Bette was both amused and a little bit shocked at Tina’s question, but she did not mind it at all.

“Well… nothing really. I talked to her and tried my best to make her realize that we… we…” Bette was starting to stammer. She didn’t usually have any troubles speaking of her sexuality, but with Tina for some weird reason she was. Was she being too cautious because she didn’t want Tina to be scared or to assume certain stereotypes?

And even so… why did she care so much?

Tina on the other hand noticed all the self questioning Bette was doing in her head so she decided to take the lead on this one.

It was clear to her that she had met someone that although still a stranger, she felt was worth keeping around. Bette inspired her loyalty and kindness and thoughtfulness, things that do not necessarily come hand in hand when you’ve just met someone.

“Bette”

Tina started her sentence with the name that only coming from her mouth sounded so sexy and inviting. Bette never realized this until years later, after hearing her name escaping from so many different lips.

After hearing her name Bette met Tina’s gaze, giving those hazel eyes her undivided attention. No words were needed.

“I may seem naïve, and although we are just starting to get to know one another, I just wanted you to know that I don’t mind or care if you are a lesbian, bisexual or just experiencing new things… I really think you are a very smart and funny and passionate person… who I’d like to be friends with… regardless of who you choose to love.” Tina stated in a very confident and yet sweet way.

“I have only one request if you are interested in becoming my friend.” Tina quickly added.

Bette was still very silent, giving Tina all her attention.

“That you promise me that you’ll always be fundamentally honest with me… that you won’t keep anything to yourself if I do or say something that annoys you…” Tina concluded.

Bette was in an owe. She liked Tina more with every word that cascaded from her lips. Honesty was something that Bette required from all of those she called her “true friends”. And a quality she tried to abbey to, but not always she, or some of the people in her life, had succeeded at doing. So this represented an interesting challenge… to always say what you really think to the other.

She remained silent a few moments, staring intensely at Tina, while a shy smile formed in the corners of her mouth.

“Only on one condition” Bette stated breaking the silence.

Tina looked a bit surprised, but decided to follow the game.

“And what condition may that be?” She quickly asked.

“That it works both ways”

“Deal”

New York – Summer 2002

Alphaville Main quarters

“Shit shit shit shit shit!!!!” Wall all Tina could mutter after another attempt to control her tears.

She was certainly not prepared for one of the girls to call like that, out of the blue. But for Kit to call and to give her those news… she felt the wall of her office were shrinking, she desperately needed to get out of there in order to start to try and recompose herself.

What the fuck? Why can’t I find my voice to speak in the moments I have to, but when I have nothing important to say no one can shut me up? Ohhh God… Kit must be hating herself for calling me… how can I be such an idiot?!

After what seemed forever to her, Tina’s thoughts were regaining some composure, at least the sobbing had stopped, so she thought this would be the ideal moment to go out and get some air and start processing everything she had heard a few moments ago.

So she decided to go to her favourite place when she needed to clear her head, and that was near the water.