After they left, Tina went back into their bedroom and sat by the French doors watching the morning light beginning to flood the room. How would Bette wake up? What would she say?
A little part of Tina worried that maybe there was something going on with Bette that she had no idea about. The worst part of Bette’s affair was that she was clearly able to hide something from Tina so well. That was the biggest surprise, and in a way, the biggest betrayal.
She remembered that just before the opening that night she had found Bette crying in the shower. At the time Tina thought she was just exhausted by all the pressure, but now she knew it was the guilt and fear she felt about her affair with Candace. Could this be something like that?
No.
She didn’t believe that.
She knew Bette loved her and only her.
She had poured all of herself into loving Tina now. She knew what it meant not to have her in her life and that kind of emptiness had made an indelible impression on her.
She loved Tina, She loved her family – and no, Tina did not believe Bette would do anything to jeopardize it.

The sound of movement alerted Tina and when she looked over at the bed she could see that Bette was stirring. She went over and sat on the edge of the bed beside her and began stroking her hair
Bette didn’t move her head from the pillow, but opened her eyes and looked up at Tina
Hi baby, how are you feeling sweetheart? She bent down and kissed the top of her head.., but there was no response. When she looked down at Bette she could see that her eyes remained open but they still had a dazed and inward look.
Babe? Babe? Tina said
How about you let me help you out of those clothes and we get you into the shower?
No response
Let me get you some water first, you must be thirsty, would you drink a little water for me Bette?
Nothing
Tina moved over and laid down facing Bette. She continued stroking her hair, her face, looking into her eyes and softly kissing her cheek, her nose, and her ears.
Baby, what’s going on sweetheart?
What’s happening?
You can tell me anything baby, you know that.
But again, there was no response.
She held her like that for a few more moments, and then said –
I’m going to get you something to drink baby, I’ll be right back sweetheart.
At that Bette looked up at Tina and grabbed hold of her arm urgently.
What Baby? What’s wrong babe, Tina said
Don’t leave, don’t leave me T, don’t leave me she said, don’t don’t please
Tina moved right back to where she had been. She grabbed Bette into her arms, gathered her up and pulled her into herself as tightly as she could. With her hands holding Bette’s head against her, she stroked her hair and whispered in her ear –
Baby I am right here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m holding on tight baby.
I’ve got you. I’ve got you and I won’t let go till you tell me to.
With that, Bette wrapped her arms around Tina and began to cry again.