Good luck. Tina just sat there, unwilling to put forth the effort to ask the questions Bette was dying for her to ask. Tinas cool demeanor saddened Bette and angered her at the same time.

So thats it? Just a good luck wish? Bette asked.

I dont have anything more to say, Bette.

Will you miss me? Bette asked quietly.

Does it even matter anymore?

It will always matter, T. Bettes voice caught in her throat. I never meant for any of this to happen. It wasnt supposed to be this way.

Whats done is done. You cant change the past.

Theres always the future… the now. Bette held a small amount of hope in her voice but Tina was unwilling to reciprocate it.

And after today youll be gone. Your future is out there, mine is here. Tina pointed east then tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ears. Bette ached inside. She wanted to feel Tinas hair between her fingers one last time, to rest her palm against her face.

I could stay. My future could be your future.

Tina shook her head. I dont think so, Bette. We tried that and it didnt work out. She looked at Bette. Its over.

I know. I just had to make sure before I left. If I knew there was any hope of anything Id stay.

Its ok to go, Bette. A single tear fell down Tinas face, landing on her shirt. Bette moved over towards Tina, taking her hand in her own.

If theres one thing you need to always know before I leave its that I never stopped loving you. Bette kissed Tinas hand and turned away.

Tina watched Bette walk to her car and drive away. That wasnt the last time Tina saw Bette, but it was the last time in three years. After that she saw Bette only two more times in brief encounters full of unbridled passion. This goodbye was one of the first times in six months they hadnt fought or screamed at each other. A goodbye could be sobering. As Tinas heart was ripped in half, she ached so badly she could only curl into a ball and sob on her kitchen floor until she was completely dried of tears. She eventually pulled herself off the floor and changed into shorts and a t-shirt, slipping into her running shoes. She ran until her legs gave way beneath her and she lay in the grass for hours, waiting until the sun settled beyond the trees.

***

Tina snapped back into reality when Bette handed her a glass of wine, smiling. Tina smiled back, blushing, and heard a knock on the front door. The four women glanced at each other and stood in unison to scamper towards the front of the house. Alice opened the door wide and for the first time in six years, all five women stood within feet of each other, speechless.