Love gave no guarantees. Tina thought Bette had come with guarantees, but she realized no human being could be fool proof. Everyone was made a fool of at least once in their life. Tina felt like a fool, a laughing stock of her friends. Was Bette laughing at her in bed with Candace? Was this what Bette wanted, had hoped for? Tina walked into Alices room in search of some clean clothes that wouldnt remind her of Bette. She put on sweat pants and a t-shirt, closing her eyes and letting her mind flash back to the moment she knew. The intimate hands colliding and hesitating together. Two hands that didnt belong together. That moment, Tinas insides sunk and her stomach dropped. Nausea overwhelmed her and she lost her breath. The pounding of her heart was all she heart, like a steady bass in her ears.

She opened her eyes again, not letting herself linger in that awful place. Just then, Alices phone rang. Tina sat on Alices bed and listened to the message.

Alice? Tina? Its Bette… if youre there please pick up. T… please… I need to talk to you. Are you there? Tina… I love you. I never meant for this to happen. Please dont shut me out….

Tina let out another sob as the tears fell down her face. Without thinking, she took the answering machine and ripped it out of the wall, throwing it on the floor. Her emotions were unstable, one minute sad the next angry. Bette had turned into a different woman overnight.

***

Dana and Tina stopped their run in front of the house, stretching and catching their breaths. Tina had talked the entire time, but Dana didnt mind. She was happy to hear from Tina, even though it was sad and brought back bad memories.

Thanks for sharing Tina. Dana said.

Thanks for listening. Tina said, giving a half smile.

I have a feeling its going to be a week full of sharing. Dana said, heading towards the door.

I have a feeling youre right. Tina said, letting the screen door bite at her heels.