Tina settled when she heard that – maybe Bette did feel the same way. Maybe she was just as scared. With a sigh, Tina laid on her back, too.

“What do you want to do?” Bette whispered, having little strength to ask the question. She was terrified to hear the answer. Had Tina had enough? Was she too exhausted to keep trying to fight the complications? Had Phyllis’s chat scared her off?

There was silence for a few moments, and then Tina’s voice. “I can’t believe what I said to you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. You have enough to worry about.”

“No no, hey … you’re allowed to be upset, too. I don’t expect you to be perfect, Tina … oh, don’t cry.” All she wanted was to fly over and wrap her arms around the sniffling blond. She wanted to hold her more than ever. “Please … tell me what I can do …?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Can you meet me somewhere? I know you’re in no condition to drive, but I can’t be seen on campus with you after what happened with Phyllis today … can you drive off for a few minutes, and I’ll meet you somewhere?”

Tina was still crying, but she tried her best to answer. “Okay.”

They arranged for a spot where Bette drove up to fifteen minutes later, spotting Tina’s car. Was Tina still crying with her head on the wheel? Oh my god … look at her. I’m so fucking awful at this. She got out of her car, knocked on Tina’s window, and then stared down into those red, puffy eyes. With a little smile, she opened Tina’s door and leaned down to pull her out of the car. “Hey, baby. Come here.”

Tina felt like it was her falling apart for once, and she hated it. Oh god … is this how she always feels? I hope she doesn’t think I’m being ridiculous. She stepped into Bette’s arms and breathed into her shoulder. It hurt to be so deeply upset.

The street they parked on was a residential street, but it seemed entirely abandoned. It was quiet.

“It’s okay,” Bette whispered, holding Tina as tightly as she could. She never wanted to let go, never wanted to see Tina hurt. She felt the tears on her shoulder, and all she could do was be strong for Tina – like Tina had done for her so many times. And that was when she realized she wasn’t used to that – being shown such weakness. “I’m here … it’s okay.” My baby … I’m so sorry … did I do this? Have I really been there for you like I should? … My poor girl.

“I love you,” Tina whimpered quietly, moving both arms over Bette’s shoulders to hold her back. She was glad for the support, realizing that she didn’t need to be strong all the time. She didn’t need to take it all on by herself; Bette could stand on her own two feet.

“I love you too,” she whispered back, just holding Tina. She never wanted to let her go. “It’s okay … you can cry.”

And so, quietly, Tina did.