while then work consumes both of us and I dont get to see you for a few weeks again. Babe I love you too much to only see you once a month.

Well what do you want me to do about it Tina? Its not like I can take time off work whenever I feel like it.

Im not asking you to do that Bette.

Then what? What are you asking me to do Tina? Because I dont get it. I know we dont spend as much time together as we used to but I thought you understood why. I dont know what else you want me to do. Im doing the best I can okay?

I knowbut thats what Im talking about.

WHAT?

Tina flinched when Bette raised her voice and she knew Bette was truly hurt by what she was saying. Tina wished Bette would just hear her all the way out and not focus on what she wanted to but Tina knew how Bette thought. She knew right now Bette was only fixating on the fact that Tina had said she took her for granted and Tina knew Bette would throw that back in her face eventually. She turned away and mumbled something under her breath. Bette snapped her head up and glared at Tina when she heard Tinas voice.

What did you just say?

Nothing.

Tina

Tina looked at Bette and saw her you better tell me or else look and Tina hung her head a little as she answered Bette. She knew Bette would be pissed at what she had said and she wished Bette hadnt heard her.

I said Eric was wrong.

Wrong about what? And when did you talk to Eric?

Last night on the way back from your house. I called him because I was upset about what happened between us. He said if I just told you how I felt that you would understand but I told him

What Tina? What the ***** did you tell him?

Tina stood up and walked to the kitchen. She didnt like the tone of Bettes voice and she knew Bette was going to be upset with just about anything that came out of her mouth right now. But Tina knew the real reason Bette was upset was because she had talked to Eric about it. Eric was one of the few people in Tinas life that Bette was a little weary of and she knew he was the one person Bette didnt want her talking with about this. Tina leaned against the sink and crossed her arms again before answering Bette.

I told him you would get mad and apparently I was right.

And what did he say?

He said that no you wouldnt because you loved me and I could tell you anything

You can.

Can I Bette? I just told you how I felt and you blew up at me. God damn Bette sometimes I feel like I cant talk to you at all.

Bette looked at Tina with that hurt look again. Bette opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She looked at Tina sadly before getting up and slowly walking to the door. She turned to look at Tina once more before sighing and walking out the door. Tina put her hands over her face and felt the tears welling up in her eyes. ***** Bettewhy cant you just open up to me? Tina went back upstairs and crawled back into bed. She stayed there for the rest of the day and didnt leave until she went to work the next day. Her mind was completely exhausted and she felt like Bette had totally turned everything she said against her. Tina mindlessly made her way through her work day to arrive home just as tired as she had been when she left that morning. When Tina got to her door she saw there was a package there and she looked at it curiously. There was no return address on the package so Tina picked it up and took it inside before opening it. She set her stuff down and went to get a glass of wine before returning to the living room to open the package. Inside was a CD with nothing but a post it note on it and an envelope. The note said to play the CD first before opening the note so she got up and put the CD in the player. She listened to the song and tears formed in her eyes as she heard the lyrics.

***

Lying here with you, listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I’m alive
These are the moments I’ll remember all my life
I found all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more

Looking in your eyes, seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything to me
These are the moments I know heaven must exist
These are the moments I know all I need is this
I have all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream I have’s come true

And right here in this moment is right where I’m meant to be
Here with you here with me
These are the moments I thank God that I’m alive
These are the moments I’ll remember all my life
I’ve got all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than the love you give me
‘Coz it’s all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more

***

She opened the envelope and there was a hand written letter inside.

T,

I dont know how I let things get this bad but Im sorry. I love you and I have never taken you for granted. You mean everything to me and Im truly sorry for ever making you feel like anything less.

Yours,

B

Tina read and re-read the note feeling the tears fall down her cheeks each time she read the words and thought about the song she had just heard. When Tina finally looked up Bette was standing there smiling lovingly at her and holding a single rose.