Tina: (Now skeptical)What about the house?

Bette: (Taking a deep breath)Things have been different since you left.

Tina: (Half-smiling)Bette, Ive lived with you for years, so what if you didnt tidy up the place. You didnt know I was coming home.

Bette: (Now serious)Its not that Tina. I was always prepared for you to come home, at least in my heart. (Pause) Tina, you said you spent a lot of time at the pier these past few months.

Tina: Yeah Bette, I did.

Bette: You also said you always felt my presence with you.

Tina: I did, I always felt you with me.

(Pause)

Bette: Tina, no matter what I did, or how hard I tried, I couldnt escape your presence either. However, your presence didnt make me feel safe and secure, it haunted me. Everywhere I went and everything I did reminded me of you and what I had lost.

Tina: Im sorry Bette, I never realized until tonight that you were going through the same pain and torment just in a different way.

Bette: (Softly, as though reliving some of the experiences)Tina, Ive been spending 16 hours a day. Usually 6 to 7 days a week at my office because I couldnt bear to be here without you. I contemplated putting the house up for sale, but I could never make the call. Besides its our house, yours and mine, I couldnt sell it without you. (Pause) I dont eat at home and when I do eat I can barely keep it down. Sleeping, thats a thing of the past. Every time I close my eyes Im awakened by the nightmare that youre not here.

Tina: (Her eyes full of tears)Bette, its ok, Im here now and I dont want to be anywhere else.

Bette: (Ashamed)Tina, theres more. (Pause) I havent been in our bedroom since the night you left. I just couldnt bear it.

Tina: (Concerned)Where have you been staying?

Bette: Tina, Ive been living out of the guest bedroom. Kit came over two days after you left and got some clothes and necessities from our bedroom. She offered several times to come and straighten it up, but each time I refused. I didnt want anything touched. I wanted everything just as you had left it. I couldnt stand to be haunted by your presence, yet I couldnt be without it either.

Tina: (Somewhat speechless)Bette, you havent gone in our bedroom at all?

Bette: No, I havent. Other than what Kit and Alice took, nothings been touched.

Tina: So you dont even know what Alice took? Thats why you didnt notice our picture gone?

Bette: (In a low and defeated tone)Yeah.

[Oh Bette, what have you done to yourself?]

Bette: Tina, I needed to tell you before we went inside. I want us to go in together, to meet this head on, together.

Tina: Im right here Bette. Ill be by your side.

[They exited the car and walked to the front door together, holding hands.]

Bette: (Taking one last deep breath)Are you ready for this?

Tina: (Looking at Bette)As long as youre with me.

[Bette opens the door and the two women enter. Everything looks the same but it feels empty and hollow. Love hasnt lived here for awhile. Tina walks around the living room just trying to take it all in. Bette walks over and sits down on the couch.]

Bette: Tina, you dont know how happy I am that youre here with me. I promised not to pressure you and I wont break my promise, again.

Tina: (Tenderly joking)But

Bette: (Scared)But Im afraid of what will happen once morning comes.

Tina: (Still joking)Bette, it is morning.

Bette: WHAT!?

Tina: Bette, its almost 3am that constitutes morning.

Bette: Tina Im serious. (In disbelief)Is it really that late?

Tina: Yeah Bette, it is. Its been a long and eventful day. Can everything else wait until tomorrow?

Bette: Sure, Im exhausted myself. Do you want to go to bed?

Tina: Yeah, I think I should.

Bette: (Hopeful yet questioning)How do you want to do this? I can take the couch if you want.

Tina: Bette, I told you I want to fall asleep in your arms tonight and I meant it. Now if you would rather sleep on the couch

Bette: (Cutting Tina off)Tina, I want to be wherever you are, no pressure, no strings attached.

Tina: (Playfully)Well then, I guess youre stuck with me.

Bette: T., promise me one thing.

Tina: Ill try, what is it?

Bette: That youll still be here when I wake up.

Tina: I promise Bette, Im not going anywhere.

Bette: Thanks T. (Pause) While your getting changed for bed Im going to make a phone call.

Tina: Ok, who are you calling this late?

Bette: Im leaving a message for James, I had him clear my schedule, and I didnt know what tonight would bring so I tried to be prepared.

Tina: (Chuckling)Some things never change Porter.

Bette: (Smiling)What do you mean by that?

Tina: (Smiling and chuckling)You know what I mean.

Bette: (Jokingly)Yeah, but you like it. Just admit it Tina, you wouldnt want me to change completely.

Tina: (Peaking around the corner)WELL

Bette: TINA!

Tina: (Coming around the corner all dressed for bed)Babe, Im just joking. Lighten up a bit, everything will be ok. (Pause) Now come on, lets go to bed.

[Tina walks into the guest bedroom. Tomorrow is a new day, a new beginning. Bette shuts off the living room light and leans on the door, thank you.]

Tina: (Yelling from the bedroom)Babe, are you coming to bed.

Bette: (Yelling back)Just shutting off the lights. Ill be right there.

[Bette walked into the guest bedroom and paused in the doorway for a moment. She looks so beautiful. Im so lucky to have her in my life. I wont ***** this up again.]

Bette: I just need to change clothes. Ill be right back.

[I made the right choice, Im doing the right thing. I love her so much and she is trying so hard. I want and need to take it slow Im just not sure Ill be able to once our bodies get so close.]

Bette: (Coming back into the room dressed for bed)Do you need anything?

Tina: Just you.

[Bette walked over to the bed and slid in next to Tina. Her heart was racing, her hands a little sweaty, and her nerves were taking over. How am I going to be patient? I can hardly control myself now. What am I going to do once our bodies actually touch?]

Tina: Bette, tomorrow we deal with our bedroom. We have to deal with it so that we can move ontogether.

Bette: (Softly)Ok Tina.

[Bette reaches over and turns off the light.]

Bette: (Whispering)Goodnight Tina, I love you.

Tina: (Slowly moving towards Bette)Goodnight Bette, I love you too.

[Tina leans in and passionately kisses Bette. Bette not knowing if she should go for it or back off decides to slowly pull away.]

Bette: This isnt taking it slow, but I promised I wouldnt push.

[Bette leans in and lightly brushes Tinas lips.]

Bette: Sweet dreams baby.

[Bette rolls over and spoons Tina tightly. Both women are fast asleep in each others arms. It would be their first good nights sleep in 3 months.]