Chapter 11

Tina continued to cry in her mothers arms. But her tears were more of relief than regret. When she finally calmed down she looked at her mother, Its too late mom. I messed up and now she hates me.

Its ok sweetie. Give her time.

Time? Its been almost a week. She hasnt called, and you would think that we work in two different places because I havent seen her all week.

Well Tina if I know you well enough and I do, I would say that that is partly your fault too. I mean you do know how to avoid a situation if youre not ready to handle it.

Tina looked at Hazel and sighed. She knew her mother was right. She probably wont talk to me.

Tina you will never know until you try. Maybe she is just as miserable as you are. I mean, if this relationship means that much to you, fight for it. Why do you have to be so stubborn?

But mom, she is the one.

Christina Marie Kennard, I am your mother and I say that you pick up the phone and call Bette, or do you want me to do it for you?

Ok, ok I will call her. Or I will just talk to her at work.

Sweetie that wont be such a good idea. The office isnt really such a good place to thrash things out with a partner.

Yeah.

Tina! Someone called Shane is on the phone to you! Her dad yelled.

I got it, thanks. Tina picked up the phone, and just then her mom excused herself. Shane? Is everything ok?

No. Its Bette. Ever since you two had that fight Saturday night shes been taking it out on me. I mean she is driving me crazy. I tell you if I hear another Barry Manilow song Tina started laughing, What is so funny? You wouldnt be laughing if you had to hear Cant Smile Without You over and over and over.

Im sorry.

Please take me out of this misery. Talk to her. Pleeeeeease?

I dont think she wants to talk Shane.

How do you know? Have you tried talking at all? I know she can be a jerk sometimes but

But what?

Shane sighed, She loves you Tina. A lot. She told me what happened and she hates herself for hurting you like that. And she is going to kill me if she finds out that I called you, but she is miserable without you. She thinks you hate her.

I dont hate her Shane. There was a long pause. Is she there?

Yeah, shes here.

Umm can I ummm talk to her please?

What, now?

Now is as good a time as any.

But she would know I called. The phone didnt ring.

Well dont you have call waiting?

Oh right right Shane put the phone down and headed for Bettes room, Bette? Tinas on the phone for you?

Bettes heart skipped a beat and her stomach did a somersault at the sound of her name. Tina?

Yeah.

Bette picked up the phone but waited untill Shane hung up. Tina. Hi.

Hi. Silence.

Im sorry I was such a jerk on Saturday. I should not have done what I did. I was hurt and angry and I wanted to hurt you. Im sorry. But its no excuse. Can you forgive me?

Bette, is it going to be like that every time we fight? You go off and be with someone else just to hurt me?

No, no. I I wasnt thinking. Im not that kind of person. Tina, I love you and I never had to hide who I am to be with someone, but if youre not ready I can wait. No one has to know until youre ready. That is if you still want to be with me. Silence again.

Can you come over?

When? Now?

Yes. I have some one Id like you to meet.

Who is it?

Youll see when you get here.

Bette didnt bother to question Tina about what she said to Jessica, she was just happy that she and Tina were talking again. Ok, Ill be there soon. Bette got herself ready and was heading out to Tinas.

Wherere you going? Shane asked before Bette could tell her.

Im going to Tinas, Ill be back in a few.

Ok, but wont makeup ***** last longer than a few. Bette gave Shane the look, Kidding.

Bette was almost out the door, when she turned back to Shane, Thanks.

For what?

For calling Tina.

Hey, I didnt

I know you did, because Tinas too stubborn to call on her own.

Yeah, well somebody had to do it.

Thanks, anyway

Welcome.

After Bette was out the door Shane shrugged, Hmmm adults. Thank God for teenagers.

Bette got to Tinas house within minutes. She was nervous at first but then realised that there was nothing to be nervous about. They were talking now and the fact that Tina asked her over must mean that she forgave her for what she did on Saturday. She got out of the car and before she could ring the bell Tina opened the door. Hey.

Hey.

Come, I want you to meet some people.

Ookkk. Bette had no idea what Tina had on mind or who she wanted her to meet. As far as she knew she met her family already so who else was there. Tina took her to the family room where her parents were sitting watching television.

Mom, dad, Id like you to meet Bette, my girlfriend. Tinas mom got up and hugged Bette. Her dad was still clueless. But we met her already.

I know but I never introduced her correctly before. Were dating, shes my girlfriend.

Oh. You mean, like..?

Yeah.

Oohhhh.

Tina knew that look in her fathers eyes, she swatted him, Daaad.

Hey, Im a guy. He said casually and turned back to the television. Her mom rolled her eyes, Forgive him.

Tina and Bette looked at each other and smiled. They didnt have to say anything to know what the other was thinking. Tina knew that the look in Bettes eyes meant that she wanted to be alone with her. Tina took Bette out to the back yard. They sat at the garden table in silence for a while before Tina said something, Im sorry too.

For what?

For not telling Jess the truth about us.

Its ok. Thats done, its in the past. Forget about it. She paused. I know how hard it is to be in the closet and want to be with someone, Ive been there. And I should have been more understanding. You are lucky that your parents still accept you for it.