Bette and Tina had just been seated when the door opened and there stood a tall, dark-haired woman in over-alls.Bette looked up and couldnt believe her eyes.She had genuinely liked this womanand never meant to be meanbut somehow, she thought that she had beensleeping with her then leaving.
Candace spotted Bette and Tina, and decided to go say hi she walked up.
Bette she said as she stared right at her. and Tina..she said as she peered over at her.
Candace said Bette Hello.. said Tina
Uh, BetteI dont mean to interupt, but may I speak with you alone? asked Candace
Bette looked at Tina..as if questioning if that would be alright.Tina shook her head yes.as she knew that she could trust Bette..afterall, she felt like she was the one who couldnt be trusted.
Bette stood and walked outside, Candace following.
Once there, Bette turned around and looked back inside at Tina staring at her.she looked over at Candace. And Candace began to speak
I am not exactly sure what I am doing by speaking to you when you asked me not too.
Candace, I never asked you to stop speaking to me..I just said that what happened couldnt happen again.
I justthere is something that I need you to know said Candace.
Okay said Bette
UmI justI want u to know that I like you a lot.I cant help itbut I am willing to hide thatif you could just find it in your heart to be my friend.all I want is a friendship.If there is nothing else that I may have with you.I want to keep that.
I dont see a problem with thatmatter of fact, I was planning on calling you to take up the landscaping of my gallery permanently.Just because we had a slumber one time doesnt mean that I think any less of you.I enjoyed our time spent together.all of the time we spent together so, yesI would still love to be your friend.
Great.but what about Tina? I dont want to cause any trouble between you two said Candace.
I dont think that is possible.she knows that you and I slept together
OMGshes not going to want to beat my ***** is she?
Noshe totally understands.soI dont think we will have a problem there
Okaywell, Im gonna get on in here and pick up my orderI almost had to work through lunch today.I dont have a lot of time.
Okaywell, feel free to come by the gallery anytime.especially so that we can talk about you doing the landscaping permanently
Ok.. said Candace as she walked into the resturauntBette behind her.She sat down at her tableand looked at Tina.
So, what was all that about? asked Tina
Are you angry? asked Bette.
NoIm just curiousthats all
She still wants to be friends.and she also wanted to make sure that she doesnt cause any problems between us
As long as she knows that we are trying to work things out.I dont care
I had thought about asking her to do all of the landscaping at the gallery. permanently
Oh said Tina. So, I guess she will be around there a lot
T? Whats the matter?
Nothing
Dont lie to me..I asked what is wrongdo you not want me to let her do the landscaping?
NoI trust you Bette..
Why do I feel like you dont..all of a sudden?
I do.I just worry that someone will come along and snatch you away from me
TinaI think its the other way around.I think that I should be the one worrying about that.I dont want to bring it upbut if anyone shouldnt trust anyone here.it should be me not trusting you. said Bette getting a little ill..
I know..I know.I am sorryyou are rightI just know that I screwed up so badly with you..and we are trying to work through itI just dont want someone else to come along.and you think that you could have something better with them.
TinaI love you.more than anything.and I could never cheat on you.No-one is better for me than you..noone can fill my heart like you canGod, what can I do to get you to see thatto understand?
I do understand, Bette.I do.
The sat and had their lunch.in quiet

Two weeks later, Tina had her appointment at Dr. Wilsons for her results to the Second HIV test
Bette had forgotten about the appointment, but was quickly reminded.when she received the call at the gallery
Bette Porter? she answered.
Bette, what the ***** are you doing? asked Tina angrily
Um.working said Bette
You were supposed to be here already
Huh?
Here at Dr. Wilsons office1:00…my appointmentyou said that you would be here.
Oh, shitT.I am so sorry.I will be there in 10 minutes.. said Bette before she hung the phone up.she hurried and closed the gallery up before leavingshe arrived at the office in 10 minutes flat.running inside, she found that Tina had already been taken to a room..she was escorted there.and walked in.. I am soo sorryT..she hasnt been in yet, has she? she asked as she kissed her wife on the cheek.
Noshe hasnt..not yetyou are lucky that you made it Porter.Im not sure that I wouldve forgiven you she said looking at the floor.
I wouldnt have forgiven myself said Bette as she pulled Tina into a hug Are you okay?
Okay, I guess
Tlisten to me.whatever happens at this appointmentI want you to know that I love you with all my heart and soul..
I love you too, Bette.butagainst everything that I have said to you.today determines whether you and I will be together..
Excuse me? asked Bette..
I meanif I have the HIV virus, I dont want you to be with meI dont want to risk you getting it.and I dont want you to see me die. said Tina as she began to cry.
Tinastoppityou are talking non-sense.You are not going to die said Bette as she pulled Tina into her arms. Even if you do have the virusI will still be with you.I will take care of you.my godyou act like you will have the plaque or something..T..and they have drugs..that can prolong everythingmake everything better..I dont even know why we are talking about thisDr. Wilson hasnt even came in here yet
Just as Bette got that out of her mouth, Dr. Wilson arrived.. BetteTina. she said
Hi.. they both said at the same time.
I am not going to keep you two waiting for long.I just wanted to let you know that I got the results of the second test.and it isnegative.
Bette and Tina smiled and hugged. Oh my godthank you whispered Tina into Bettes ear. I told you that you were freaking for nothing. said Bette.. I love you, T
I love you too
Now, ladiesI want you to know that every 6 months, it is important that Tina be testedJust to be on the safe side.and if that ever happens againuse protection..
There wont be a next time. said Tina.as she looked at Bette

They left the office and Bette headed back to the gallery followed by Tina.
Bette got everything opened back upand Tina decided to go on home.she wanted to do something special for Bette tonight.something very special for being there and taking control of everything
Hours passed, and Bette walked in the door of their home TinaIm home she yelled.
I am in here. Tina yelled.
Where is here? she yelled back
Follow my voice. came the answer.
Bette tip-toed as much as she could, so that Tina didnt hear the clogging of her heelsshe wanted to see what she was in for.and as she got to the bedroom and opened the door, there lay Tina under the covers. Babe, come here.lay with me
TinaI.
Please. said Tina
Do you have clothes on under there?
Of course..I have the whole closet in the bed with me.cant you tell? asked Tina smiling.
Bette could see the outline of Tinas body under the sheets..she was imagining the last time she saw Tina nakedshe had gotten up and left..
Are you going to come over here or not?
TinaT..I dont think I am ready for this. said Bette
Babe..I didnt ask for anything..all I want is for you to lay with me.and hold me.
Bette pondered for a moment.. Okay
I have only 1 favor to ask. said Tina.
And what is that? If I even have to ask.
You have to be naked.
Tina.
BetteI promise that nothing will happen.unless you want it too.It is entirely up to you.
Bette slowly undressed while her wife watched.. Godyou are so beautiful..I have missed u so much.
Ive missed you too, babe said Bette as she crawled under the sheets.Tina scooted close to herand wrapped her arms around her bellyBette laid there like a scared virgin.
Bette, baby.please touch meI need to feel that you love me.
Bette wasnt used to being the one not making all of the movesbeing the scared one.she was terrifiedshe didnt know if she could handle laying next to her wife, which was naked, and not being able to touch her sexually.she was also scared that if she didshe would remember the infidelities that had taken place..she didnt want to run.
Bette reluctantly rolled over onto her side and pulled her wife into her arms..they were face to face.Bette sliding the hair out of her faceand looking her into the eyes.
I love You said Bette in a tender, loving voice.
And I love you said Tina as she leaned in to touch her wifes lips with her ownfirst a sweet peck..then a more intense tongue-teasing kiss.

TBC..