She rolled over, picked up the phone, and dialled the number. The phone rang six times before the answering machine kicked in. A voice she knew better than her own said ;
Im sorry, Bette Porter and Tina Kennard cannot take your call right now, but if you would like to leave a message, please do so after the beep.
She closed her eyes.
She hasnt even bothered to change the greeting. She thought. She took a deep breath, and with a little trepidation, deftly left a message. She hadnt left the message for Bette because she didnt want Bette to worry. No. She had left the message because Tina thought it was only courteous to inform Bette, that she was no longer in LA, and that she neednt bother trying to find her, because their relationship was over.

Tina slowly made her way through to the kitchen, and sat down at one of the bar stools under the counter.

So, did you do it? Did you call her?
The blonde woman asked, approaching Tina, whilst taking her hands and putting them in her own.
Did you speak to Bette, T? She softly ran her fingertips across Tinas cheek, and wiped away the tears that were now falling.
Come on Tina, everything will work out fine. She pulled Tina in to a hug.
Dont cry T, or youll set me off too.
She smiled, and looked in to Tinas eyes, hoping to find something, that would tell her that she was at least giving her a little bit of reassurance.

Tina smiled warmly, and squeezed the other womans hands.
Tinas voice faltered.
I left a message, Bettes probably at work. Its for the best anyway. I dont think I could have told her if she had answered the phone.
She reached up and started to wipe away her tears that were once again forming in her eyes.

T, are you sure about this? Are you sure this is what you really want?
The woman said, a look of concern flashing in her eyes.
Because you can still fix this.

Tina withdrew her hold on her sisters hands and pulled away from her.
Trish Weve been through this. Her voice held a kind of weariness, a defeatist tone to it.
This is what I want, I cant do it anymore Trish, I cant fight for something that just isnt there. Ive felt this for a long time. It just isnt there anymore and Im sick and tired of pretending that it is.