T “I want to talk to you but I think I need to tell you in person. Can I meet you somewhere

soon?”

B “Sure. Why don’t you just come over to my place?”

T “I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

B “I understand.” Her voice was flooded with disappointment. “How about the Planet? Six

sound alright?”

T “Six would be great. I’ll see you there.”

Tina hung up. Bette was starting to feel nervous. She left the CAC and went home to get ready.

Whatever it was, she hoped she’d be able to handle it.

It was six o’clock and the Planet exuded a mild tranquility. Just the setting for Tina to

tell Bette the great news. Although the past events had dimmed her happy mood, she wasn’t

going to let Helena ruin it for her or Bette.

Bette saw Tina from the entrance. She waved, then headed over to the table.

T “Hi.”

B “Hi.”

T “How are you? You look nice.”

B “I’m good, thank you. You look nice too.”

T “Thanks. Well, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a few weeks now, I’ve

just been trying to figure out how to say it.”

Bette felt a lump in her throat. She swallowed it down, then opened her mouth to speak.

B “It’s not bad, I hope.”

T “Oh, no. It’s actually good news.”

Bette was relieved. Her body relaxed.

B “What’s up.”

T “I had my last sonogram just a couple of weeks ago. Everything’s fine with the baby,

don’t worry about that. It’s just – ”

Bette could hardly wait. If Tina didn’t spill it soon she’d have a God Damn hernia.

T “Bette,” Tina held Bette’s hands in hers, “We’rewe’re going to have twins.”

Bette’s head swirled with glee. Slowly, an enormous ear to ear grin formed across her face.

Tears welled up in her crystalline eyes.

B “Tina! Are you, are you serious?! We’re having twins?!”

Tina smiled and let a tear drip down her glowing cheek. She nodded.

B “Tina! Oh my God! This is so great! I’m…I’m in shock! Look at me!”

Tina laughed and cried. Happy tears spilled from her eyes, and Bette stood up to hug her.

She felt Tina’s smooth belly, put her ear to listen.

B “You hear that, little one? You’re going to have a sister!”

Bette thought about that for one moment.

B “Or brother?”

She looked expectantly at Tina.

T “One boy and one girl.” She smiled radiantly.

Bette laughed joyously. She was the happiest, luckiest woman alive.

B “This is so wonderful! We have to tell everyone we know.”

Tina chuckled.

T “Okay,” and the two embraced in a warm hug.