After stopping by her, hopefully temporary, hotel room to pick up some supplies and her camera; Bette made her journey to the park with Wey. Placing the backpack that she had stocked with all the essentials carried when out with a two year old for the day, down on the bench next to her, she was ushered by little Weylend to the swings. Momma can you push me? plunking himself down into the swing and grasping the chains for dear life. Bette made her way behind him and began to push; she then tried to explain to him how to keep going all by himself by pumping his legs. As she watched him flailing both of his legs in different directions, she couldnt help but laugh at the sight of him biting his lip determinedly. Jogging back to the bench a few feet away she grabbed her camera out of the backpack and snapped some shots of her son laughing and swinging all by himself once he got the hang of it. Moments later Weylend caught sight of a little girl sitting in the sandbox across from the swings and wanted down. Can I go pway wiff her momma? his big brown eyes pleading and his bottom lip jutting out, giving her one of the best puppy faces ever created. Bette smiled and caved. Sure sweetie, but play nice, momma will be right here on this bench okay? Not even paying attention Weylend took off to the sandbox to make friends with the little blonde girl. Chuckling to herself, Bette couldnt help but think, Thats my boy. Taking a seat back down on the bench she took out her American Photo magazine and began to get lost in what she was reading and seeing, looking up her once and a while to check to see where Weylend was and how his was behaving, she then went back to her magazine. Seconds later she felt two hands wrap themselves around her head and cover her eyes. Then a whisper the elicited a chill that only one person could ever give her. Guess who, was the demand. Bette didnt need to guess, she knew who it was. There was no way, however long she stayed away, that she would get that voice free of her mindand heart for that matter. But still, she played along. Al? Is that you? I told you Id call you when I got back to my hotel she said with all seriousness. Tina must have fallen for the joke because she seemed genuinely shocked that Bette didnt recognize her. Umm. No its not Alice. Bette couldnt help but take it further. Oh! Im sorrygod Im such an ***** Tina cracked a smile thinking she finally got it. Dana, I thought you had practice? Tinas face fell and she couldnt take it anymore. ***** Bette, she said taking her hand away from Bettes face, you dont even remember my voice? Its not like we havent talked. She said moving in front of Bette who was grinning like a cat. T! I knew it was you I was just playing. She got up and they hugged each other closely, Tinas hands roaming over Bettes back teasingly. Well Ms. Porter; Im guessing Im the last to know that youve made the journey back to LA? Bette looked down shyly. Yea you are. I just didnt want you to feel like you were obligated to come and meet me, I didnt tell anyone. I just ran into the girls at the Planet, I was supposed to meet Kit there for lunch. What are you doing here? looking at Tina she couldnt help but feel flooded by thousands of old emotions and feelings for Tina; lust, need, longing, comfort, stability, but mainly of course, a deep love. Her (ex-wife?) looked amazing, wearing a pair of amazingly tight jeans with a black button up top and a pair of amazing leather boots, Bette had to take a second to catch her breath. Tinas hair was almost the length it was when they had first met, she was wearing it half up and with a little make up, Bette found herself just wanting to lay Tina down one the bench and slowly rediscover every Bette? she was snapped out of her staring by Tina waving a hand in front of her face. She realized she had been staring and blushed. You werent listening to anything I was saying were you? Ahno, sorryI was just caught off guard ya know? Its not everyday you get to fall inwhat are you doing here again? She quickly changed the topic as she was about to tell Tina she was falling in loveagain. Taking a look over Ts shoulder checking on Wey, she went back to listening, this time for real. One more time from the top. Tina said with a smirk. I was passing by on my way to meet someone for a late lunch and I thought saw you. I just chalked it up to one of my little fantasies and was about to keep going, but I saw the jacket. She said pointing to the leather jacket that she had bought for Bette as a Christmas gift years ago. I got closer and I knew it was you, I almost had a heart attack. Smiling she grabbed Bettes hands. Its amazing to see you Bette, you have no idea how much I missed having you around. Bette couldnt just sit there anymore, she couldnt take Tina just yet, and she didnt know what to say or how to begin getting her back. She nodded and smiled at Tina not knowing how to get her off the subject that would probably lead to them, the she remembered, Didnt you say you had a lunch to get to? Looking at Bette quizzically she suddenly whipped her hair out of her eyes, Oh! Damn, I got so caught up inoh man. She went to her purse and pulled out her phone dialing a number then mouthing sorry to Bette. Bette listened to Tinas end of the conversation and her heart sank. Hey babyno Im running a little lateI know you have to get back to workwe can have lunch tomorrowno I got tied up in a meetingI promise Listening came to an abrupt halt for Bette as she heard a loud wail and then the unmistakable sound of her child crying. Jumping up off the bench she ran over to where Weyland had fallen on the pavement and picked him up. Surveying his skinned knees and palms she went over to the bench where Tina was still talking on the phone, but was now obviously distracted and staring at Bette. Sitting Wey down on the bench she breathed an excuse me to Tina as she leaned over her to grab the backpack. Pulling out a bottle of water and some band-aids she carefully flushed out the dirt on his cut knees and hands. Placing the ban-aids over both knees she gave him two kisses, one on each, and then one on his forehead. Youre okay sweetie? she asked looking at his tear streaked face. Yes momma, I aaallll better. Fank you beerryy much. Weylend gave her a big hug wrapping his hand around her neck as she was bent in front of him. Adjusting so he was sitting in her lap she reached into the bag and grabbed his little remote control car and sat it on the ground handing him the control. At this point Tina was nearing the end of her conversation and Bette could tell she was anxious with questions. Yeah Ill see you at the houseEric!…noI love you too. Bye. As soon as Bette heard the name Eric, all she could think was, Oh no, not again! Tina hung up the phone and put it in her bag giving Bette and awkward smile, visibly trying to not freak in front of Weylend. Whos this? she asked sweetly smiling as Weylend turned to her and gave her a grin that was so painfully inherited from Bette, because it absolutely caught Tinas heart. Im Weylend; Im amost free years old. He said still grinning and holding up only two fingers. Bette smile affectionately and grasped his little fingers pulling up a third one. Thats three baby. Tina laughed lightly and rubbed his head. Its very good to meet you Weylend. My names Tina. Saying this she glanced back up at Bette who caught the signal. Wey, why dont you go over and show your car to that girl you were playing with. He hopped down off of Bettes lap and with an okay momma was off and running again. Both women watched as the boy sat down right next to the blonde girl and handed her the controller. Tina was the first one to break the silence. Hes adorable, and quite the charmer. She said smirking at Bette. I wonder where he gets that from? she added sarcastically. Bette smiled and turned to face Tina with shame in her eyes. Christ Bette, why didnt you tell me? she could tell Tina was becoming angry. Remembering what she had just heard of Tinas conversation Bette became a little angry herself. Excuse me? You didnt tell me you were ***** Eric again! Tinas anger was reigned back in by this comment. We never really talked about our personal relationships. I didnt think you wanted to hear it. Bette nodded her head. Well there you have it Tina, you answered your own question. Tina looked incredulously at her former lover. I wouldnt want to hear that you were pregnant?! Please Bette. Bette was becoming increasingly tired and she didnt want to deal with this right now. At least now she knew Bette had a son, but it didnt effect their relationship in anywaybecause they didnt have a chance at one, not now that Eric was back in the picture. Look Tinaits almost time for his nap, I need to get him home. Can we talk about this later? I promise we will. Tina looked away and then back to Bettes face. Wheres home? That hotel near 18th St. Whatever its called. Bette replied waiving her hand nonchalantly. Yeah, I know what one you mean. But you dont need to stay there. You can stay at the housetheres definitely enough room. Bette looked at Tina, searching for any sign that Tina was angry with her or just trying to give her pity. Tina caught the look of caution. You shouldnt have to stay at a hotel. The house is still ours. I would love to have you back homeboth of you. Or, I meanuntil you want to start looking for your own place I guess. She said shyly playing with the cuff of her shirt sleeve. Right then Bette knew that this woman was still the only person that could make her internally crumble at her every word. She saw the love and concern in Tinas face and gave in. Okay. When do you want us to come? Tinas face lit up as she smiled while she was replying. Umm well Im done work by five. Ill go home and clean up a bit and make some dinner. Around 6 is good, is that alright? Bette smiled and nodded at Tinas excited-ness. Six is great. At this point Weylend came running over and crawled up onto the bench leaning his head on his mothers lap. It looks like we should be going. She said picking up Weylend who put his head on Bettes shoulder sleepily. Okay, Ill see you both later tonight. Tina said hugging Bette with Weylend caught in between. She kissed Bette on the cheek sweetly. Its great having you back babe. And with that Tina walked away leaving Bette staring at her. Babe? No she didnt say that. She said Bette. Right? Right? slinging the bag of her other shoulder she began the walk back to their hotel, telling herself she was obsessing too much. She was moving back in with Tinaat least temporarily. Approaching the hotel door she walked through the lobby and hit the elevator button. While she was waiting a sudden thought hit her like a freight train. *****. What about Eric?