Helena gripped Bette’s hands tighter and nodded.  “We might be looking for something in each other that simply isn’t there.”

“Helena, the type of relationship you’re looking for isn’t out there, realistically.  The type of relationship we have is real.  We are two motivated people who are attracted to each other and who care for each other.  If the relationship isn’t working it’s time’s fault.”

“Oh, yes.  There’s never enough when you need it, and too much when you don’t.”

Bette nodded and continued, “But if you are still willing to continue on with our relationship as it is, I am willing to give us time to see if this works for both of us.”

“I don’t want to stop spending time with you, but maybe we should broaden our horizons and see what’s out there.”

Bette’s brows furrowed in an almost angry way, “You want to date other people?”

“No! No.  Not date.  But I’d like to be more open to the idea that we may not go the distance.  You said it yourself, when we first starting dating that you weren’t interested in a relationship.  It seems like that hasn’t really changed.  I want a relationship.  A partnership.  I want to get married, Bette.  I’ve changed a lot in our time together.  But I adore you, and if the person I am supposed to marry is you, I want that.”

Helena had changed a lot since Peggy first made them meet.  At the beginning of Bette and Helena’s friendship, Helena checked out every thing with a pair of boobs.  But lately, Helena’s conversations have been started with wanting a family and possibly buying a minivan.  Helena’s ideas were brilliant and exactly what Bette wanted too.  But when Bette imagined them, it wasn’t Helena in her daydream.

“Ok,” Bette decided.  “Let’s be more open.  Let’s see where the each day takes us.”

(14 Years Ago – Emerson Park High School)

“You’re going tonight, right Kennard?” The skinny, punk girl asked as she ran her bony fingers through her jet black hair cut. 

“Yes, Shane! For the last time, I am going.  I didn’t get this fake ID for nothing,” Tina said as she opened her locker and handed her friend a small bottle of eye drops.