Previously~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Bettes mind, at least she and Tina had each other. Together they could go out and fight the homophobia that threatened their lives and relationship. Leaning on each other for support and knowing that at the end of the day, they had each other and no obstacle was too big to keep them apart. Nothing was too threatening to keep them from loving each other and sharing their lives together. What Bette hadnt counted on was the internal threat to their union; Tinas own self-hate and internalized homophobia and fear. Bette felt as if she now had to fight two battles; one in her relationship and one outside her relationship. And not only that, but she was fighting both battles alone.

Though she could not understand the true depth of her emotions, Bette felt the anguish none-the-less. She was still hurting and she didnt want to make love. She just wanted to be held and hopefully feel the love in Tinas embrace. She wanted to be assured that the battles she was fighting were worth the strain on her mind and heart. However, the caramel beauty didnt yet have the capacity to verbalize feelings that she didnt fully comprehend. She just knew she needed Tinas embrace.

.

Bette could no longer speak, her emotions were getting the best of her and it was too hard to control her breathing and her voice. So, she did what she could. She took Tinas hand that was entwined with her own and kissed it gently before placing it over her beating heart.

Tina didnt know that Bette was aching, but she understood the gesture and soon the closeted blonde drifted off to sleep with the hurting caramel beauty crying softly in her arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Tina awoke the next morning, she felt a lot better than she had in a long time. Shed woken up a few minutes before her alarm was set to go off and couldnt resist the urge to spend those free minutes absorbing the touch and feel of Bette. Tina pulled Bette close to her and inhaled deeply, as if memorizing her lovers scent.

Good morning, T., she heard Bette whisper.

Good morning, babe., Tina replied.

Bette turned around so that she and Tina were facing each other. In the light of this new day, Bette looked into Tinas soft brown eyes and was struck with in an intense feeling of love for this beautiful woman. She caressed Tinas cheek with her hand and smiled. Bette loved Tina with a blind regard for her own pain and as she leaned in and kissed her lovers soft pink lips, Bette felt energized and ready to fight any battles that stood in their way.

Their sensual kiss was interrupted by the shrill beeping of Tinas bedside alarm clock. Breaking their kiss, she leaned over Bette and turned off the clock before slipping into her girlfriends embrace and burying her head in Bettes neck.

Tina held on tightly and Bette chuckled at her girlfriends antics. I dont want to leave you, baby., Tina mumbled.

Bette stroked Tinas hair as she held her close. I dont want you to leave me either. Ill miss you while were apart.

Were doing dinner tonight, right?, asked Tina.

Yep. Oh, T?, said Bette, remembering the plans shed made with Dana and feeling a little apprehensive about bringing up the subject of Sidney.

Yeah?

One of Sidneys roommates, Dana, is coming over this evening to work on some stuff for the dance marathon. Dana came to the meeting yesterday and volunteered her services. I invited her to dinner with us. I hope thats okay., said Bette.

Tina struggled to overcome the anxiety she felt at the mention of Sidneys name. Sidneys roommate? Is sheis she a *****?, asked Tina.

I dont know. Sidney just brought her up to me after the meeting and told me Dana wanted to help out. I think shes going to save us a lot of time with this fundraiser., said Bette.

Oh, okay. Bette?

Yeah, babe.

Tina raised up and looked into her lovers eyes. Thanks for telling me that. I look forward to meeting this Dana., said Tina with a smile.

Bette exhaled in relief that Tina was not upset with her. Well, Ill be looking forward to seeing you later., she said.

Tina kissed Bette softly before sliding out of bed and starting her day. As Bette watched Tina gather her things and walk away, she smiled to herself and looked forward to the evenings reunion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Tina made it back to their room that evening, Bette and Dana were sitting on the floor with papers sprawled out on the carpet in front of them.

Bette looked up and smiled at Tinas entrance. Hey ba-..I mean T”Tina., she stuttered. She didnt want to refer to Tina as baby in front of Dana and she didnt even know if T was okay. She was trying to be extra sensitive to Tinas needs.

Tina smiled nervously. Hey Bette. This must be Dana.

Tina sat her bag down on her bed and walked over to her girlfriend and their guest. Dana extended a hand to Tina. Im Dana Fairbanks. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too. How long have you and Bette been working?, asked Tina.

Dana and Bette looked at each other in confusion. I dont knowmaybe 2 hours or so., said Dana.

Wow. You guys are working hard. Dont let me disturb you. Just tell me when youre ready to go eat dinner., said Tina.

Bette smiled and winked at Tina before returning her attention to Dana. Forty minutes later, the three of them were sitting in the dining hall eating dinner when Bettes cell phone vibrated. She glanced at the caller id and said, *****. Its Melvin.

Tina sucked her teeth and grimaced in sympathy. Sorry, babe., she said. The words had just flowed from her lips and as she realized what she said, a soft pink hue began to float across her cheeks.

Bette was too occupied to respond and Dana wasnt moved in the least. She looked back and forth between the girlfriends and asked, Whos Melvin?

Bette was already moving away to answer the call and Tina responded, Her dad. Hes kind of a prick. Shell be on the phone for a while, so we might as well get comfortable.

Dana nodded in understanding. My dads a prick too. Both of my parents actually. Im terrified they might find out Im *****.

Tina raised her eyebrows, surprised at Danas straightforwardness. So, youre a *****?, she asked.

Dana chewed her lip and nodded. Yeah, I am. Ive been trying to deal with it. Sidney suggested I go to one of the ***** Alliance meetings.

Wow. So, do you have a girlfriend?, asked Tina.

Dana laughed, snorting as she did so. No. I wish. I wish I had a relationship like you and Bette have.

Tina nearly choked on her French fries. Me and Bette?

Yeah. Sidney told me you guys were a couple. Was I not supposed to know that?, asked Dana.

No, no. Its not thatI justI dont know. Tina didnt know why, but she felt as if she could really talk to this Dana Fairbanks. Dana seemed just as unsure and confused by everything as she did. Dana, can I tell you something? Please dont tell anyone I said this, okay?

A warm feeling surged through Dana. With Tinas request, she felt instantly accepted and befriended. Dana hardly felt accepted anywhere. This didnt happen to her very often. She smiled broadly as she replied, Yeah. I wont say anything.

Thanks. I just,sometimes its good to have someone to talk to about this. Bette is my girlfriend. Im just not out yet. Its been pretty difficult for me to deal with everything. I love Bette. But, if my parents find out, Im dead. Absolutely dead., said Tina.

I totally understand that. My parents are the uber Republicans of Orange County. I would totally be disowned. Totally.

Me too. My entire family is homophobic. They hate anything having to do with ***** and lesbians., said Tina.

It just doesnt seem fair. I mean, I didnt choose to feel the way I do. I didnt get a choice. I just happen to love women instead of men. Whats the big deal?, said Dana, throwing her hands up as she spoke.

I know. I was dating this guy when Bette and I first got together. Hed been my boyfriend for 4 years., said Tina.

Dana opened her brown eyes wide in surprise. No! Get out! You had a boyfriend for 4 years and boomin walks Bette.

Tina smiled. Exactly. I just couldnt get her out of my mind. I tried to be with him, Eric was his name. But I just fell in love with Bette. And that was that.

So, did you tell him about Bette?, asked Dana.

Absolutely not. I meanI know hed tell all my old friends from back homemy parents would find outand the drama would really be on. Funny thing ishe broke up with me.

No…thats crazy. This is not the easiest life to live. I can totally relate to what you are saying., said Dana.

So, how many women have you dated?, asked Tina.

Dana tilted her head and her eyes roamed around as if she were in deep thought. She started counting out on her fingers and Tina smiled at Danas mental calculations. Lets see, if I count my counselor from tennis camp 2 years ago..that leavesummm.ONE!, said Dana with a smile.

Wow. Thats just oh so many Ms. Fairbanks. How do you do it?, asked Tina.

Dana grinned and chuckled. Were not all ***** diva magnets capable of attracting the most beautiful lesbians within a 200 mile radius.

Tina smiled. Yeah, its really a talent. I dont know where it comes from. So, tell me about this time at tennis camp.

Dana divulged the story of her ill-fated love affair with a young woman shed only refer to as Ralph. The two had met and fallen in love at tennis camp. Ralph had written a letter home to her best friend, telling her about her new girlfriend. Ralphs best friend had promptly sold her out and the next thing Dana knew, Ralph was being dragged out of tennis camp by her parents.

Tina and Dana discussed the pains and struggles of being young, *****, and from conservative home environments. They formed a friendship based on mutual understanding and common ground as Bette endured Melvins interrogation outside in the hallway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bette was pacing nervously back and forth as she heard Melvins stern words.

Bette, I want you to explain to me why I am reading a document which states that you were detained by University Police for fighting. I want to understand how it is that I am just now learning of this incident. I want you tell me just why you failed to mention it to me., he barked.

Oh, *****! I forgot all about that!, thought Bette.

Daddy, Im sorry I forgot to tell you. Things got really busy and then you were gone for business. It just slipped my mind. I apologize for failing to inform you., said Bette.

Melvin continued on. I dont understand how the daughter I raised in the right neighborhoods, in the right schools, in the proper environment, ends up being detained for fighting. You are above this, Bette.

I know. Im sorry. I wasnt thinking clearly. Im sorry, Dad., she just wanted to say whatever words would calm him down and allow her to get off the phone.

What was the nature of this altercation? Why were you fighting?, asked Melvin.

Suddenly Bette was tongue tied. I..uh.it.., she stuttered.

Elizabeth Marie Porter.that is not an answer. Why were you fighting?, Melvin bellowed.

Bette continued to stutter. I..weuh., she mumbled. Think!..Think!…..Think!, she thought.

Finally, she blurted out, Love.

Bette smacked her forehead with her hand. *****! Why did I say that? Thats the best I could come up with? Love? Oh my God, hes going to kill me.

Love? You were fighting about love?, asked Melvin, the incredulity of this circumstance sounding in his deep voice.

Bette tried her best to think her way through and carefully craft a believable lie. She wasnt good at lying. She wasnt good at it all. Well.we were fighting.about.this guy.and, she began.

Elizabeth Porter. Am I to understand that you lost your composure and had to be detained by University Police for fighting about a young man? This does not make sense to me., said Melvin.

Daddythis girl was arguing with me about.my.boyfriend.and she attacked me. I was just defending myself.

Defending yourself? Why are you placing yourself in these types of situations to begin with? I have raised you better than this. Fighting in the streets like gutter trash., said Melvin.

Im sorry Daddy. I know I messed up., said Bette.

Who is this young man?

Um..his name?, asked Bette.

Yes. His name. Who is this young man that my daughter is supposed to love? Who is this young man for whom my daughter fights like a heathen? Why havent I heard anything about him before?, asked Melvin.

And having no other name come to mind, Bette said, His name is..uh, Damon.Damon Lawrence.

Where is he from?

Chicago., said Bette.

What is he studying?, asked Melvin.

Umm..hes.pre-law., Bette answered.

Hmmmmph. I am very disappointed in you Bette. In the future, you would be well advised to inform me of things like this. It does no good to keep things from me. Are we understood?

Yes, Daddy. I completely understand. It wont happen again., said Bette, hoping Melvin would be appeased.

Very well then. How are your studies coming? I expect another straight A grade report. You are capable of being the best and I expect no less from you., said Melvin.

I understand, Dad. I am still doing well. I promise, you wont be disappointed.

Melvin continued to interrogate Bette about her life and recent behaviors for the next 15 minutes. Whether it was her study habits, student activities, failure to attend church, choice of meals, or Cancun-based spring break plans, she was wrong and Melvin had to lecture her on what was right. As was her method of coping with this type of merciless dictatorial parenting, Bette agreed with every point her father uttered and prayed the conversation would soon end.

When the torture was finally over, Bette exhaled and walked swiftly back to her dinner table. As she approached, Tina and Dana were laughing and talking and the sight of her loves brilliant smile brought a smile to Bettes lips.

Im glad you guys are getting along., said Bette as she sat down.

Oh, babe. Dana is a riot. Were really going to have to get together and hang out., said Tina.

Babe? Shes calling me babe? This is interesting., thought Bette.

The three young women wrapped up their conversation and dinner before gathering their things and heading out of the dining hall. Dana parted ways with Tina and Bette in the lobby of the dorm before the girlfriends headed back up to their room.

As Tina opened their room door, she asked Bette, So, how did it go with Melvin?.

Bette rolled her eyes and exhaled. Tina.there are no words to describe the depths of despair I experienced during that phone call. He found out about my little time in cell block E that night I got into with Sidney.

Oh my God. I bet he was pretty pissed, huh?, asked Tina.

Bette nodded. You are correct. I made up this story that I was fighting because Sidney was talking smack to me about myget this.BOYFRIEND.Damon Lawrence.

Tina couldnt stop the laughs that slipped from her mouth. No, you didnt. I cant believe you told him that.

Bette kicked off her shoes, sat down on her bed, and gave Tina her best pouty face. I really did, T. My back was against the wall. Its all I could come up with.

Tina smiled at her lover and walked over and stood before Bette. Awww..do you want me to kiss you and make it all better?

Bettes eyes shined as she smiled up at Tina. Would you do that for me, T? It would really make my day.

Tina moved closer, her legs straddling Bettes legs. Would it really?

Bette nodded eagerly.

Well, anything for my baby., said Tina, moving to straddle Bette as she pushed her girlfriend back onto the bed. Tina leaned down and kissed Bette, sliding her tongue across her lovers lips. Their tongues danced, teasing each other, as Bette reached up, rubbing her hands along Tinas smooth curves.

When Bette grazed Tinas center, the beautiful blonde moaned and Bette was suddenly filled with intense desire. Bette pulled back from their kiss, her body now depleted of oxygen. The caramel beauty reached for the zipper of Tinas jeans and smiled broadly. It was going to be a wonderful night.


TBC (To Be Continued)