The next morning, Bette and Tina were at The Planet having coffee before work..
Bette..babyhave u ever thought about going to a psychiatrist?
We went to one, remember? asked Bette
I know but, did you ever think about going back? I mean, aloneabout the whole rape thing?
Ssshhh.dont say it aloud.and no.I dont want to do that. said Bette very adamantly..
But why? You obviously still have problems that you need to deal with said Tina
I saidnoTina.I have swept it under the rug, like I did for so long.now, please just drop it
Im sorry babyI only want to help you
Well, you can help me by dropping it. and she took a sip of her coffee I have to get on to the gallery.. and she stood.
Tina stood upand hugged her wife, then softly kissed her on the lips. I didnt mean to pushI wont mention it again.
Its okay.Ill call you later, ok? said Bette as she kissed Tina on the cheek..
Love you babe.. said Tina aloudas she watched her wife walk away.and out the door..
Bette arrived at the gallery, and walked in.. Good morning, James..
Morning, Bette..
Any messages she said as she walked to her office..
Just one he said as he followed and handed her the paper
Bette grabbed it and took a look. James, when did she call?
About 10 minutes agois she going to do the landscaping for you?
I dont know said Bette. Thats a long story..
Well.. said James before he turned to walk away, If you need someone to talk, I am always here
Thanks James she said as she sat at her desk looking at the paperafter a while she decided to call
Jewel landscaping and carpentry said the voice
Candace? asked Bette..
Yes
HeyIts BetteBette PorterI got your message
Yea, I know who it is.ummI was just wondering whether you wanted me to do the landscaping for you I have a lot of ideasand it will be totally professional between you and I..
I just dont know said Bette
Well, for whats its worth..I am really sorry.I didnt mean to hurt anyone or cause any troublefrom now on, I want you to know that our relationship will be totally professionalI promise
Ill have to get back to you on that said Bette. I have to goI have art that will be delivered here in a matter of minutes and I have to get ready for it
Well, Just think about it, and let me know
Okaybye
bye
Bettes art was delivered exactly 10 minutes later. She and James spent all afternoon rearranging everything.getting everything set up exactly as she wanted it..
This is the best thing about having my own gallery, James..I can accept the art if I thinks its trueor I can turn it away
I knowand Bette.I want to thank-you for allowing me the opportunity to come with you.I really couldnt have stayed at the CAC with FranklinI was about ready to kick his ***** when they tried to fire youthen the honorable Mrs. Peabody came in and shoved her dog at me..telling met to water it.
Bette laughed. Yea..Mrs. Peabody is a crazy lady
I knowshe wanted me to water that fur-ball that she handed meactually, threw at me.
They laughed together.. James, you have been working so hard all day, why dont u just go ahead and take the rest of the day offits beautiful outside, and a nice day for a drive..or something.
Are u sure? I mean, I can stay and help you.
No, its okay reallygo ahead she said as she patted him on the arm
okay.. said James as he got his things together and left
Bette did paperwork for the next few hours, then decided to go on home.
………………………………………………………………………………………………..

A few months went by, and Tina had made her way to her appointment at Dr. Wilsons to get her next HIV test.everything was going good, and the Center was doing great..Her and Bette had never been so happy.
The follow up appointment had come up.and Tina decided to go aloneshe didnt want to bother Bette since everything had been negative so far
As she sat in the examining room, waiting for Dr. Wilson, she thought of all the times her and Bette had been there.in this very same room..trying to get pregnant.
Dr. Wilson walked in..
Tina.. she said
Hey, Dr. Wilson.how are you?
I am fine and you?
Great
Tina, on the last HIV test that we took. and she stopped.and looked at Tina
What? asked Tina as her smile started to fade..
There were a few minutes of silence.
Dr. Wilson, is something wrong?
I.Tina.I am so sorry to tell you this.but the test came back positive
Tina sat and stared at Dr. Wilson just before the whole room started to spin.and the lights went out.Tina fell back onto the bed.
Dr. Wilson ran to her side. TinaTina she said as she slapped the side of her face to wake her. Tina and finally she awoke and busted into tears. NoNo..that test is wrongthere is no way.. cried Tina.
Im sorry. said Dr. Wilson as she walked to the door, and motioned for one of the nursesthen she left the room.
She went and called Bette at the gallery, telling her that she needed to come over to the office immediately.Bette arrived within minutes..and walked in..
Dr. Wilson.is there something wrong with Tina?
Dr. Wilson said nothing.she just grabbed Bettes hand and took her to the room that Tina was in.
Bette opened the door to see Tina sitting in the chair next to the window.just looking out.
T?
No answer
Tare you okay?
Bette.I am so sorry.I am soooooo sorry
What are you talking about, T..
I.I ..cant be with you anymore. said Tina as she stood and left the room leaving Bette dumbfounded..not understanding what just happened

Tbc.