Melanie sighed to herself as she sat in her car in front of the house. Why am I doing this? she thought as she looked at the house. She took one last deep breath before getting out of her car and walking up to the door. She knocked on the door and a few seconds later the door opened.

Hi.

Hey Melanie, what are you doing here?

Bette was smiling and let Melanie into the house. She offered her a seat and something to drink before sitting down across from her. Bette looked at Melanie expectantly and Melanie knew she might as well start talking.

Sorry to bother you Bette but there was just something I needed to talk to you about.

Bette sensed the seriousness in Melanies voice and immediately grew concerned. After all this was the woman that Tina was with now and if something was bothering her Bette would do whatever she could to help.

Whats going on Melanie? Is everything okay?

Everything is fineI actually wanted to talk to you about Tina.

Tina?

Yeah.

Melanie looked at Bette and saw the concern in her eyes. Melanie knew that Bette loved Tina more than life itself and it was killing her not to be with her. Melanie also knew that Bette respected their relationship and hadnt been doing anything to try and make Tina choose between herself and Melanie.

What about Tina?

OkayumI dont really know how to say this so Im just going to say it. Bette, are you still in love with her?

Bette was taken aback by the question and she suddenly felt her guard go up. Yes she loved Tina and she was still in love with her but Bette didnt know if she wanted to admit this to Melanie. Bette was pretty sure that Melanie was a little weary of her spending so much time with Tina and if she was here to tell her to back off then she would be in for a confrontation. Melanie saw the mixed emotions cross Bettes face and could tell by her demeanor that the answer was not something she wanted to hear. Melanie didnt say anything however because she just wanted to give Bette the chance to say whatever it is she felt like saying.

Melanie, what is going on? Why are you asking me this?

Ilook please just answer the question Bette.

Honestly?

Yeah honestly.

Yes Melanie I am. But that doesnt mean that I would ever do anything to try and come between you two. I know that Tina is happy now and I just want her to be happy.

Melanie sat there looking at Bette for a long time. She certainly has come a long way from what Tina told me about her. This woman is deeply in love with Tina and yet shes willing to sit back and let Tina live her life however she chooses. That is a different kind of love. That is something that only comes along once in a lifetime. Damn, this is going to be hard. Melanie shifted a little in her seat before continuing.

I know you wouldnt Bette. Thats not why I am here. Look, I know I am the last person on earth who you would expect to have this conversation with, but I guess in a way we both want the same thing. I know that Tina loves me Bette, and I love her but I also know that I am not you. I dont know all of what happened between you two but I know you have history. And like you I just want her to be happy and while she may be happy with me Bette, I know she would be happier with you.

Bette sat there staring at Melanie with her mouth hanging open. What the ***** is she talking about? Bette felt like Melanie had an ulterior motive for saying this to her and she carefully proceeded, knowing that she could be setting herself up for something terrible.

So what are you saying Melanie?

Im saying that these past few months with Tina have been great and we fell in love but I knew all along it was only temporary. There was always something missing, some part of her I couldnt touch and I guess I finally saw why.

But she made her decision. She chose you.

And now Im making my decision. Look, I just had to come here and see for myself. I know we didnt get off to the best start but thats because I was so insecure knowing you were still around. I learned to trust her and knew that she would never purposefully do anything to hurt me, but I always knew that if the time was right and something happened that you two would find your way back to each other.

But you said it yourself, you guys are in love. Im not coming between that Melanie. Im not going to be the reason that another person she loved walked out of her life.

Youre not the reason Bette. Im not blaming you. Im just telling you that I understand. If I had spent seven years of my life with Tina I wouldnt be able to let her go either, no matter what. I just had to know how you felt about the situation.

I dont get it Melanie. I mean if Ive done something to make you think that Im trying to win her back I can assure you Im not. I know I cant force her to do anything anymore and Im okay just being friends with her.

Bette, come on, you know you two will never just be friends. Im not angryIm not. Look Ive got to go. But thanks.

Melanie wait.

Melanie turned and faced Bette. Her demeanor was calm and controlled and Bette was still a little surprised with what had just happened. Bette just wanted to make it clear that whatever Melanie decided to do, Bette didnt want to see her get hurt.

Im sorry.

I know. See you Bette.

Melanie walked out of the house and back to her car. She drove to Tinas house and waited for a few minutes before going inside. She needed to collect her thoughts because she knew her conversation with Tina would be hard and she wanted to go into it with a clear head. I guess I could have seen this coming, thought Melanie as she walked up to the door. Tina opened the door a little surprised to see her but let her in and pulled her in for a gentle kiss. Melanie pulled back a little and Tina looked at her with that concerned look on her face.

Babe whats wrong?

Tina, we need to talk.

Okaywhats going on babe?

Melanie pulled Tina down to sit next to her on the couch. She took a deep breath before continuing and decided that the quicker she did this the less it would hurt Tina.

I dont think this is working out.

WHAT?

Look Tina, I know these last few months have been great but

But what Mel? What the ***** are you talking about?

Melanie could see that Tina was upset and she obviously didnt blame her. Melanie knew this was taking Tina completely by surprise and she knew she was going to have a lot of explaining to do.

Tina, lookI know you still have feelings for Bette okay? I understand and I just dont think this relationship is going to go anywhere while you still have those feelings.

Mel II dont. Where is this coming from?

I heard it last night. When you were sleeping. You called me Bette.

Tinas face turned white as she suddenly felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Oh *****, was all she could think as she looked at Melanie. Melanies demeanor was still calm and collected and Tina didnt know why she was more upset about all this.

Im sorry, it was an accident. But it doesnt mean that I still have

Yes you do Tina. I know it. And I cant sit here and hold you knowing that at times you wished I were someone else. I cant do that to myself.

Im sorry.

Tears were falling down Tinas cheek as she listened to Melanie. How can she be this understanding? She is too good. I dont deserve her. I never did. Melanie reached out and gently wiped away the tears and pulled Tina into her lap. She let Tina cry softly while she spoke softly into her ear.

Look baby, I love you. I do. But I know what you and Bette had. I know that was something special and that theres still lingering feelings. I dont know if you two were meant to be together or not but I cant not let you find out either. I dont want to do this but I think its the best thing for all of us right now. But that doesnt mean that I wont be here for you and still love you too.

Mel Im sorry. I love you and Im sorry if Ive given you the wrong impression but I really am in love with you. You make me happy.

Thats just what Bette said.

Bette? What does she have to do with this? And what do you mean thats just what she said?

Tina sat up and looked at Melanie with anger in her eyes. Melanie saw it and she knew that Tina probably thought that Bette said something to her. Melanie tried to reach for Tina again but Tina pushed her hand away.

What are you talking about Mel?

I went to see her today and she said she knew I made you happy and that she was happy about that.

Why did you go see her? Is that where you went after you dropped me off? What the ***** Mel?

Tina calm down.

DONT TELL ME TO CALM DOWN. WHEN DID EVERYONE SUDDENLY DECIDE TO LIVE MY LIFE FOR ME?

Tina was yelling at this point and Melanie was getting a little worried. She had never seen Tinas temper rage out of control like this and she didnt know what Tina was capable of.

Tina pleasesit down and Ill explain everything okay?

Tina sat down as far from Melanie on the couch as she could. Tina was pissed and Melanie saw it written all over her face. Melanie took another deep breath before continuing.

Yes, I went to see her after I dropped you off. I was up all night last night trying to figure out why you called me Bette and it finally hit me. You still have unresolved feelings about her or old feelings are coming back or something. So I went to talk to her to see what her take on the situation was. I didnt tell her about what happened last night but I just wanted to know how she felt. She loves you Tina, she never stopped loving you and I can see it in everything she does. Why else do you think she was so blas about us? Do you have any idea how hard it must be for her to see us together? I know you two have something that is irreplaceable and Im not willing to put myself between that. Im just trying to make this as painless as possible so that less people get hurt okay?

Painless? You call this painless? And when did you become so insightful on how Bette feels? I mean honestly MelI cant believe my girlfriend is breaking up with me and telling me to go after someone else? How fucked up is this?

I understand how she feels Tina because I understand what its like to be in love with you.

Tina didnt know what to say at this point and she just looked at Melanie in total shock. She felt tears run down her face again as she thought about what Melanie was saying. Is this what she really wants? I cant believe she could give up so easily like thatI thought she loved me. Tina decided to voice these thoughts.

So thats it? You get a feeling and you just give up on us?

Tina Im not giving up. But I cant keep fighting a ghost. I will always be in her shadow and nothing that I could ever say or do would change that. Im not blaming her and Im not blaming youIm not blaming anyone. Im just saying that Im not willing to stick around hoping that somehow you get rid of that shadow only to be hurt somewhere down the line because you realize what Im saying is true.

But Mel, I thought we had something here. I thought you loved me.

I do Tina, thats why Im doing this. And we do have somethingits something no one else will ever havebut its not enough. Its not enough for me and I know its not enough for you. You may not realize it right now but you know Im right.

Melanie reached for Tina again and this time she let her pull her into her arms. Melanie sat there holding Tina for a long time before placing a small kiss on her forehead. She caressed the side of Tinas face gently as she lifted her head and placed a soft kiss on Tinas lips. Tina cried into the kiss and Melanie quickly wiped the tears away. They kissed each other for a long time both saying without words how sorry they were and how much they loved each other. Melanie gently pulled away and looked into Tinas eyes. She saw the pain and heartache she was causing her but she also saw the understanding that Tina had for Melanies situation. Tina didnt want to hurt Melanie any more than Melanie wanted to hurt Tina and they both knew that the longer they dragged this out the more it would hurt when it came to an end. Melanie slowly got up and walked to the door. As she opened the door to leave she turned and gave Tina one last look.

Goodbye Tina.

Melanie turned and walked quickly out the door before Tina had a chance to say anything. Melanie got into her car and drove back to her house before she let the tears she was holding in fall. She knew she had done the right thing and one day Tina would see it too. She loved Tina with all of her heart but she knew she was not the love of Tinas life. Tina deserved to be happy and like Melanie told Bette, they both wanted the same thing. Melanie would run into Tina a few more times over the next few months and at first it was awkward, but after a while Tina learned to understand why Melanie did why she did and it made her love her even more. Melanie fell asleep with thoughts of Tina on her mind and she felt that while they had only been together for a short time, they had loved enough for a lifetime.