BETTES SIDE

Sunday couldnt come quickly enough and Bette had been working herself into a state of complete nervousness all weekend. She tried to spend Saturday at the CAC catching up on some work, but after sitting at her desk for nearly an hour and accomplishing absolutely nothing she decided to go home.

At home she decided to plan the evening and go over what she wanted to talk to Tina about. She decided to make dinner reservations at the little caf on Melrose that Tina liked and hoped that it wouldnt be too sentimental of a place. As for the conversation, Bettes initial reaction was to go over what she wanted to say before hand, but then realized that was the old Bette. The new Bette would play it by ear and see how Tina approached things. Smiling to herself, Bette was proud that she could see these little things about herself and change them, making her a better person.

Sighing she walked back to her bedroom she started rummaging through her closet to find the perfect outfit for tomorrow. She hoped that however the evening went, that her and Tina would be moving forward, together.

TINAS SIDE

Tina spent Saturday morning thinking about tomorrow night. She didnt know if it was good to go out with Bette alone so soon, but she knew that in order for them to move forward she was going to have to take risks. She thought about all of her conversations with Bette since she left and Tina could see that Bette was really making an effort. Tina just hoped the effort was for the right reasons. While she wanted to be with Bette she knew it could never be like it was before.

Tina didnt tell Alice about their date on Sunday because she didnt want everyone knowing. She hoped that things would go well and if this was the case then she would fill Alice in on the details. Tina knew that Alice was supportive of her and she just didnt want to get everyones hopes up only to have them come crashing down again.

Tina glanced at the clock and saw that she had to get ready for her dinner tonight. She was glad she had this distraction to take her mind off Bette tonight. As she got into the shower she let her mind drift to the happier times with Bette and she knew that tomorrow night would be the difference in their relationship. Tina just prayed that it would be a positive outcome and not one she would regret later.

SUNDAY NIGHT

At 6:15 Tina arrived at the Planet hoping that no one other than Marina would be there. Tina was pleased to see the place was crowded but didnt see any signs of Alice, Dana or Shane. She took a seat near the door and waited.

At 6:30 sharp Bette walked into the Planet. She looked around but didnt see Tina at first as she was standing with her back to her. Tina took this opportunity to drink in the sight of Bette and her heart fluttered a little as she looked at the woman she loved. Bette was wearing a comfortable pair of black slacks with a white cotton sweater. Her hair was down and very curly. Tina couldnt see if she was wearing heavy makeup but she doubted it. Casual yet trendy. Just like Bette, thought Tina as she smiled to herself. She stood up and walked up behind Bette.

Looking for me?

Bette turned around and upon seeing Tina Bette was left speechless. Tina had on a knee length black silk dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Tina knew that Bette loved that dress and she wore it for just that reason. Tina knew that tonight was not about regaining the physical aspect of their relationship, but she wanted Bette to know what she almost lost that night.

Wow. You look amazing.

Tina smiled as Bette handed her the single long stem red rose she had brought with her. Tina felt like it was their first date all over again, and she knew that Bette felt the same.

Should we go? I made reservations at that little caf you like, the one on Melrose.

Tina nodded as she took Bettes hand in hers and led them out of the Planet. They walked towards Bettes car and when they got there Bette held the door for her. Wow she is really trying, thought Tina as she settled in Bettes car. It was all so familiar, but tonight everything was new. Tina took a deep breath as Bette started the car and for the first time since she found out about Candace, Tina felt complete contentment being by Bettes side.

They drove through the streets of LA and soon they arrived at their destination. They walked hand in hand into the caf and were immediately seated on the back patio. Bette felt so happy to be out with Tina that she ignored the stares they were getting from the other people at the caf.

The caf was one of Tinas favorite places to eat. It was a very small, family owned caf located off of Melrose. The inside was like any other restaurant, but the patio was something totally different. At night it was lit by white Christmas lights strung all around the patio and on the stairway leading to the restroom. There are only about 10 tables on the patio giving it a very intimate feel. Candlelight gave it a romantic ambiance, and the food there was excellent. The other thing that made it a little different than other places is that each table has a sheet of butcher paper and crayons are placed on every table. The walls on the inside of the restaurant are covered in drawings done by people who dined there and Tina loved looking at what types of things people come up with while eating there.

After they placed their orders, Tina decided to start the conversation but keep it light, for now.

So, how was your weekend?

It was okay. I went in to try and get some work done, but after an hour I gave up and went home.

That doesnt sound like you. Is everything okay?

Bette smiled at this last comment knowing that it was strange for her to be at work and be totally unproductive.

No, everything is fine. Actually, I was a little nervous about tonight.

Tina looked at Bette as if she was trying to decide if Bette was telling the truth but after seeing the look in Bettes eyes she knew she was telling the truth. She smiled as the thought of Bette being nervous to see her and decided that there was no point in putting off the inevitable.

Me too. Look Bette, I dont know exactly what I want out of tonight, but I do know that I want you back in my life. I miss not being able to really talk to you and I miss not being able to see you even more.

Tina, I love you, plain and simple. I dont know how else to explain things. I have thought about everything that has happened in these past few months over and over again and I still havent figured everything out. I dont know when I became so uncertain about things and about myself and us, but the one thing that has always been certain in my life is you. I dont want to erase the past and I dont want to act like nothing happened, but I do want another chance with you. I want to move forward, with you.

As she listened to Bette pour her heart out Tina could hardly believe this was the same person who had broken her heart only two months ago. Bette had become so much more in touch with her emotions and somehow learned that she needed to verbalize them from time to time. Tina was impressed that Bette was able to speak so freely to her, and understood that Bette was taking a major risk in being so open with her.

I want another chance too Bette. I did some thinking of my own these past few weeks and I understand that things on my end were shaky too. I dont know, I guess somewhere along the way we lost something in our relationship. I dont know exactly what it was, but I am willing to try again if you are.

Bette smiled as tears began forming in her eyes and Tina could see that she was doing her best to keep them in. Bette may have changed for the better but there were some things about her that never would, and crying in public was one of them. Tina smiled at Bette and reached across the table to take one of Bettes hands in hers.

Tina, I would love to try again. I still have some things to work on and I hope that you can be patient with me as I do. Bette wiped her eyes quickly before the tears started to fall, and she decided to lighten the mood a little.

I can tell you one thing. I promise I will NEVER cheat on you again.

Tina looked at Bette angrily for a second thinking that Bette was taking everything too lightly, but when she saw the glint in Bettes eye she smiled and said, Damn well better not.

Their food arrived at that point and both ladies decided to turn the conversation to easier things. Tina told Bette about the Alice and Dana situation and Bette couldnt believe that those two actually were in love since it seemed at times they could barely get along. They finished their dinner and as they were getting ready to leave Bette excused herself and went to the restroom. When she came back Tina was smiling and looking at her lovingly. Bette thought she would never see that look again and she quickly felt a flush of emotions run through her body and she wanted so badly to kiss Tina right then and there.

Instead, she reached down for her purse and when she did her eyes fell on the table right in front of her. While she was gone Tina had drawn a picture of a two hands interlocked with wedding bands on both hands and Bette looked up at Tina with a puzzled look on her face. Tina smiled and extended her left hand showing Bette that she had her wedding ring back on. Bettes eyes filled up with tears again at the sight of Tina wearing her ring, and this time Bette let the tears fall. She was so happy at that moment that she didnt care who saw her crying. Bette reached for Tinas hand with her left hand and as they locked fingers Bette saw that it was exactly what Tina had drawn.

This is how it should be Bette. You and me.

Bette smiled and wiped away her tears. Tina stood up and wrapped her arms around Bette holding her tightly. For the first time, Bette let herself be supported by Tina and she let out all of the emotions she had been building up over the past few months. They stood there holding each other and crying for a moments before Tina pulled away and said, Come on, lets go.

They walked back to the car hand in hand again and Bette would bring Tinas hand up to her face and plant soft kisses on her hand and on the ring that Tina was wearing again. When they got back to the Planet Bette became nervous again, she didnt want this night to end. She pulled into an empty space and after she turned off the engine she turned to Tina and said, So what now?

Well, I think for now we do this for a little while. I love you Bette and I want to begin a relationship again, but Im not ready to move home.

Okay Tina, I understand. So when can I see you again?

How about Wednesday? We could have dinner again?

Bette sighed softly and realized that they were really going to have to take things slowly. She didnt want to rush Tina, but going home to an empty house after spending an evening with Tina was going to be tough. She knew she had to be strong and show Tina that she was willing to compromise so she smiled at her and said, Dinner would be great.

Tina was so happy with the way things went tonight that she could barely contain herself. Bette had amazed her at how much she had really changed and Tina was surprised that she had doubted Bettes ability to do so. If anyone could set their mind to accomplishing someone it was Bette. Tina smiled as she looked at Bette and she felt desire flood her veins as she was saw how beautiful Bette really was. Tina wanted to go home with Bette tonight but she felt that if she did that would rush things and she didnt know if she was ready to make love to Bette again.

Bette reached up and traced a line from Tinas earlobe down to her chin with her finger as she said softly, Tina you are so amazing. I am the luckiest person on earth because out of everyone out there you chose me. I love you now and I will love you until there is nothing left of me.

Tina smiled as she remembered that Bette had said the same thing in their wedding vows. She reached up for Bettes hand and brought it over her heart. This you will have forever. With that she pulled Bette towards her and placed a soft kiss on Bettes lips. Strong emotions ran through both women, both for different reasons, but nonetheless it was the sweetest kiss they had ever shared. After a moment Tina pulled away knowing that if she let it continue she didnt know if she could stop it. She gave Bette one last smile and opened the door to leave. Just as she was stepping out of the car Bette reached for her hand causing Tina to look back at her.

Tina, I just want you to know, I meant it.

Meant what?

What I said about loving you until there was nothing left of me.

I know Bette. I know.

Tina squeezed Bettes hand to confirm her understanding and as she walked towards her car Tina felt the tears running down her cheeks. Tonight had been better than she could have ever expected and she knew that they were on the road to rebuilding something that Tina had thought was lost forever.