Tina grinned and rewarded Bette by kissing her on the cheek

“Thank you “
“What for ? – this is your dad’s place “

Tina wasn’t sure what she was saying thank you for. She exhaled and squeezed Bette’s hand tighter

“I used to think I was so cool and so together but I wasn’t – not compared to you. You are cool – cool because you do your own thing and you don’t need a gang or anyone else’s approval. I have learnt so much from you – thank you “

Bette didn’t think this was the time or the place for a serious conversation. They did need to have discussions about her coming out to her father and what would they do if he reacted badly. They needed to talk about how they were going to handle being a couple when they went back to school and most seriously – they needed to talk about what would they do when it came to deciding about colleges and their futures. But tonight wasn’t the time or the place – tonight was about taking another step to adulthood – sharing a bed with the woman you loved.

“How much have you learnt naked and how much clothed ? “ she said with a smile on her face. Tina laughed and faced Bette

“What I learn every day is that you are the most amazing person I have met. You are so strong but you are a big softie as well. I love you so much”

Bette put her arms around Tina

“I love you too – I don’t think I have ever been as happy as I am when its just you and me. You get me in a way that no one else ever has and that has helped me to stop telling myself that I am a freak”

“If you are a freak then there is something wrong with the world – you are kind and gentle and sweet and fucking hell Bette Porter – you rock. Come on inside – I will load the washing machine and we can go inside”
“Are the dogs okay ?”
“I don’t think they will move for several hours – they like a run around but you ran their poor paws into the ground. They aren’t puppies you know “
“Where is the cat – I need to see this cat before I can decide what your dad has called the poor thing”