[Although Tina fell asleep in Bettes arms she didnt wake up there. At some point during the night she managed to turn her body so that she was facing Bette. Tina woke up before Bette, and she just laid there and watched her sleep. She looks so beautiful and peaceful. I love her so much! She must be exhausted. She always wakes up before me. I dont know how many times I woke up to her beautiful face and ***** smile staring at me. Tina couldnt contain her love anymore, she had to touch Bette, she had to look into her eyes, and she needed to see her love.]

Tina: (Tracing the outline of Bettes face with her finger) (whispering)I love you.

Bette: (Slowly waking up with a smile)I love you too.

Tina: (Feeling guilty for waking Bette)Im sorry, I didnt mean to wake you.

Bette: (Still smiling)Its ok, I thought I was dreaming.

Tina: (Softly)Its not a dream Bette, Im really here.

Bette: Thank you for staying until I woke up.

Tina: (Leaning towards Bette)I dont want to be anywhere else.

[Tina leans in and hugs Bette. Bette buries her head in Tinas hair taking in her sweet aroma. Oh how Ive missed this.]

Tina: Babe, Im starving, Im going to see whats in the kitchen.

Bette: Im a little hungry.

Tina: Ill go see what I can throw together.

[Tina gets up to head for the kitchen, but makes a pit stop at the bathroom. Bette rolls over and hugs the pillow Tina slept on. After about a minute or so and not hearing any noises coming from the kitchen Bette got up.]

Bette: (Leaving the bedroom)T., theres not much to choose from, I can order us something.

[As Bette came around the corner she saw Tina standing in front of their bedroom door. She was holding the picture of them that Bette had placed there the previous day.]

Tina: (Softly)Bette, I found this picture leaning on the door.

Bette: I put it there yesterday before I went to meet you.

Tina: This is the picture that sat on our dresser.

Bette: Thats my favorite picture.

Tina: I thought you said you havent been in our bedroom since I left.

Bette: I havent.

Tina: Then how did you get this picture?

(Pause)

Bette: Tina, I told you that Kit came by and got some clothes from our room. I didnt know she took the picture.

Tina: Then how did you end up with it?

Bette: Do you remember telling me about finding our picture in your dresser?

Tina: Yes.

Bette: What was your reaction when you found it?

Tina: I was confused at how it got there but knew it had to be Alice.

Bette: What did you do next?

Tina: I looked at it and remembered when we took it. (Pause) That picture was the first time I saw you in 3 months. (Pause) What does that have to do with this?

Bette: When Kit came over and got some clothes for me, she took the picture. At some point she put it in my dresser drawer. It took about 2 months before I found it. I too just stared at the picture. You looked so beautiful and I hadnt seen you in so long! All I could do was hold the picture and cry. I eventually called Kit and asked her about it. She told me she put it there so that I wouldnt be alone. She said she knew at some point I would need you there. She was right, I did need you and I still do.

Tina: (Now guilty for questioning Bette)What did you do with it once you found it?

(Pause)

Bette: When I was here, which wasnt very often, it was always with me. I spent my time in the guest bedroom doing work or trying to sleep. (Pause) I kept the picture under my pillow.

Tina: (Looking down)Oh Bette.

Bette: (Desperately wanting to change the subject)Why dont I order us some food?

Tina: (Following Bettes lead)Ok, I guess you havent been grocery shopping?

Bette: UmNo, I havent.

Tina: While youre doing that, Im going to take a shower.

Bette: Do you need anything?

Tina: (Jokingly)I think I remember where everythings at.

Bette: No, I just meant

Tina: (Laughing)Babe, Im just joking. Go order us some food, Im starving.

[Bette disappeared around the corner and Tina into the bathroom. Standing in the shower letting the hot water massage away her tension, she became lost in thought. I havent slept that good in 4 months. I feel so protected in her arms, but Im still a little apprehensive as to how to handle things. I sometimes think I should keep my defenses up and other times I want to melt away in her arms. I know she told me everything, but why couldnt she have just included me. I feel so insecure; even more so than before. I can see how much she has changed but will it last. God I hope it lasts because I cant go through this again. I cant believe she hasnt been in our bedroom. I dont know why I think that, I couldnt even bring myself to drive by, let alone come inside. I just thought Bette could do and handle anything, she always has. Maybe thats what she was referring to. I shouldnt expect her to handle everything. Tinas interrupted by a knock on the door.]

Bette: (Yelling through the door)T. the foods here, you better hurry up before it gets cold.

[Half expecting Bette to walk in Tina was startled by the knock and a little embarrassed.]

Tina: (Yelling)Thanks babe, Ill be right out.

[She didnt come in, I guess she was serious about taking things slow. When we first started dating, she always politely knocked and waited for an invitation before entering. She really is going to do this. After drying off, Tina realized she forgot to bring some clothes into the bathroom. She grabbed Bettes robe but loosely tied it.]

Tina: (Coming out of the bathroom)Babe, I borrowed your robe, I forgot to bring my clothes into the bathroom.

[Bette was sitting at the table when Tina came around the corner. She immediately noticed Tina in her robe, and that Tina was about to be exposed.]

Bette: (Jumping Up from the table and pulling the robe closed)Your robe was coming open. Why dont you go get changed and Ill set up our food outside by the pool.

Tina: Ok, Ill be right back.

[Tina goes into the guest bedroom to change. Did that just happen? I knew Bette would notice, but I never thought she would react like that. First she pulls away when I kiss her and now this. Does she even want me? Is she afraid of me? Ill have to play this out a little further. Maybe shes just being polite and honoring her word to go slow. Ill have to find out, one way or another. Once Tina finished getting dressed, she joined Bette by the pool for their lunch.]

Tina: Everything was delicious babe. I havent eaten like that in awhile. (Jokingly)I forgot how good of a cook you are.

Bette: (Laughing)Very funny. What skills I lack in cooking I make up elsewhere.

Tina: (Chuckling)Youre quite the comedian today. (Pause) Ill clean everything up if you want to take a shower.

Bette: Thanks T. I wont be long.

[Bette gets up to take her shower, Tina starts to take the dishes into the kitchen. Well see about that.]

[Bettes leaning against the wall in the shower trying to let her fear and anxieties wash away. She was so scared and nervous that Tina would change her mind about them once they entered the bedroom and that night came back to them. I cant lose her again, I cant take the pain. I just pray she meant everything she said yesterday. I guess I cant stall any longer. I have to face this sometime. Bette turns off the shower and begins to dry off.]

Tina: (Opening the door to the bathroom)Hey babe

Bette: (Immediately trying to cover herself and close the door)Tina, Im not dressed yet.

Tina: (Not letting Bette push her out)Im counting on that.

Bette: (Finally letting go of the door and concentrating on hiding behind the towel)Tina! What are you doing?

Tina: (Sincerely)Bette, I know you agreed to take it slow and I appreciate your effort but I need you and I need to know that you want me.

Bette: (Finally able to secure the towel around herself)T., (rubbing her hands up and down Tinas shoulders)I want you more than you could ever imagine. My pulse races just having you near me. I cant lose you again and if that means taking things painfully slow Im willing to do just that. Just know that Im dying inside. Dying to touch you, feel you, hold you and taste you. When youre ready, the time will be right.

[Tina waits no longer, she grabs Bette and places a passionate yet desperate kiss on her.]

Tina: (Pulling back and grabbing Bettes hand leading her into the guest bedroom)I want you now, I need you now.

[Bette leans in and gently presses her lips to Tinas. I cant fight it anymore. Bette deepens her kiss and Tina lets out a soft moan. Tina reaches up and undoes the towel wrapped around Bette. Needing to break for air Bette pulls away.]

Bette: (Looking into Tinas eyes for certainty)T. are you sure about this?

Tina: (Looking Bette up and down)Ive never been so sure.

[Tina puts her arms around Bettes neck and pulls her in for another kiss. The kiss deepens. Tinas hands start to slowly move down Bettes back, this sends a chill down Bettes body.]

Tina: (Softly in a slight moan)Take me Bette.

[Bette snaps back into reality.]

Bette: (Pulling away)Wait T., I cant do this.

[Bette grabs the towel and wraps it back around herself.]