The sound of Bettes alarm sent a jolt through her comatose form. Pulling a pillow over her head to block the intrusive sound, she blindly reached for the source of the noise, looking for the Snooze button, Power button, or power cord that she could yank from the wall, whichever her hand came across first.

Finally silencing it, she heard a giggle coming from the other side of the bed.

You are so ridiculous in the morning she heard from her half asleep wife. Why you even bother setting the alarm, I will never know she continued to laugh.

Jerking the pillow off of her head, she whipped around to look at the other side of the bed, and as had been the case for the last seven months, found the bed to be empty, covers still in place, not having been displaced at all during the night.

***** she exhaled as she dragged her hand across the empty and cool sheets, finally resting it on the perfectly fluffed pillow.

Great she muttered, rubbing her eyes to remove the sleep from them, now my mind is playing tricks on me.

Resting there for a few more minutes, she looked at her clock and saw that she needed to get in the shower.

She was to be presenting her budget to the board this afternoon for the upcoming show and knew that she would be met with multiple challenges, especially from Helena Peabody.

Pushing the sheets off of her exhausted body, she shook her head in attempt to clear all of the cobwebs that had come from her restless nights slumber. When she had first fallen into bed, she had seemed to sleep ok, but around 1 am, her mind began its incessant rehashing of the time spent with Tina the day before and in doing so, refused to give her body the rest and sleep that it so craved.

As if I dont have enough going on in my life she said out loud referencing the inclusion of Helena onto the board of the CAC, now there is yesterday to contend with she sighed.

Standing up, she made her way to the bathroom, turning on the water for a much needed shower.

One thing at a time she said as the hot water began to work its magic on her exhausted body, one thing at a time.




Tina awoke with a start, not sure exactly what had woken her. Sitting up and looking at the clock, she saw that it was 6:30 am and doing some quick mental musings, knew that Bette would be up by this time.

Falling back down onto the pillows, she reached for the phone that was lying by her side in bed with her.

No missed calls she said sadly, realizing that Bette had never called her back.

Why didnt you call me back, Bette? she asked the empty room. God, knowing you, you probably didnt even check the machine she thought to herself, recalling how Bette would always walk right by the answering machine without a glance in its direction.

Pushing the covers off of herself, she knew that she needed to go talk to Bette and have this conversation in person.

After Helena had left the night before, she had been totally freaked out and had called Bette again, choosing not leave a second message though.

***** she said as she walked into the bathroom, still not understanding what she had been trying to prove with Helena the night before.

I spend this beautiful afternoon with Bette, making love to her for hours and then Helena comes over, and I try to force myself on her? What the *****? she said as she turned the shower on.

God, I am a ***** mess she muttered as she reached for the shampoo.

But she knew that there was much more to this than just being a mess. Ultimately, she had not wanted to be with Helena, had not wanted to have ***** with her, especially after having been with Bette.

No, she knew that it was more of a mental ***** than anything else that she was trying to accomplish. She had wanted Helena to see that she was not there simply as her toy, to be used at her discretion, but that she had as much of a say in guiding their interactions as did Helena.

She wanted Helena to see the strength that she had, both mentally as well as physically, strength and determination that she had yet to exhibit. It was important for her to show this to Helena because she wanted her to see that she was capable of making decisions for herself and that she did not need to be treated with the kid gloves that had been their pattern to date.

No, it was time to remove those kid gloves, all gloves, because things were going to change, beginning with their time spent together.

Just as she had not been exactly aware of at what point in time she had decided that she wanted Bette to spend the afternoon in bed with her, she was not aware of the decision that had been made to end things with Helena.

After making love to Bette, an experience that she could honestly say had been like none other she had had over the course of her entire lifetime, she knew that it was simply a matter of time.

A matter of time before she made her intentions to both Bette and Helena, crystal clear.

She tilted her head back, allowing the water to rinse the shampoo from her hair.

Ive made this too easy she said as she reached for the soap. For everyone, but myself she acknowledged, knowing that the time was now to take what she wanted and to all that she did not, allow to fall to the wayside.

Enough she said as she turned the water off and reached for a towel.

Absofuckinglutely enough




You ok, Baby sis? asked Kit as she handed Bette her coffee.

Yeah, just a little worn out she admitted as she took a sip of the drink. But this should help she said as she offered a weak smile.

Never one to be fooled by Bette, she just looked at her and said, Spill it, baby girl.

Knowing that she didnt have near enough time to recant her day with Tina yesterday, she just shared her trepidations that she had over her upcoming meeting with the board and Helena Peabody.

God damn she hissed. That woman is so all up in your stuff she exclaimed. You would think that she just wanted to completely take over your life and become you!

Well, I dont know about that chuckled Bette at her sisters comments, but what I do know is that she is making my life a living *****, made only the worse in my attempts to not let her know how successful she has been to date.

Kit just nodded her head, knowing that Bette did not have to spell out exactly what was meant.

Well she said as she reached across the counter for Bettes hand, youre doing the right thing in not letting her know how much she is getting to you. I mean, shes got to lose interest at some point, right?

One can only hope chuckled Bette as she nodded her head in agreement, One can seriously only hope.

But enough about me she said. Before I leave, tell me about your dinner with Benjamin she said with a sly wink in Kits direction.

Baby girl, they aint nothing to tell you Im sorry to say she said.

Oh no, Kit. What happened?

I dont know she said as she shrugged her shoulders, some family things all he said. And I dont wanna hear it she quickly added.

Dont want to hear what? asked Bette.

You know, I told you so…

Kit, please. Do you really think that I would say that? I told you yesterday that I was only afraid for your well being and that I didnt want you to get hurt she explained.

I know baby, but I do kinda feel like a fool.

I tell you what. Why dont you and I get together tonight and eat a little cold leftover lobster for dinner? Hows that sound? smiled Bette.

Perfect laughed Kit.

Ok, good. Ive gotta run, but Ill call you later. Ok?

Ok baby girl. You do that. And you give em some of that Porter ***** while youre at it she called to Bette as she was walking out.

Bette turned and gave her a quick smile as she left to make her way to the CAC.




Tina pulled into the parking lot of the CAC and immediately saw Bettes car. Just the sight of her car sent her heart beating faster, her breathing becoming erratic.

Ok Tina she said to herself. Get this under control she coached herself.

Looking around, she was pleased that Helenas car was no where to be seen.

Thats the last thing that I need at this time she said as she locked her car door behind her.

Opening the door to the museum, she was greeted by George, the same security guard that had been there forever.

Tina he said warmly. Good Lord, its been a long time since I have seen you around here.

Returning his smile, she said Well George, thats true, it has been a while.

Everything ok by the looks of it? he said with a nod to her belly.

Placing a protective hand on her stomach, she just giggled and said, Yep, everythings ok, or will be I hope she added under her breath.

Well good. Should I ring Ms. Porter for you?

You know what? she quickly answered as he reached for the phone. I would actually just like to head on back and surprise her, if thats ok with you?

Well, of course its ok with me. Im sure Ms. Porter will be thrilled to see you.

I hope so she softly said as she began walking back towards the administrative offices.

Whats that? George asked Tina as she was walking away.

Oh nothing she said, throwing a smile in his direction. I was just saying that I hope you have a good day.

Oh, and you too. I apologize, my hearings not what it used to be.

No apologies necessary George, a lot of things arent what they used to be she said as she reached the door for the offices.

Aint that the truth he muttered as he turned back to the magazine that he had been reading.




Sitting at his desk, James was again making changes to the budget that Bette was going to be presenting to the board this afternoon.

He did not remember a recent time that he had seen Bette so wound up, and from what, he wasn’t entirely sure.

Probably that cow, Helena ***** Peabody he said under his breath as her presence had made not only his boss life miserable, but his in turn.

I really dont see how Bette puts up with all of this ***** he thought to himself as he continued changing figures in the excel spreadsheet on his monitor.

I mean, as if it werent bad enough before having Franklin skulking around, but now this woman, Helena?” whom he had heard numerous times was dating Tina. “How fucked up is all of that?

Pretty fucked up Id say he whispered.

Hi James.

Concentrating as he had been on the spreadsheet and the state of disarray of everything before him, he had failed to hear Tina walking up to his desk.

Oh my God, Tina he said as he jumped out of his chair. I didnt hear you he quickly said.

Chuckling at his surprise, Tina just smiled and said, How are you?

Uh, ok I guess. And you? he asked, trying not to stare at the protruding belly that was right before him.

Im ok she answered, noticing immediately his discomfort and unease around her.

Uhok. Good, I guess he rambled.

Tina just watched him and knowing his loyalty to Bette could only imagine what was going through his mind at this point.

Ms. Peabodys not here yet he said to Tina.

Im not looking for Ms. Peabody she said. Im looking for Bette she softly added.

Oh was all he said.

Is she back there? she asked, gesturing down the hallway towards Bettes office.

Uh, yeah she is, but shes pretty busy. Were preparing for this big meeting this afternoon and-

James, can you just tell her that Im here? she gently interrupted.

Oh. Sure he said as he walked around his desk. Ill be right back.

Tina watched him walk away and tried to hold her irritation at bay at his trying to keep her from Bette. She knew that she should be happy that Bette had someone looking out after her, but was still chaffed nonetheless.

Turning, she walked around this room, noticing all of the things that had changed since her last time here. She tried to remember back to the last time that she had been back to these offices and all she could remember was the day that she had returned from the trip to Palm Springs with the girls. God, she had been so happy to see Bette that day. How she had missed her

Darling she heard, her thoughts of Bette immediately interrupted.

Just as she turned around, Helena gathered her in her arms and kissed her possessively, murmuring how much she had missed Tina since the night before.

Im so sorry darling that I had to leave you last night. I know that you wanted me to stay and make love to you, but I just thought it best to leave-

Helena said Tina in frustration as she turned her head to escape the kisses that kept landing all over her face.

With her hands on Helenas forearms, she pushed her back a bit and just said, Helena, stop.

But darling- she began.

Im sorry said Bette, standing by the door leading into James work area. I thought that you were looking for me, but I see that I was mistaken she said as she turned on her heels and began to walk back down the hallway.

Bette! Wait! cried Tina.

James just stood to the side, not knowing what to do, watching his boss return to her office, slamming the door shut behind her.

Darling, come back to my office and lets catch up Helena purred into Tinas ear as Tina watched Bette walking away.

God damnit, Helena! Get off of me! she said, as she pushed Helenas hands away from her.

I came here to see Bette she said, venom pouring from her voice as she clearly enunciated each and every word.

Tina, please. What is wrong darling?

Helena, Im sorry. Actually, you know what? No Im not. I am not going to apologize to you. The fact of the matter is that I am here to see Bette. I did not come here to see you, only Bette. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go talk to her.

Helena stood there open mouthed as she watched Tina walking down the hallway towards Bettes office, not really sure that what had just happened had actually taken place.

Tina stormed past James, leaving Helena behind to wonder what was happening.

James couldnt help the smile that landed on his face as he watched Helena trying to pull herself together.

She looked up just in time to see the smirk on his face. Looking away, James walked back to his chair and said, If you dont mind, I have some work for Bette that I need to get finished.

As well you should she said. Realizing that that had not made a whole lot of sense, she just kept her mouth shut and made her way back to her office.

Well then laughed James once he was finally alone, so well I will.