i am walking
out in the rain
and i am listening to the low moan
of the dial tone again
and i am getting
nowhere with you
and i can’t let it go
and i can’t get through…
the old woman behind the pink curtains
and the closed door
on the first floor
she’s listening through the air shaft
to see how long our swan song can last
and both hands
now use both hands
oh, no don’t close your eyes
i am writing
graffiti on your body
i am drawing the story of
how hard we tried
i am watching your chest rise and fall
like the tides of my life,
and the rest of it all
and your bones have been my bedframe
and your flesh has been my pillow
i am waiting for sleep
to offer up the deed
with both hands
in each other’s shadows we grew less and less tall
and eventually our theories couldn’t explain it all
and i’m recording our history now on the bedroom wall
and when we leave the landlord will come
and paint over it all
and i am walking
out in the rain
and i am listening to the low moan of the dial tone again
and i am getting nowhere with you
and i can’t let it go
and i can’t get through
so now use both hands
please use both hands
oh, no don’t close your eyes
i am writing graffiti on your body
i am drawing the story of how hard we tried
hard we tried
how hard we tried

Bette shuddered at the thought and practically melted in Tinas arms when she came out of the doors to Bette. Later that night it was Bette who had to take care of Tina.who was crying endlessly. She wouldnt let go of Bette, convinced that if she did Bette would get hit by a car or disappear. Tina gulped and wanted to make dinner but Bette wouldnt let her. Instead Bette made hot broth and fed Tina with an arm around her and little kisses on Ts forehead. Bette felt strong, she had dealt with the repercussions and even though nothing would quite be the same Bette could at least walk without those shadows in the back of her mind. As if Tina knew this she grabbed onto Bette like if she did, strength would flow into Ts body. It took a long time but eventually Bette got Tina to sleep.

The evening after taking the stand Bette came home from work. The day had been a long one and she looked forward to nothing more than crawling into bed with Tina. Instead when Bette opened the door roses greeted her, literally. Petals of red were scattered all over the floor which was clean spick and span. Candles were placed on the shelves and tablewith Tina sitting on the sofa with a shy smile. Bette dropped her bags and slowly walked around then she sat opposite Tina and opened her mouthclosingopeningand then closing not knowing what to say. Tina got up and walked over to Bette kneeling she took Bettes hands in hers and kissed each palm each finger. Taking out something in her pocket Tina looked into Bettes eyes and spoke..Bette baby, I want to spend the rest of life with you, I want to care for you, I want to love your body, I want to love you.you are the most intelligent fiery woman Ive ever metyou love me but I love you moreI dont need anybody but youyou complete me. Bette was stunned, the simplicity of what T said hit her and Bette choked but tearsTina took her left hand and slowly put on a new silver ring on Bettes finger. Bette I want to have new rings because we are starting a new beginningwe will keep the old ones to remind us of the blood and tears it took to get to this point..Bette didnt bother choking them back and now the tears flowed freely. Tina spoke againwhen you werehurtit was like a freight train hit methe force of my love for you hurt so much. Bette took Tinas shoulders and pulled her closer, she kissed Tina all over her hair face and neck.she couldnt speak. It felt like her heart would explode, this had always been a fault of Bette’sshe felt too much. Tina took Bettes hand and they went outside to watch the sun set from the stairs. Bette felt her ring, it was beautiful, it was what was meant to be, it was there and would never ever leave again. Taking Tina in her arms Bette hugged the life out of herand a few minutes later Bette felt Ts breath as she spoke softly

.lets make a baby.

Bette smiled against Ts hair.. and over her shoulder saw the wings of a butterfly disappear into the warm rising wind.