Chapter 2

Tina closed her eyes and tried to totally melt into Bette’s arms. Her brain flashed pictures of she and Bette in a much happier time. Then Bette and Candace. Eric’s gentle hand and then his brute fist. Tina’s mother cradling her as a baby and the walking away when only a few years had passed. Her life had been a consistent battle; trying to make some people stay and others leave. She couldn’t comprehend why her life had been one long tailspin downward. She loved Bette and she knew she always would. If things were going to work out, they wouldn’t do it on their own. It would take work on both parts.

Tina: I should go now.

Bette: Hmm?

Bette’s eyes were closed and her body relaxed with Tina in her arms. Tina turned to face her.

Tina: I’m gonna go. It’s getting late.

Bette wanted to protest. She wanted to remind Tina that is home! She didn’t have to leave. Bette’s heart fought long and hard with her brain.

Bette: OK. I’ll walk you out.

Tina was taken back by the fact that Bette didn’t fight her.

Bette helped Tina up and walked her inside.

Bette: I had a really nice time tonight Tee.

Tina: Me too. Everything was perfect.

Bette: Are you going to let me kiss you goodnight?

Tina: I was thinking about it.

Tina’s smile was ***** and seductive and Bette wanted to take full advantage. She leaned in to Tina’s face and kissed her gently on her cheek.

Tina blushed.

Tina: I wasn’t expecting that.

Bette: Well, Tee, I’m trying to be a whole new Bette. One that you can fall in love with all over again. I want to do this right. I will happily obey your wishes to take it slow. I have another little surprise.

Tina: Ohhh, what?

Bette giggled.

Bette: I did something totally out of character yesterday.

Tina: What’s that?

Bette: I went to therapy! Are you proud of me or what?

Tina: Foxworthy?

Bette: NO, I never liked him, you knew that. A woman therapist this time. I like her.

Tina: wow. I am impressed Bette Porter.

Bette: Me too actually. I am hoping to just work things out in my head. Make me a better person, not just for you but for me too.

Tina: I’ve been juggling the idea around of going back to Foxworthy. I don’t know though.

Bette: You know it’s not like me to say this, but it couldn’t hurt. Sometimes we all need an outside party to vent to. They can see us more clearly then we see ourselves.

Tina: I’m going to think it through a little more, but I’ll probably go back.

Bette: Good.

Tina: Good.

Bette: So when can I see you again?

Tina: I don’t know Bette. Things are crazy at work for both of us right now.

Bette: I’ll make time. You tell me when is good for you.

Tina took a deep breath. She didn’t want to do this. Not tonight, but she had no choice.

Tina: Bette, I am sure you remember our agreement.

Bette: Of course I do.

Bette’s eye’s were becoming filled with concern. It sounded like Tina was setting her up for a fall.

Tina: I am going on a date this weekend.

Bette: What?!

Tina: Bette, please don’t be mad. We agreed on this.

Bette calmed herself right away.

Bette: No, you’re right. You’re right.

Tina: Is this going to be ok? I mean, you CAN hande this right?

Bette: Of course. ( Bette lied) Anyone I know?

Tina shot her a look.

Bette: *****, I’m sorry. None of my business. I know. I’m sorry Tee.

Tina: It’s ok Bette. And yes. That girl Kate, from MILK the other night.

Bette remembered the red head right away. She also remembered Tina getting in the car with her and taking off.
She had wondered if they slept together. She was sure they did. It made Bette green with envy. She tried to hide it as best she could from Tina.

Tina saw the hurt in Bette’s eyes. She felt awful for causing it, but this was the agreement. Tina knew she could probably be perfectly happy with Bette for the rest of her life, but after what happened she needed to make 100% sure. That was Kate’s job and Kate didn’t mind. She wasn’t looking anything serious anyway which she had made quite clear to Tina.

Bette: Oh, right Kate. OK, well good for you then.

Betted feigned a smile.

Tina: What about you? Any hot ladies on the agenda for the weekend?

Bette: Maybe. You never know.

Tina knew Bette was lying, she could sense it. But part of her twinged with a little jealously at the thought.

Tina: Anyway, I ought to be going. I’ll call you ok?

Bette: That’s what they all say!

Bette and Tina laughed at Bette’s attempt top break the awkwardness. Tina kissed Bette on the cheek and hurried out to her car. Bette watched as Tina pulled away. Bette closed the door and rested her head against the cold wood. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take.