Previously in Chapter 3

That night, Bette makes love to John almost forcefully. It did not occur to her to ask herself why, or what she is trying to prove.
I love you beauty John whispers at the end of their love-making session.
Bette did not reply. She turns her back towards her as tears stream down her cheeks.

______________________________________________


The next two days, Tina sat in front of her computer all day long staring at the screen. She has not heard from Bette since that day, not even a normal attachment email. She finds herself missing Bette more than she had ever missed anyone before. She has never felt this way and this feeling is getting stronger.

On the third day, Tina could not stand it anymore. She drafts an email, Bette, remember the email you sent me the other day, I wanted to tell you that I feel exactly the same way. She clicks on the mouse and the email is sent.

Bette too, has been staring at her computer screen the whole day. She has not stop thinking about Tina since that day. Tina has not contact her and Bette is afraid to call or email her for fear of saying the wrong thing that will further jeopardize their friendship. Her work has been piling up and she has already missed a few deadlines.
Damn Bette Porter! Youre losing your gallery soon as well. Bette thinks.
Just as Bette is trying to read through the piles of files on her desk, You Have Email pops up her screen. She gently taps on the left mouse click and sees Sender – Tina Kennard on the screen. Bettes heart lapses in her chest. She clicks open the mail nervously. She lets out a cry when she reads the content.

Bette, remember the email you sent me the other day, I wanted to tell you that I feel exactly the same way. Bette thinks she has just died and is in heaven. So, she isnt going crazy, they really are falling for each other!

Bette could feel her courage all coming back. She picks up her handbag and leaves the office. Along the way out, Bette calls Tina at her office. Tina picks up the call.
Tina: Tina Kennard.
Bette: Hi its me.
Tinas heart melted. This is the voice she has been longing night and day!
Tina: Hi
Bette: I call to say Ive received your mail and that. And that I am so, so overwhelmed that I.I do not know what to say now.
Tina laughs a little.
Tina: Im sorry I didnt have the chance to say this the other day.
Tina continues to explain how Eric has appeared suddenly the other day and she had gone home alone without having dinner. As Bette listens, guilt overcomes her as she recalls how she was ***** another while Tina was going through all these.
Bette: I need to see you.
Tina: I need to see you too.
Bette: Tina, Im at your door.

Tina looks up and true enough, Bette is there, standing at her door. They stare at each other for the longest time. Tina slowly stands up as Bette walks towards her. Without saying a word, Bette pulls Tina gently towards her and kisses her forehead tenderly. Tina can feel her heart pounding hard. It took all her courage to pull her face back to Bettes and guides her towards her lips. Bette and Tina close their eyes as they meet, eager to embrace each others lovely mouth. Intense feelings bubble up through them as their kiss lingers in the warm afternoon light shining through the window.

For the next few weeks, Bette and Tina are almost inseparable. Eric has been pressuring Tina to find out what happened the other day. It is a difficult time. Tina starts to find it stressful to be together with him. The more he pushes, the further she retreats into herself. Tina finds herself confiding more and more in Bette and refusing to go out with friends and family. She still loves Eric as a friend, but doesnt have the strength anymore to make the relationship work. But how is she going to tell him it was over?

John, on the other hand, is getting frustrated over Bettes umpteen excuses of meeting up with him. They have a few quarrels and Bette starts to avoid his calls. She tries to convince herself that she is still in love with him, but soon realizes that this is not the life she wants anymore. At this point, Bette begins to get physically ill. She isn’t eating properly, feels nauseous and nervous all the time. For a couple of awful days, Bette actually thinks she is pregnant – that is terrifying for her. What would she do? How could she explain to John that she doesnt feel ready to have his child?


TBC (if you want)