Bette was standing in front of her mirror looking at herself for the hundredth time. She was making sure everything about her looked perfect because tonight was important. Tonight she would see Tina for the first time in a month. Alice had called her last week to remind her about her birthday thing at Danas place and she had not so subtly told Bette that Tina would for sure be there and she would be bringing at date. Bette felt nauseated at the fact that Tina was seeing someone else, but it was just something she had to live with. Tina deserved to be happy and if she had moved on and was truly happy then Bette would be happy for her. But that didnt mean that Bette couldnt make one last attempt to win her back. Not too bad Porter, she said to herself as she looked at her reflection one last time. Bette was wearing a pair the low rise black slacks that made her curves look ***** and the soft pink Gucci top that Tina loved. Tina always told her that outfit made her glow a little and tonight Bette hoped that some of that magic was still left in it. She checked her hair and makeup one more time before running out of the house.

Bette arrived at Danas place and was immediately greeted by Shane and Dana. There were about twenty people there already and more were expected. Bette looked around for Tina but when she didnt see her she let out a disappointed sigh. Shane noticed Bette looking for Tina and told her not to worry and that she would be there. Dana pulled Bette into the kitchen for a drink and Alice joined them shortly. She already had a little bit of alcohol in her system, but Alice had promised to be on her best behavior tonight.

Thanks for coming Bette.

Anytime Alice. Happy birthday.

Alice smiled at Bette and gladly accepted the drink she held out to her. The three of them toasted Alices birthday before Alice dragged Bette back to the living room. There were a lot of attractive women there and Bette felt like she was in her prime again. All eyes were on her as she walked in the room and she knew it was a mixture of envy and lust. It was a feeling she was used to and often abused, but tonight the only person she wanted looking at her like that was Tina. A tall, and very attractive brunette walked over to Bette and started making small talk so Alice left her alone and went to go find Dana. Alice had purposely told Bette that Tina was bringing a date because she knew that Bette would turn up the charm once she saw the competition.

As if on cue, Tina and Melanie walked in at that exact moment. Bette noticed Tina right away and she felt herself melt when she saw how gorgeous she looked. Tina was wearing Bettes favorite outfit and Bette suspected that Tina had dressed for her just like she dressed for Tina. Alice raced over and ushered them in making sure to steer them away from Bette. Alice wanted those two to reunite, but she didnt know what state both were in and she didnt want world war three breaking out so soon. Bette continued her conversation with the brunette while keeping an eye on Tina and her date. Bette felt a flush of jealousy run through her when she saw Melanie put her hand on Tinas back as they walked into the kitchen. Bette wanted to follow them and talk to Tina, but she waited, knowing that this could very well be a long night.

Tina and Melanie emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later, drinks in hand, and walked outside to the patio. Bette saw this as her opportunity to make a graceful entrance on the couple so she politely excused herself and walked outside. Bette saw them talking in the corner and she felt the pangs of hurt and anger as she watched Melanie say something to Tina that made her laugh. How could I have forgotten how amazing she is? thought Bette as she took a big sip of her drink. Anger and frustration were threatening to rear their ugly heads but Bette fought them down with every ounce of pride she had and forced a happy smile on her face. I can do this. Control yourself Porter, shes happy remember. Bette walked over to them and when Tina saw her coming Bettes smile became genuine as she noticed Tinas reaction.

Melanie was holding her drink in one hand and had the other around Tinas waist, but at the sight of Bette, Tina stood up straighter causing Melanie to move her hand. Tina took in the sight of Bette and felt a rush of desire run over her body. My god she really is beautiful, thought Tina as she stood there frozen and unable to think clearly. Tina didnt know what Bettes intentions were but she was not about to put Melanie in a tough spot. She tried to figure out some way for Melanie to leave them alone for a second so she could brief Bette on their relationship, but when nothing came to mind she just stood there and reached out for Melanies hand. Bette saw this subtle movement and knew she was having some kind of effect on Tina. She does that when shes either nervous or uncomfortable. Okay, lets hope its the first and not the second. Bette knew she had to be adult about this otherwise Tina would simply walk away leaving her to rest in the six foot hole she had dug herself. But if Bette could control herself and show Tina that she could be supportive then maybe there was a chance that Tina would see how much Bette loved her.

Hi Tina.

Hi Bette.

Melanie was looking back and forth between Bette and Tina with a worried look on her face. She knew that situations like this could become volatile with just one wrong look or one wrong word and she was not ready to have to physically defend herself. She had heard about Bette before she met Tina and knew that Bette had a reputation for being both overbearing and overprotective. Its okay, shes here with me, thought Melanie as she gave Tinas hand a light squeeze for comfort.

Bette, this is Melanie.

Hi.

Hi.

Okay this is too awkward, thought Tina as she stood there looking at Bette. She noticed something different about Bette and it took her a moment to figure it out. She seems so relaxed, so calm, I wonder what happened. Bette smiled at the couple and Tina thought she might have gone off the deep end. It was taking every ounce of restraint for Tina not to pull Bette into her arms and with just one look she knew that she wanted Bette back. Bette could feel herself aching for Tinas arms but she knew she couldnt force the situation back. Melanie saw that they might need a moment alone so she politely excused herself and went back into the house to get another drink. Tina moved over a little and Bette closed the distance between them. Tina was staring into Bettes eyes and she saw the faintest hint of jealousy mixed with love and acceptance. Acceptance? Did she give up on us that easily? thought Tina as she gave Bette a halfhearted smile. Bette saw the change in Tinas demeanor and she quickly tried to make small talk in order to keep her close.

How are you?

Tina tilted her head to the side looking up at her with curiosity. She thought Bette would either be apologizing to her or begging for another chance and this kind of took her by surprise.

Im doing good. What about you?

Okay, but Ive been better.

Bette smiled at Tina and hoped she wasnt coming across as sarcastic or joking. Bette was serious about what she said and she knew Tina understood by the smile and small laugh she got in return.

Ive been better too.

Sohave you been seeing her long?

Come on Bette, dont do this. Lets not fight now okay?

Bette looked away as she felt the all to familiar urge to break down and cry. She missed Tina so much and she would do almost anything to get her back at this point. Tina saw the hurt in Bettes eyes and she felt the same pain tug at her heart. Tina wanted to wrap her arms around Bette and comfort her, but Tina stopped herself. She had been so sure of what she was doing up until this point. Tina had not expected Bette to be so soft and gentle and downright understanding about Tinas need to get her life back that it made her want Bette even more. Bette turned to Tina and tried to give her a smile, but the best she could do was a halfhearted curl of her mouth. Tina looked at Bettes face and saw the softness that she used to see a long time ago. Back when things were so simple and happy. Tina wanted these times back, but she wanted them now. With Bette. Tina wanted to feel Bettes strong arms around her or the gentle touch of her hands on her skin but she knew if she did it might be too much. Bette had one question for Tina and the sound of Bettes voice almost caused Tina to cry on the spot.

Are you happy Tina?

Tina couldnt answer that question because she felt the lump rising in her throat. She wanted to scream NO at the top of her lungs and fall into Bettes arms but she just couldnt do that. Some part of her was not willing to let Bette back in so easily but another part of her already had. Tina knew she was fighting a losing battle but she had to fight until she couldnt fight anymore otherwise Bette would never really understand everything she had been through. Melanie came back outside at that moment and saved Tina from having to answer Bettes question. Bette saw the conflicting emotions dancing across Tinas face and she knew that Tina didnt have an answer for her. She took a deep breath before giving Melanie a brief smile and heading back inside. Tina watched Bette walk away and she knew that Bette was slowly dying inside. Melanie gave Tina a concerned look but Tina ignored it as she watched Bette conversate with Alice and Dana. Tina wanted to run to her and tell her how much she loved her and wanted to try things again, but she felt Melanies hand on her shoulder and she knew how much that would hurt her. Tina didnt want to hurt Melanie, but her heart was just not in it. She felt terrible for bringing Melanie tonight and meeting Bette, but Tina just didnt know what to do.

At that moment a familiar song flowed through the speakers and Alice decided they had waited long enough. She ran outside and grabbed Tinas hand while apologizing over her shoulder to Melanie. Alice would never be outright rude to anyone Tina was interested in, but she was tired of these two tip toeing around each other. Besides, she had a substantial amount of alcohol in her system and her judgment was more than a little off. Alice pulled Tina until she was directly in front of Bette. As she spoke her voice was slurred and Dana was practically holding her up.

You guys, I know things are all fucked up right now, but would you just dance one dance for old times sake? For me?

Alice knew how much these two wanted to get back together but they just couldnt admit it to one another so she decided a friendly shove would be in order. At first Bette and Tina looked at her angrily, but when they looked at each other their faces showed uncertainty in their eyes. Bette wanted to hold Tina and never let her go but she was going to let Tina make the first move. Tina looked over at Melanie and she saw the protest in Melanies eyes. Tina looked at her with apologetic eyes and she knew she owed Melanie an explanation later. Bette looked away expecting Tina to walk away but turned when she felt Tinas hand in hers. Bette looked at their hands then up to Tinas eyes and she felt her heart jump with joy.

One dance Alice.

Tina took a few steps backwards pulling Bette up to her. Bette slid her arms nervously around Tinas waist and held her so delicately that Tina felt like glass that Bette was afraid to break. Tina let her arms rest on Bettes shoulders and she felt a surge of warmth spread over her just being in her arms. Bette was looking at Tina but Tina was looking at the floor. Tina couldnt look Bette in the eye because she knew if she did she might lose it and break down right there. They held each other gently both listening to the music as it spoke to their hearts.

I cant remember the last time that we kissed goodbye
All of our “I love yous” were just not enough to survive
Something your eyes never told me
But it’s all only now too plain to see
Brilliant disguise, when you hold me, and Im free

I’ve been thinking and here’s what Ive come to conclude
Sometimes the distance is more than two people can use
But how could I have known girl?
That it was time and not space you would need
Darling tonight, I could hold you, and you would know
But would you believe?

Theres a light in your eyes
I use to see
There’s a place in your heart
Where I use to be
Was I wrong to assume
That you were waiting for me?
There’s a light in your eyes
Did you leave that light burning for me?

Tina finally looked up at Bette and felt her heart break all over again. All the emotions came flooding back and she wanted nothing more than to stay in Bettes arms until the pain subsided. She saw the hurt and despair in Bettes eyes and she wanted to ease her pain so badly.

Cards, and phone calls and photograph
Pictures of you
Constant reminder of all the things you get used to
Is there a chance
In ***** or heaven
Is there still something here to build on?
Or do you just pick up the pieces after they fall
But after all

There’s a light in your eyes
I used to see
And a song in the words
That you spoke to me
Was I wrong to believe
In your melody?
There’s a light in your eyes
Did you leave that light burning for me?

Bette looked at Tina with so much love and pain in her eyes. She memorized the look she got in return and she knew she was falling in love with Tina all over again. Bette tightened her embrace on Tina a little and she let out the breath she was holding when Tina hugged her back. Tears were running down Tinas cheeks and Bette felt her own tears forming as she tried to comfort them. Bette remembered all the months that they spent after the initial affair trying to work things out without actually dealing with the problems. Tonight she was finally facing the fact that this may be her last chance with Tina and she needed to get everything out before she never saw her again.

Its been a while since Ive seen you
So how have you been?
Did you get my letter I wrote you
That I did not send
I tried to call your old number
But the voice that I heard on the phone
I recognized
But you told me the number was wrong

There’s a light in my eyes
It’s to bright to see
And a pain in my heart
Where you use to be
Cause I was wrong to assume
That you were waiting here for me
There’s a light in your eyes
Did you leave that light burning for me?

Tina looked back at Bette with love in her eyes and she knew that once and for all this was the only person she wanted to be with. She felt Bette rub her back and she couldnt take her eyes off of Bettes lips. Tina felt herself slowly start to lean in for a kiss but right before she made contact with Bettes mouth she stopped herself. Bette let go of her and just stood there looking at her, pleading with her eyes not to walk away. Tina backed up a couple of steps and the words out of her mouth broke Bettes heart.

Im sorryI cant do this.

Tina turned and walked out of Danas house with Melanie right behind her. Bette didnt know what happened but she felt the tears she had been holding in fall. She didnt know if all hope was lost but Bette had seen a small window of hope. She was not going to give up on Tina and she promised herself to keep it together because now she wasnt just fighting for herself. She was fighting for Tina.