Tina Chapter 5

When Tina told Chris the CAC was available he was ecstatic. Although Tina was happy to have helped, she knew seeing Bette everyday for an entire week and possibly longer was going to be difficult. Since their meeting, Tina had Bette on her mind. Bette looked so thin, her face drawn and tired.

Monday morning and instead of the office, Tina was going to the CAC. Tina was determined to watch over everything that was happening. She wouldnt tolerate any mess-ups at Bettes gallery. She wanted to stay true to her word that the filming would not be trouble for Bette or the CAC.

The morning went well. The crew spent their time setting up and getting ready for the shoot. Tina was involved with some of the logistical issues and spent her morning on her cell phone. She had not seen Bette, but if Bette did happen to walk by Tina may have missed her. Its been a busy morning.

Bette sat in her office, every now and then hearing the commotion. She knew Tina was around and she wanted to look for her, but she needed a reason and right now Bette couldnt think of one. Lunch. She would ask Tina to lunch.

Bette walked out of her office to watch the action the film crew brought to the gallery. People were scuffling about everywhere and she watched with mild interest. James had the day off and other than this unexpected commotion; the gallery would have been quiet today.

Walking down the hall, Bette saw the set where they were preparing to shoot. She immediately recognized Tina, that blonde hair always easy to spot. Bette stepped back out of view a bit to watch. Tina was on her cell phone, talking somewhat feverishly to someone on the other line about what seemed to be a problem. She doesnt look too happy, Bette thought, smiling, watching Tina waving her arm and speaking loudly into the phone. Tina was in charge here, that was easy to see and Bette loved watching it.

Tina was getting more upset as her phone conversation went along. Bette was thinking of approaching her to see what was the matter, when she saw a woman come up to Tina. The woman, a brunette with a ponytail, came up and slid her arm around Tinas shoulder. She whispered into Tinas ear, gently rubbing her back. She was way to close to Tina for Bettes comfort and it was clear Tina knew this woman.

Bette continue to watch the brunette seeming to soothe and calm Tina. Tina had hung up the phone and now the woman was standing close to Tina, holding her hand, speaking softly to her. The woman moved her lips close to Tinas ear and Tina smiled. Bette felt as though she had been hit in the stomach with a bat. She quickly returned to her office where she immediately dialed her phone.

Alice, what the ***** is going on with Tina and the brunette with the pony tail?

Bette? Is this you? Alice answered, slightly confused at Bettes rambling.

Of course this is me Alice. I need to know what is going on with Tina. Who is this woman with brown hair in a ponytail? Who is she Alice? I know you know.

Alice was somewhat scared. It was obvious Bette had seen something, but it really isnt her place to fill Bette in on Tinas life.

Bette. It really isnt my place to talk about this stuff. Tina is my roommate and I am not a spy.

Alice. I need to know. Is she dating her? Bette sounded desperate and Alices heart was breaking for her.

Yes Bette. Yes. Tina is dating Lauren, Alice sighed, knowing she was stepping in a place she didnt belong.

Lauren? Bettes voice was borderline hysterical. Is that her name? Lauren?

Yes, Bette. That is her name.

Oh *****, Bette hissed. How long Alice? How long has this been going on? Bette continued her relentless questioning.

A month. Maybe a bit more. Bette, this is really for Tina to tell you, Alice sounded nervous.

Alice, I need you to tell me if you know and I know you probably do. Is she, Bettes voice cracked, Is she sleeping with her?

Oh God Bette. I dont know.

Bullshit Alice. You answer me. Bette was working herself into a frenzy.

Bette I cant be totally sure. I mean, I dont follow them around, but Lauren has never spent the night here, Alice couldnt help but tell Bette. Bette sounded as if she was breaking apart.

What about at her house? I mean, has Tina not come home? Bette asked, her voice sounding small and frail.

Alice sighed into the phone, Bette, not that I know of. She has always been here in the morning when I get up. Bette, sweetie, please. All this information is for Tina to tell you. I cant Bette please. Dont put me in between.

The line remained silent and Alice wondered if Bette had hung up.

Bette? Are you still there?

Yeah, I am here Alice.

Bettes voice was now softer and filled with sadness. She sounded somewhat defeated.

Look Bette, the thing with Lauren and Tina. I dont know what it is. Tina talks about it a bit, but I am not sure how serious she is or isnt. Tina just says she has fun with Lauren, you know, just hanging out. I dont know sweetie. I really dont

Thanks Alice, Bettes voice sounded broken.

Bette. I am sorry about Tina, I mean, about having to be the one to tell you. Remember, I dont know the whole story sweetie. I am sure she is just lonely, so she hanging out with Lauren. I dont know. I m sorry Bette

Thanks Alice. Thanks for talking to me, Bette hung up the phone, feeling a sense of shock as she sat at her desk unable to move. Tina is moving on. Moving further away from me.

Bette struggled to gather her composure to leave the office without causing a scene. She splashed her face with cold water, dried herself and applied a bit of makeup. She needed to leave now.

Bette walked out of the CAC unnoticed. Getting in her car, there was only one place for her to go. She was falling apart.

Bette rang Kits doorbell and prayed she was home. Leaning against the door she almost fell into the apartment when Kit opened the door. Catching her little sister, Kit was shocked and surprised by the condition of Bette.

Whats wrong baby sister? Hey? Are you ok?

Kit helped Bette into the apartment and sat her down on the couch. Kit sat next to Bette, unable to understand Bettes ramblings through her sobs.

Bette, baby please. Calm down. I cant understand what you are saying. Take a deep breath and calm down. Kit held Bette until she felt her beginning to relax a bit. Kit was very concerned that something horrible has happened.

Im losing her Kit, if Ive havent lost her already, Bette chocked out the words between her sobs.

What happened Bette? What happened? Kit asked, a sense of urgency filled her voice.

She is dating someone else Kit. Lauren. Her name is Lauren, Bette groaned, looking as if she were in pain. I just cant believe it. I mean, I always thought we would get back together. I know she needed some time alone, but I never expected Tina to date someone else. Bette was beginning to cry again as Kit held her, gently rocking her until the crying began to subside.

Look baby girl. Tina is coping the way she knows how. She is trying to get her life back together. You have no idea what is going on between her and this Lauren. I mean, she could be a distraction, a friend, someone just to hang out and forget with. You have no idea. You cant jump to conclusions.

I saw them Kit. She was practically draping herself all over Tina; rubbing her back, whispering in her ear. She is more than someone to hang out with. That is for sure, Bette voice cracked explaining Lauren to Kit, tears slowly running down her face.

Look Bette. What do you really want? I mean lets get real. What the ***** were you expecting? Honestly, you tell me, Kit looked at Bette, waiting for an answer.

Im not really sure Kit. I .I mean, I know I fucked up. I just never thought Id lose her. I mean, Kit, it wasnt about Tina. It really wasnt. It had nothing to do with her

Kit sat back on the sofa, an incredulous look on her face.

Youre kidding right? I mean, Bette do you hear yourself? How can you say it wasnt about her? The way you are talking it sounds as if you are surprised Tina got upset at all! Kit began to raise her voice, clearly becoming upset with Bette.

Bette looked at Kit, sensing Kit was getting upset with her, and started to become angry. You know Kit, forget about it. Forget I came by, Bette stood up to leave.

Oh ***** no, Kit jumped off the couch and headed after Bette. She grabbed Bette by the arm and forcefully led her into the bathroom. Your are not leaving here. No more running. Ive had enough of this *****.

Kit took Bette into the bathroom and stood her in front of the mirror. Who are you Bette? Look at yourself and answer me that? What is your reality and why is it so different from everyone elses? Kits voice was rising and she was becoming upset with Bettes refusal to see things differently than the way she wanted them to be.

Really Bette, who are you? Do you even know? Kit forced Bette to look at herself in the mirror. What were you trying to do with the affair? How can you say it wasnt about Tina, Bette? How can you not expect her to react the way she did? Look at yourself Bette. Can you tell me who you are?

Bette began to sob, listening to Kit and realizing she had no real answers.

Youve got to stop doing this Bette. You have to learn to look outside yourself. Your actions affect others Bette. Can you see that now? Did it take this affair to open your eyes? Kit was not going to stop. She wanted everything to come out, no matter how hard Bette was crying.

Can you share yourself Bette? Have you shared yourself? With Tina? Was she really inside? Did you let her in? Dont ever say it was never about Tina, Bette. It was all about Tina. What goes on with you needs to be about Tina too. If it wasnt, then there is your problem.

Look at the way it is with Dad, Bette. You refuse to see him any other way than your ideal. Your fantasy. Look at the way he reacted to Tina and your baby. Yet, you still wouldnt accept the reality. You need to open up Bette. Share yourself and your feelings. Know yourself and be willing to let others in Bette. We know you are human Bette, Kits voice was softening and she now was holding Bette. We all know you are strong baby girl, but we also know you are human. Let people in Bette, it doesnt make you weak. It makes you real.

Bette knew what Kit was saying was the truth. She felt devastated inside. Empty and lost.

Kit led Bette out of the bathroom and sat her back on the couch, drawing Bette close to her and holding her for a long while.

Its ok baby girl, everything will be ok. You can start healing now. Kit soothed Bette, stroking her hair and holding her gently.

What about Tina, Kit? Bettes eyes were filled with sadness and desperation. I need her Kit. I love her

I know you do. Work to get her back baby girl. You need to start now, with yourself. No waiting for her to come back to you. You fucked up; you need to change, so work at it. Bette, call someone. Today. See a therapist where you can explore these issues and begin to resolve them. And then, go get Tina.

Bette sighed and leaned back against the couch. She was so very tired. Exhausted. I need her back Kit.

When you are ready, go and get her Bette. I dont care who she is dating. Lauren, Shauren. She could be dating Mother Nature herself, because baby girl, lets face it. Kit titled Bettes face to face hers and looked into her eyes. No woman resists Bette Porter. Especially Ms. Tina Kennard.

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Tina Chapter 5

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