Bette untied her gown at her neck and reached over grabbing a towel off the rack. She leaned forward in the chair exposing her back to the door where Tina had walked in to check on her to start her rounds. She couldn’t help but stare at Bette’s beautiful back which she had seen while they were swimming or changing clothes. Not paying attention to anything else she didn’t notice Suzette walk in the room.

”Oh? Dr. Lawson? I didn’t expect you this soon.” Suzette said startling Tina

Bette looked in the mirror and screamed in pain when she saw Tina and tried to turn around.

Tina quickly rushed to her side

”Bette? Bette?. Are you ok?” Tina asked as she put a hand on Bette’s right arm and knelt in front of the wheelchair staring into the beautiful dark orbs she loved for so long.

Bette felt paralyzed. She couldn’t speak or move but could only stare at the woman she thought she would never see again. So many emotions overcame her one right after the other. Love, Anger, Hurt, Sadness, Hope, Longing, Emptiness. When the barrage of emotions cycled through her she could only think of three words to say.

”You didn’t show” Bette said tearfully

Tina felt tears threatening to fall and looked at Suzette.

”Could you give us a minute Suzette” Tina asked as Suzette nodded and left out of the room.

”Bette? I couldn’t meet you that day because I went into labor and delivered my son” Tina said as Bette pulled her arm away from Tina’s hand.

”Your son?. So you didn’t wait for me?. God! I am such a fucking fool! Get out!” Bette ordered.

”Bette!  I am not going until you hear what I have to say. And in the position you are in, I don’t think you can do much about it” Tina said rather harshly not meaning to sound that way

”Rub it in why don’t you. I would slap you right now if I could” Bette said raising her hand and swinging it in the air at Tina. ”There. I didn’t make contact with your face but I feel better.” Bette said seriously.

Tina giggled and laughed.

”You think that’s funny” Bette said and broke out into a small smile..”Tina! Damn it. Why did you promise me? I took it seriously. I took us seriously” Bette said sadly as she wiped her eyes with her arm. ”Ughh! And I need a bath before I start attracting flys”

Tina giggled as she watched Bette scrunch her face as she smelled herself.

”Bette?  I did take us seriously. I got drunk one night and had sex with my best friend Philip. It was a one night fuck up and I got pregnant and that’s why I couldn’t meet you. I’m so sorry. I have so much to say to you but I don’t have time right now. Can we talk later please?” Tina asked looking at her watch

”You know I’m married right?. Tina? I love Vic. I really do. God Tina. If I had known I would have waited. How was I supposed to know. I had no way of getting in touch with you” Bette said sadly. ”And you are married Dr. Lawson” Bette added.

”Divorced. I’ll explain later if you’ll let me. And yes I know you are married. I lost my chance to be with you but I need you in my life Bette. I have missed you terribly. Can we at least be friends?” Tina asked hopeful

”Tina? That’s all we ever were and all we ever will be” Bette said disappointedly

”In my heart we were never just friends Bette. But I understand. I’ll go and get Suzette back in here. And Bette? I am so glad to see you. I didn’t think I would ever get to see your beautiful face again” Tina said stroking Bette’s cheek with her finger then walked out

Bette leaned back in the wheelchair and touched the spot on her cheek where Tina’s finger had just been.

”Fuck” She whispered as a tear rolled down the same cheek.