Tina: Bette I think we should sit down.

[The two women walk over to the bench and sit down. There is an eerie silence between them. How do I tell her? How do I start this conversation? I want her back but Im not sure the feeling will be mutual once this is out in the open. Oh Bette, I really hope you have changed. Tina continued to sit in thought not really noticing that Bette was doing the same. Come on Porter, get it together, Tina still wants this. After everything Ive told her, after everything weve been through, she still wants me. I need to take it nice and slow, just like in the beginning. This is our new beginning, Bette and Tina, not Bette and Tina.]

Tina: (Taking a deep breath)Bette, in order for us to salvage our relationship theres some things I need to get off my chest first.

Bette: (Turning towards Tina)Tina, dont take this the wrong way but I dont want to salvage THIS relationship. I


Tina: (Cutting Bette off)WHAT! You dont want this?

Bette: (Trying to calm Tina down)Tina please hear me out. This relationship, although it produced a lot of happy times and great memories, wasnt always the greatest. We had communication issues, control issues, loss of identities, I could go on and on. I realize a lot of those issues were my fault but I dont want them to be anymore.

Tina: Bette, what are you saying?

Bette: Tina, (pausing)I want a long and happy life with you and someday if everything works out right, I want a family with you. However, I dont want us to be Bette and Tina of the past 7 years. I want us to be Bette and Tina in a committed and equal relationship. I want the sassy, take charge, individual Tina who made time in her busy schedule for little ole me. I want the Bette that likes to sweep you off your feet, is overly romantic, is always trying to win your heart, and makes you the first priority over everything else.

Tina: (Teary eyed)Bette, youve read my mind and my heart. I need my individualism back. I think thats how I lost me and in turn you lost you.

[Tina leans over and gives Bette and endearing hug. She really has changed.]

Bette: Tina, was there something you wanted to tell me?

(Long Pause)

Tina: (Now nervous)Yeahum BetteI dont know where to begin.

Bette: (Reassuring)Its ok Tina, just take your time, Im not going anywhere.

[I really hope that proves to be true.]

Tina: Bette, after that night I thought I lost everything. My world came crashing down and there wasnt a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank goodness for Alice, otherwise Im not sure I would have pulled through.

[Bettes sitting there completely still. Her heart is breaking listening to Tina tell her this, but she has to hear it. She only knew the things Alice had told her, however, she always knew Alice was holding back. She never felt that she deserved to know everything especially since she was the one who caused the pain.]

Tina: (Continuing)There were days I never got out of bed. I was so ashamed, embarrassed, mad as *****, and hurt all wrapped in to one. (Pause)It took exactly 8 days for the bruises on my arms to become unnoticeable but a lot longer before they faded from my eyes.

Bette: (With a pained look on her face)Im so sorry T.

Tina: Did you have any bruises?

Bette: Only one that mattered, but nobody could see it, anyway, it was more broken than bruised.

Tina: Im sorry Bette, I should have tried to control myself.

Bette: No Tina, I deserved it all. I just hope youre all healed up now.

Tina: (Softly)Just about, but theres one thing I need to say to you, to tell you before that can happen.

Bette: (Concerned)What is it T.?

(Pause)

Tina: About a month ago I was spending what seemed like every waking minute at the gym. I guess I was trying to avoid things or clear my head, maybe both. (Pausing)My spinning instructor hit on me. At first I was offended, but then I began to welcome the extra attention. I wasnt feeling attractive, loved, or even wanted. The girls kept trying to get me to go out with them, but I always declined. I was afraid Id run into you. Even though I thought of you daily, I just couldnt risk seeing you and possibly someone else together.

Bette: (Shocked that she even suspected such a thing)TinaI never went out, not even with Kit, the girls, or anyone else. Since youve left I havent seen anyone except James, Franklin and the weekly visit from Alice. Oh, one time Shane and Dana were with her but thats it. I only wanted to see you, I only wanted to talk to you, I only wanted you, and I only want you.

Tina: I know that now.

(Pausing)

Tina: Bette, after one of my sessions I accepted the dinner invitation. I went casual, I thought it was going to be a friendly dinner type thing. Afterward we went for drinks, a few margaritas later we were in her bed.

Bette: (Jumping to her feet)WHAT!

Tina: Bette, nothing happened. I realized I only wanted to sleep with Cindy to get back at you. Then I realized I would only be hurting myself.

[A little calmer, Bette sat back down.]

Tina: The last time I was with you that night. That memory has haunted me ever since, but I didnt want my next one to be almost as bad. (Turning towards Bette who was now speechless)I didnt know what I was doing. I wasnt in my right mind.

Bette: Its ok Tina, nothing happened. Im sorry I overreacted.

Tina: Bette (pause) I felt bad that I ran out on Cindy the way I did. I called her the next day and apologized. She offered to go out again. I had a good time the night before, except at the end, so I said yes. Things ended differently the next time, I didnt get up and run out.

Bette: (Full of fire)Then why am I apologizing for overreacting? (Now standing)I cant believe this.

Tina: Bette, I realized that I was scared of hurting you, scared that I would betray you. Then I realized that was you, we were not together anymore and I wouldnt be damaging our relationship.

Bette: (Not sure if to yell or cry)Tina, I need some air.

[Bette grabs her jacket and walks away from Tina. Eventually she made it down to the sandy beach where she sat letting the water get so close she could almost feel its wetness. Why, why did I do this? I dont know what to do.]

[Tina just sat there crying with her head in her hands, although she did watch to see where Bette walked to. Im so sorry babe. I had to tell you, I had to clear the air. I never meant to hurt you, I know you never meant to hurt me. I cant lose you Bette, not again. Tina decided to walk down to find Bette. Bette was standing near the water with a lost look on her face.]

Tina: Babe, Im sorry. I had to tell you.

[Bette said nothing, she continued to look out onto the ocean with tears running down her face.]

Tina: Bette, its getting late, maybe we should call it a night?

[Bette continued to stare out onto the water.]

Tina: (Walking over to Bette and placing her hand on her shoulder)I think weve talked enough. (Pause)Im going to go now.

[Tina stood there a few more seconds waiting to get a response from Bette. One never came.]

Tina: Goodbye Bette.

[Tina slowly turned around and walked away. After about twenty feet she went from walking to running. She ran all the way to her car with tears pouring down her face.]

[Bette turned Tinas direction after she left and watched her run off.]

Bette: Goodbye Tina.

[Bette stands there a few more minutes and then walks to the edge of the water. She slowly kneels down and pulls the rose out of her jacket. Bette lightly kisses the pedals and then places it in the water.]

Bette: Goodbye.