Bette managed to catch up with Tina in the car park.

Dont do this to me. Not again. Tina, please stop running away! Bette grabbed her arm in desperation.

We agreed, Bette. We agreed to just be friends. But youve gone and done it again! Tina spun round to face her.

For ***** sake Tina, youve got to stop pretending and face the truth. You kissed me back!

I was confused. You make me confused!

Im sorry Bettes voice softened T, I cant hide how I feel anymore. And you shouldnt either

I dont know how I feel! Tina yelled.

Listen to me, because like it or not you owe it to me to hear me out Bette put her hands on Tinas shoulders and looked into her eyes.

Please Tina whimpered.

The words of that song. It might be cheesy and manufactured, but they still meant something

Like what? Tina whispered.

I wish I could turn back time. I wish I could have told you earlier how I felt instead of scaring you away by kissing you

Is that all?

Everything I do is for you. T, I cant stop thinking about you. Everything relates back to you. All I want to do is make you happy

Dont Bette Tinas voice trailed off.

So in the words of those masterful songwriters, quit playing games with my heart, Tina. Be straight with me for once Bette winced at her choice of phrase.

I am straight, Bette Tina forced a smile.

If you truly believe that then explain why youve now kissed me back twice

Im scared, Bette. This is all new to me. Please dont scare me even more and with that Tina left.

*****, thought Bette, this woman is hard work. She feels the same but just wont admit it. Maybe shes scared that Im just going to use her. Well Ill show her Im not.

*************************************************************************************

The next day Tina sat in her office with a bouquet of flowers that Bette had sent her on the desk in front of her. She held the accompanying letter in her hand.

T,
If you want to run, let me go with you
If you want to talk, let me listen
If you dont want to speak, let me sit in silence with you
If you want to cry, let me hold you
Please dont be scared because I would never do anything to hurt you. Dont close your mind to what could make you truly happy.
Bette x

Shed read it a thousand times and still didnt know what she was going to do. She was touched by how genuine and heartfelt it was. But what was supposed to happen now? The fact that she was so affected by Bette and her words showed her that she had to stop running. She had to face her feelings. And that meant facing Bette.

*****************************************************************************************

Bettes doorbell rang. She was slightly surprised as she wasnt expecting company, but she opened the door to find a tearstained Tina standing before her.

Tina, whats wrong?

Can I come in? Tina asked meekly.

Of course you can Bette ushered her in and to a seat on the sofa how did you find me?

Youre not as elusive as youd like to think, Ms Porter Tina managed half a smile.

Talk to me T, tell me whats happened

You know, no-ones ever called me T before. I think I like it

Theres a lot thats never happened to you before that youre gonna like she saw Tina blushing Im sorry I shouldnt have said that. Its from that first note you wrote me, I guess it kinda stuck. So whats wrong?

I dont know if Ive done the right thing

What have you done?

I broke up with Eric. Not because of you she added hastily but because of what you said. You told me to face the truth and I have – I can never be truly happy with Eric

Why not? Bette whispered, trying not to smile.

Im attracted to a woman more than Ive ever been attracted to him. The fire, the lust, the want, the need for intimacy, it just wasnt there

Please, I need you to tell me how you feel

Ive been lying to him and lying to myself. In my heart Ive been unfaithful and I couldnt live with that

Please say its with me

You know it is. Bette, when you touched me it was like my skin was on fire. You eyes just make me wanna fall into them. And your kiss she looked away.

What about it? Bette breathed.

It makes me wanna do this

Tina looked into Bettes eyes longingly, and pulled her into a long kiss. She ran her hands through Bettes hair, her fingers scrunching the curls. Teasing Bettes tongue with her own, she heard herself let out a small moan.