Bette turns to her.

Tina – I wish we had been able to talk when it happened. So much time, we wasted.

Bette – I know …

Tina – I panicked that day … I didn’t have time to think …

Bette – Me either …

Tina – I apologize for hurting you.

Bette – Thank you, Tee. I told you that I forgave you.

Tina – But not in person. Not looking me in the eye.

Bette smiles, looking into her eyes.

Bette – I forgive you.

The blonde smiles teasingly.

Tina – Am I allowed to touch you?

The brunette chuckles.

Bette –We’ve been touching all day.

Tina – Well … not like this …

She reaches over and hugs the brunette tightly, resting her head on Bette’s shoulder. Bette hugs her back, closing her eyes.

Tina – I miss this … this intimacy between us.

Bette – Me too …

They remain in an embrace for a moment longer until Bette feels self-conscious and breaks the embrace.

Bette – I think the fish is ready.

Tina nods with a sigh. She grabs a piece of fish with her fingers.

Tina – It’s hot!

She tastes it.

Tina – Mmmm … delicious!

She then turns to the brunette and offers the remaining piece to her.

Tina – Taste it!

Bette takes a bite of the fish, her lips touching the blonde’s fingers. Their eyes meet.

Tina – Good?

Bette – Yeah.

Tina licks her fingers with a smile.

Tina – I’m starved! What about you?

The brunette gazes at her lips.

Bette – Let’s eat!

———————————————-

Cave Mountains, night: Bette and Tina are inside their sleeping bags at opposite sides of the fire. The brunette has her eyes closed. The blonde sighs and glances at her. She closes her eyes and soon opens them again with another sigh. She presses her lips together and again glances at the brunette.

Tina – Bette …

The brunette opens her eyes and turns to her.

Tina – I can’t sleep.

Bette frowns.

Bette – Feeling cold?

Tina – And uncomfortable.

Bette – Huh! I’m not cold. I told you not to wash your hair in the creek at night.