The Planet was just one a handful of coffee shops in West Hollywood, but for Bette it seemed different from all the rest, not only did Kit now own it, but it was suffused with memories of the hundreds of breakfasts and lunches that her and Tina had shared, mostly with their friends and sometimes just the two of them. From the time they had met at the gallery, and Tina had been introduced to Bettes friends, they had laughed, bitched and chewed each other out, and even cried at times over mochacchinos at the Planet.

Bette sat there now, waiting for Tina to show up, has she had done on numerous occasions in the past, only this time, it was different they were no longer a couple and they hadnt seen each other in over ten years.

She had the LA Times spread out in front of her, to everyone around her it looked like she was totally engrossed in its contents but unbeknown to them she had not read a word. Her mind had been completely taken over, by the prospect of seeing Tina again. And in reality of that she was scared to death.

You look like a rabbit trapped in a cars headlights. Kit said to Bette. You by yourself baby sis?

Bette shook her head as Kit indicated to the empty seat with a jerk of her head.

Do you want the usual then? Caesar Salad? Or are you waiting for little Miss sorry *****? You looking so nervous because you finally come to your senses and gonna dump her sorry *****? Kit asked sarcastically.

Ill wait. Bette replied, not responding to Kits sarcastic remark about Rachel, and not wanting to tell her just yet, who it was, she was really waiting for.

When you gonna buy that woman a leash, Bette? Kit left the table and returned briefly with Bettes favourite drink. One mochacchino light, while the little lap dog arrives. She said, rolling her eyes.

Bette looked up at her. You really dont like Rachel do you Kit?

Bingo, what insight. That must be why you get paid the big bucks.

But why? Bette asked innocently, although she knew herself deep down Rachel was just a distraction from her miserable existence. Whats she ever done to you Kit?

That womans so stupid Bette, shes an air head and she follows you around like a little lost puppy, its sickening. What you doin with her anyway baby girl? Shes no match for you. Kit said matter of factly as she placed Bettes coffee in front of her, then, straightened the place mat, and silver ware opposite.

Hey, she is not stupid. Bette answered defensively. She graduated from college with honors, and besides she serves her purpose. She motioned with her hand.

Oh, Ill bet she does. Kit said as she turned around and headed back to the kitchen. Ill leave you to it. She threw over her shoulder.

A glowing Tina entered the Planet, and she hurriedly made her way over to Bette. Of course all the other womens eyes followed her, but she acted oblivious to that as usual. Bette marvelled at the way Tina never seemed to know what kind of effect she had on women and men too come to that.

Bette smiled when Tina sat opposite her at the table.

Sorry Im late Bette. She said. The traffics horrendous, I forgot how bad it can get in the afternoon. Tina took off her coat and picked up the menu.

Bette knew her well enough, to know Tina was feeling as nervous as she was, and in a way that made her feel more at ease.

Im starving. Tina said, then, looked at Bette as if it was for the first time. You look amazing Bette, I swear youve got more beautiful as times passed.

Bette smiled and shrugged, she felt a little embarrassed by Tinas remark.

Not nearly as beautiful as you are T. You look great. She blushed when she realised that she was staring at Tina. Its good to see you Tina, its been a long time. She said choking back the tears, suddenly aware of just how much she had missed this woman in her life.

Tina looked at Bette with tears in her eyes, she too experiencing the overwhelming emotion of seeing her ex wife after so many years apart.

Its good to see you too Bette. She whispered, not caring that the tears where now falling down her cheeks and her feelings of just how much, she too, had missed her were laid bare for her to see. Ive missed seeing you.

Bettes face lit up with hope.

Ive missed seeing you T. Bette assured her. And Ive missed not seeing Ellie.

You cant really miss someone you never knew about Bette. Tina repositioned the menu to avoid looking at her. She still felt a little hurt, even after all this time, that Bette was sleeping with Candace, when she was pregnant with Ellie and they were still together. And in all of this time they still hadnt spoke about Bettes infidelity. Bette felt awkward, and there was a momentary silence between them. Sorry, that was a throw back. Apologised Tina.

Bette reached her left arm over and took hold of Tinas hand, with her own and covered it with her right.

T. I know I screwed up on a tremendous scale and I know I made the wrong choices, and that I hurt you badly . . .
Bette. Tina interrupted.
Bette shook her head.
No, T, please let me finish, I need to say this. I never meant to hurt you Tina. It was never about you. I, never stopped loving you, not really, please believe that. It was just some sort of escape with Candace, escape from reality. I, had no responsibilities, when I, was with her, nothing seemed to matter. I could let her have all the control and take a back seat for once in my life, because it didnt matter, it wasnt real. I never loved her Tina. I know it sounds terrible, but I didnt feel anything when I was with her. I, think thats why I stayed with her so long .I needed a release from life for a while, and when I came to my senses, Id lost you. I just wished it had never happened and that Id trusted in you a bit more, to let myself fall apart. If I had, I would have known my daughter because we would still be together, so dont apologise T, I did this to myself.

Tina put the menu back on the table, and placed her hand on Bettes cheek and slowly leant forward and kissed her softly on the lips, taking Bette a little by surprise.

What was that for? Asked Bette, still a little shocked at Tinas behaviour, but smiling at her all the same. She could still feel her on her lips and it felt good. Shed forgotten, just how good it did feel.

Tina returned the smile, and looked softly in to Bettes eyes.

To say thank you. I needed to hear that from you. And just for the record, it wasnt only down to you, I had a part in our demise too, so dont go blaming just yourself, because there was two of us in our relationship. She picked the menu back up off the table and then said in a consoling voice. Can we forget about the past now and just get on with the future, I think weve wasted enough time already dont you?

Bette nodded and then shook her head.

You have way too much compassion for one person Tina Kennard. But I agree lets make a new start and forget what happened in the past, its the future that matters.

Great, because I am starving? Laughed Tina.

Just as Tina said that, Kit joined them at the table. Tina had her back to kit and she mistook her for Rachel as they had the same build and same colour hair.

So, Caesar salad? She asked Bette.

Bette grinned at the realisation that Kit had not noticed Tina, and had obviously thought it was Rachel she was having lunch with, she motioned with her eyes to Tina not to let on.

Yeah, gotta have it. She said trying desperately not to give the game away.

And for you? Kit asked Tina, arching her brows with attitude and not even looking at Tina, but looking at Bette.

Ill have the chicken salad, please Kit.

Kit didnt say anything, she didnt move. Instead she just stood there.

Tina looked amusingly over at Bette. Kit remained standing there.

Bette tried to stifle a laugh.

Kit, weve not got all day you know, Tina has to get home to Ellie.

Tina turned and looked up at kit, a smile radiating her whole features.

Hi Kit, its good to see you, you seem a little lost for words, its not like you? She laughed, getting to her feet and taking the stunned Kit in an embrace.

Kit took hold of Tinas shoulders and leaned back, staring in to Tinas face as if to make sure it really was her. Bette watched on, a smile firmly planted on her face, enjoying the feeling that the two women she loved most in the world were so happy to see one another again.

Oh my Lord, baby girl, when did you get here? She shot a look at Bette. And what you doin sneaking around Bette Porter and not telling your sister this lovely creature was coming here for lunch, and letting me think you were with that *****, Rachel? Kit said pulling Tina back in to a hug. Tina was a little bit curious of Kits remark, and wondered why she disliked Rachel so much.

Kit. Bette said sternly, raising her brow and glaring at Kit.

Okay, okay, sorry, baby girl, Ill learn to keep my big mouth shut. She said trying to sound apologetic. Bette knew she wasnt trying nearly hard enough, so she just dropped her shoulders and sighed heavily at her sister.

Hows life been treating you girl? Kit said to Tina. I sure have missed you over the years, and your looking damn fine, so I guess its been treating you pretty good, huh?

Lifes been good Kit, Yeah. Tina said, her face softening, and it had. In the ten years she had spent with Helena, she had been happy in her own way. Bette noticed the look on Tinas face and her heart sunk a little, at the reality of knowing that Tina was happy with someone other than herself. And Ive missed you too Kit, itd be good to get together and talk about old times, okay? She nodded. Do you think we could do that?

We sure can T, and well have to get the old gang together, Im sure theyll be thrilled to see you too. I know theyve missed you over the years, just like we have. Kit replied, nodding in Bettes direction.

Bette smiled at Tina.

Yeah T, Im sure when the guys know youre here, theyll be dying to get together with you.

Tina nodded, in agreement. She couldnt wait to see the guys also. She had missed their little get togethers over the years.

Well unfortunately I cant stand around here all day, even though theres nothing else Id rather do. I have work to do, and I better get you two your lunch or its gonna turn in to dinner. Kit kissed Tina on the cheek and hugged her one more time. Its been good seeing you T, see you soon, baby girl, dont be a stranger, you hear. She said, and turned and walked away.

Tina sat back down and shook her head at Bette and smiled.

She never changes does she? Tina said.

Who kit? Nah, shes still the same, out spoken as ever. But were really close now, to tell you the truth T, I dont know what I would have done with out her in my life, shes been my rock for a lot of years, since I lost you. Bette smiled ruefully.

Im glad shes been there for you Bette, and its good to know you two are so close. Tina nodded.

So T, tell me about Ellie. All I know is she loves cornflakes with lots of sugar and likes to watch old movies just like her mom. Oh and shed like to be an artist so she can dress up in fabulous gowns, as she put it. Bette laughed, and was lost for a moment in the thoughts of her delectable encounter with her daughter.

Well she certainly does like cornflakes. Tina laughed. So much so, I cant get her to eat anything else for breakfast, without her thinking I am feeding her poison. She said, remembering the performance she had, had trying to feed her pancakes. Bette laughed out loud. Oh you can laugh Bette Porter, shes as stubborn as you are when she sets her mind to it. Tina arched her eyebrows and Bette grinned. Shell be eleven years old on December 18th.

Thats the day before mine. Bette interrupted. That means you were nearly three months pregnant, before we . . .

Bette we agreed. Tina said sternly. No more looking back.

But T, Im so sorry Tina, if only Id not been so stupid. Bette looked remorsefully at Tina.

Tina just smiled at her and carried on talking.

She likes watching old movies, just like me, and dressing up, as you said, she likes to play chess, and she always beats me at it. Tina said sullenly. Just like you did. She said pouting at Bette. Shes the biggest drama queen you could ever meet Bette, oh and she now wants to be tight rope walker. Tina rolled her eyes. God only knows what shell want to be tomorrow.

Sounds like she has quite an imagination. Bette smiled, her heart bursting with anticipation at getting to know her daughter.

She certainly has that. Tina laughed back. And she reminds me so much of her other mom. She said softly.

Oh, she does? Bette looked sadly at Tina, thinking she meant Helena.

Tina noticed the sad look in Bettes eyes and realised Bette had thought she had meant Helena. She quickly put her hand on top of Bettes and leant towards her.

I meant you Bette, she reminds me so much of you, she grinned at Bette. She drives me insane sometimes, by being so much like you.

Bette Squeezed Tinas hand and couldnt help but grin back.

Thanks T, nice to know I use to drive you insane. She said mockingly, though at that very moment she was bursting with pride and no matter what Tina would have said it couldnt diminish the feeling of euphoria she was in at that moment in time.

Well its true. Tina teased. You did sometimes drive me insane.

I did? Bette whispered. Then she leant closer to Tina and placed her lips on hers and they shared a tender kiss, neither one wanting it to end. They were both caught up in the intense feelings they had once shared together, and unbeknown to each other, they still felt as passionately about the other as they had when they first met 18 years ago.

Tina was the first to break the bond between the two of them, and for a few moments they just looked in to each, others eyes, unable to put in to words what they had just shared, but their eyes said it all and gave them both away.

And then came the question Bette had been dreading to ask.

Do you still love her Tina?




TBC>>>>>>