-Philadelphia (Flashback continues)-

Bette found a parking spot right outside the bar and stopped. A small laugh escaped Tinas lips as she looked up at the glowing neon sign. Cocktail? she smiled looking back at Dana.

Alice: Yeah hes obsessed with that movie and decided to name his bar after it.

Tina: Thats interesting she replied kinda sarcastically. She didnt know why it annoyed her so much.

Bette had gone inside to make sure everything was still ok. The other three waited outside for the all clear.

Alice: It sucks your friend couldnt come out tonight

Tina: Yeah I know, she can be whiney when shes sick, it was probably a good idea for me not to go over there tonight anyway. Who knows what kind of plague shes housing. She was pretty pumped up on medicine when I talked to her, so hopefully shell be better tomorrow. Thanks again for letting me stay at your place tonight.

Alice: Hey its no problem

Tina turned around taking in the sight of the city; the east coast and the west really were so incredibly different. Eastern cities really show their age, it was quite a historical sight. Ive gotta get out and take some pictures tomorrow she thought. Everything in sight had become a potential subject.

Tina jumped suddenly when she felt a hand touch her shoulder.

Bette: And this is Tina, Tina this is John

Bette along with everyone else was starting at Tina.

Tina: Hey she smiled, giving a quick wave.

John: Alright cool, everybody ready to go inside? he asked reaching for the door.

Tina didnt know anything about this John character and before she had any time to make any sort of accurate analysis she decided she didnt like him. He seemed slightly arrogant and full of himself. Well who could really blame him, look at his girlfriend she thought as her eyes fell upon Bettes slender frame.

Tina felt her unjustified dislike for Bettes boyfriend grow more and more as the night progressed. Yeah shes your girlfriend we get it, you dont have to paw all over her every five seconds. Didnt he have work to do or something. She sat there mentally mocking him. Finally when Tina was tipsy enough to ignore him the bar was getting busier and he decided to go mingle with the patrons. Tina had given up on talking to Dana for the rest of the night, it was obvious that the only people her and Alice cared about right now were themselves. Tina looked up and noticed a group of guys sitting at the table across from them staring at the two of them. Oh my god, two girls holding hands, lets stare like idiots she accidentally said out loud and defiantly loud enough they them to hear. The guys turned around and mumbled some comments that Tina was sure she probably didnt want to hear.

Alice: Were gonna go to the bathroom, you guys need anything?

Tina: Yeah, another beer

Everyone looked at Tina surprised, seeing as though she had just gotten her fifth beer only minutes ago.

Tina: What? Im on vacation she reasoned with a smile.

Alice smiled as she grabbed Danas hand and ran off in to the bathroom.

Bette: So Alice tells me youre a photographer

Tina: Yeah, im working on a portfolio of human subjects right now, huh its sounds kinda creepy when I put it that way she laughed. Theres something so revealing about capturing someones image. Its kinda fascinating what you can find hiding behind a persons eyes. I know I sound like a total geek right now but there really is no other way to explain it

Bette: No I know exactly what you mean, I was an art history major its good to have a lot of intensity about your work.

Tina: So how long have you and John been together?

Bette let out a slight sigh and glanced over at the tall dark hair man.

Bette: Almost two years

Tina: You dont seem too excited about that

Tina quickly wished she hadnt said that, she didnt want to seem like she was prying and she defiantly didnt want to overstep her boundary in such a pleasant conversation.

Bette: Johns a great guy but as of lately I feel like im missing something, the intensity just isnt there anymore. Let me know if im boring you or revealing too much she laughed

Tina: Youre anything but boring she said once again forgetting about her inner monolog.

Bette: Thanks she smiled warmly, causing Tina to blush. So what about you, you seeing anyone?

Tina: Nah, im a single as they come she smiled as she raised her glass to herself.

Bette: Well, youll find someone someday, youre still young

Tina felt her skin tingle as Bette patted her shoulder with encouragement.

All week Tina found herself constantly thinking about Bette. Jen had finally gotten over her cold and they spent most of their time reminiscing about the good old days. Tina had been sitting in her friends empty apartment for the past few hours. She could have at least taken off work a couple of days while I was here she annoyingly thought to herself. Tina couldnt take it anymore, she was going stir crazy. She pulled her hair back, threw on a hoodie and grabbed her trusty camera before heading out the door. Tina wondered down the street finding a nice sized park. Nature of course was Tinas second favorite subject, especially in the spring. Just as Tina was about to cross the street she saw a familiar face parked on the side of the street. It was Bette, she was sitting in her car and was obviously upset. Tina wasnt sure if she should impose but genuine interest won out in the end. Tina backed away from the curb and made her way over to Bettes car.

Tina: Hey she said softly leaning into the passenger side window.

Bette: Hey she replied quickly whipping away a set of fresh tears.

Tina: Wanna talk about it?

Bette: No its ok, im just being dramatic she said flashing a weak smile

Tina: Right, well I was just on my way to the park if you wanted to join me

Bette: Yeah? I could do that she smiled and climbed out of her car.

The two women walked silently to a secluded bench and sat down.

Bette: I broke up with John she finally admitted with new tears forming in her eyes.

Tina: Oh she felt bad seeing Bette upset but was for some reason happy to hear the news. So he didnt take it well

Bette: Well nobody takes being broken up with very well, especially guys with large egos It was just harder than I thought. There are a lot of good memories there, but thats all they are, memories. I couldnt keep lying to myself, Ive been was unhappy for a while and weather or not he wants to admit it he was unhappy too. It was for the best. Its just when I look at Alice and Dana and how happy they are it made me feel like my relationship was a mundane, you know

Tina: Yeah, even though people dont like to admit it, a relationship is nothing without passion. Her hazel eyes looked up meeting Bettes gaze.

Tina wasnt sure what she was thinking or if she was thinking at all. Time seemed to stand still as she watched Bette slowly lean closer to her. Tina closed her eyes as she felt Bettes warm lips press against her own. Tina felt like she was having an outer body experience, her lips, her scent, and her fingertips running along Tinas jaw line. It was so surreal. Bette then pulled away just a suddenly as she had leaned in.

Bette: I have to go she said as she quickly stood up, leaving Tina to wonder exactly what the ***** had just happened.