Previously in Chapter 4

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?

______________________________________________

It turns out to be nothing more than a harmless cyst, but it really shakes Bette up. Things have gone too far and it is like she is living a double life. Bette decides to take stock of things. She needs to clear her mind, sort out her relationship with John once and for all and decide what she really wants from life and go for it. Bette decides to meet John.

John: Whats wrong, beauty? Youre awfully spacey these days.
Taking a deep breath, Bette looks up and meets the eyes of John.
Bette: Im sorry, John.
John: What is happening?
Bette: I have never been so in love in my whole life.
John: I know. I love you too, beauty.
Bette: No, John. I mean, Im in love with another.
John is startled.
John: Another? Who else?
Bette hesitates a while.
Bette: Its Tina. Tina Kennard.
Johns face is drained white with shock.
John: Tina? You mean Erics girlfriend?
Bette: We love each other, John and its real.
John: But that cant be real! That is not real love!
Bette: Why not?
John: Because it’s not right. It’s not proper. Tina? I cant believe this. Does Eric know this?
Bette looks away. She did not reply.
John: Beauty, its only a spur of moment, believe me. There is no future with you both.
John grabs hold of Bettes shoulder and turns her towards him.
John: Are you sure you want to do this, Bette? You sure you want to let our love all these years go into drain and let it takes over?
Bette is unable to answer, unable to articulate the pain eating at her heart.
John: Lets get married, lets get married now. We move to New York and forget everything here, okay?
Bette: Please, dont push me. I cant.
John: I love you. How can I not, but push you? Im not going to let you ruin your life.
The look on Johns face is tearing Bettes soul to pieces. She had never seen him as angry and hurt as he is at this moment. His beautiful brown eyes are full of pain and just for a moment she wavers, wanting more than ever to take her words back.
John: I can’t believe you’re doing this to me … to us. You are everything to me, and now you’re just walking away.
Bette could feel the tears running down her face. She knows that if she doesnt leave now, she never would.
Bette: Im sorry, John. This is the way it has to be. I hope one day you can forgive me.

Walking away from John and getting in her car is the hardest thing Bette has ever done. As Bette drives home, her thoughts churn within her mind, stumbling over themselves. Her emotions burn and throb, pulling her apart. Guilt, sadness, and fear battle with joy, love and desire. When she reaches the open highway, she speeds through the gears and flies down the road as if trying to out race her own mind.

When Bette reaches home, she finds Tina standing at her doorway. Without saying a word, Bette wraps her arms around Tinas waist and pulls her close, feeling the warmth of Tinas body as she presses against her.
Bette: Ive told him.
Tina lifts her hand to Bettes cheek and strokes her lips.
Tina: We will get through this together, okay?
Tina leans forward and gently kisses Bette on her lips, cradling Bettes head in her soft hands.
Bette: Can you stay with me tonight?
Tina: Okay.

That night, Bette and Tina cuddle together on the bed. Bette snuggles Tina closer to her, laying her arm over Tinas waist, and they both softly doze off together, wrap up in each other’s arms and closeness.

Morning comes quickly. Tina opens her eyes and sees Bette still nestled in her arms. Tina looks at Bettes face in profile and realizes just how beautiful she really is. Tina gently kisses on Bettes forehead. The kiss was light but it is enough to wake Bette. Bette stirs lusciously in Tinas arms, her eyes are briefly unfocused.
Bette: (whispers) Hi.
Tina: How are you feeling?
Bette smiles as she kisses Tinas nearest eyelid.
Bette: You feel so nice, I could have sleep like this forever.
Tina chuckles.
Tina: Im meeting Eric. I need to tell him about us.
Bette: You need me to come along?
Tina: Its okay baby. I can manage.
Bette: I drive you there, okay?
Tina: Okay.

After breakfast together in the house, Bette drives Tina to Erics place.
Bette: Are you sure about this?
Tina: Yes. Its only then we can be together, Bette.
Bette: I wait for you here, okay?
Tina nods. Bette gently kisses Tina on her lips before Tina alights.

Tina presses the doorbell. Eric opens the door.
Eric: Come in.
Eric could tell Tina is nervous as she enters the house.
Eric: Whats wrong, Tina?
Tina takes a long time before she can answer.
Tina: Eric, I cant be around you anymore.
Eric is stunned.
Eric: What do you mean?
Tina: Im in love with Bette and I want to be with her.
Eric: Bette? Bette Porter?
Tina: Yes. I love her.
The words shocked Eric.
Eric: I didnt know you are attracted to woman, Tina. Now, tell me the truth. Whats wrong?
Tina moves to the window and glances down. Bette is still waiting in the car.
Tina: Its true, Eric. Im sorry.
Eric: No, its not! Youre lying!
Suddenly, Eric grabs Tina from behind, and drags her away from the window. He claps his huge hand over Tinas mouth, and using his huge body, forces her down on the floor.
Tina: Please Eric. dont do this to me, please.
Tina squeals as she twists and turns desperate to free herself. She drags herself forward towards the door, trying to escape. Eric loses control. He grabs Tina by her ankles and tries to pull her back, but Tina kicks all the harder. Eric grabs her legs again and gets on top of Tina, pinning her to the floor. She thrashes and squirms beneath him, and bucks in terror as she feels his warm lips press against the side of her neck, gently nuzzling and sucking on her tender skin.
Tina: Let go of me, you *****!
Eric: I’m gonna show you what it means to be fucked by a real man
Eric reaches down for his zipper and prepares to unleash it.
Tina: No, No. please, I beg you
Tina cries hysterically as and she tries to push Eric away.

It has been almost two hours since Tina has gone up. Bette calls Tina on her mobile several times but there is no response. Bette is starting to worry. She gets off her car and heads towards the lift.

Bette reaches the 5th floor. She looks around. There are few units and she is unsure which belongs to Eric.
Bette: Tina? Are you in there?
Bette raises her voice as she walks past each unit.

Tina could hear Bette calling her name.
Tina: Bette!
Tina screams. She struggles with all her might and it takes all her strength to get to break free from Eric and get to the door. Eric rushes to grab her. Luckily, Tina manages to open the door before Eric pulls her back.
Tina: (crying) Bette!
Bette turns around and sees Tina. Bette notices Tinas blouse is ripped open, her left breast partially expose.
Bette: Tina!
As Bette hurries forward to hold her, Eric walks out of the door.
Eric: So its Bette Porter huh. Have you come to see me ***** my girlfriend?
Bette: You son of a *****!
Bette snarls as she kicks Eric hard on his crotch. Eric yells out in pain as he grabs onto his manhood.
Bette: I want you to remember this as much as what Im telling you now. Tina Kennard is my woman and dont you ever, dare to touch her again, do you hear me, you ***** *****!
Bette removes her coat and wraps it around Tina. Her hand clasps onto Tinas trembling hand and guides her into the lift.

TBC (if you want)