If Tina heard the door open she didnt acknowledge it as Bette stepped cautiously into their room.

Tina had already changed and lay in bed facing the other direction.

Tina Bette called quietly. She stood still and waited for a cue from her partner, knowing that Tina had every right to be furious with her.

If you dont trust me, then weve got big problems. Really big Tina responded.

Its not about trusting you Bette sighed I dont trust him

You dont need to trust him Bette, the only person you need to trust is me Tina said.

I know thatI do

You have no reason to doubt me Tina said Is this how its going to be from now on?

Baby, Im sorry Bette pleaded as she walked over and crouched in front of her wife *****, are we ever going to be able to move past this? Bette looked away, as tears welled in her eyes.

Tina said nothing, having seen Bette on the verge of crying she was busy fighting her own tears.

I know you wouldnt do that to me Bette persisted, forcing a weak smile.

Do what, Bette? Tina asked.

You know what Bettes voice trailed off to a whisper as her gaze fell to the floor.

Say it Tina pressed, her eyes remained on her repentant wife.

I know you would never cheat on me Bette said as her eyes found Tinas once more I know that youre stronger than that, stronger than me Bette sighed, her guilt was a heavy burden and she was still adjusting to its weight.

Why were you so agitated by the way someone looked at me at a work function? Tinas voice softened as she reached out and touched Bettes cheek silently encouraging her wife to open up

I acted like a complete idiot, Im sorry Bette whispered.

Tina studied Bettes face and heeded the uneasiness she saw there.

I dont exactly remember you rushing to defend my honor against this unwanted attention Tina tried to lighten the mood but it didnt appear to raise Bettes spirits.

Turning her head Bette kissed Tinas palm before lacing their fingers together and lowering their hands to the bed.

I didnt want to make a scene Bette admitted.

Tina drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to point out just how much of a scene Bette had made.

Watching Tinas expression carefully Bette quickly added Dont worry the irony isnt lost on me.

Babe, this isnt new territory, its not like this kind of thing hasnt happened before Tina said.

It was different then Bette replied as she let go of Tinas hand.

How? Tina shook her head, clearly missing Bettes point.

It was obvious you were with somebody then. They could see that you were involved Bette said quietly. Tina glanced down and watched Bette nervously twist her commitment ring.

I see Tina responded, her mind suddenly fitting all the pieces together.

Tina felt sure that Greg wasnt the problem per se, he merely represented a larger issue.

Im not wearing a ring, thats the issue, right? Tina clarified Youre uncomfortable with the fact that I might be mistaken for a single, available woman?

Bettes eyes dropped and she silently cursed as her cheeks began to burn. While she was still struggling to figure it all out Tina had pretty much nailed it.

Baby, couldnt you have just said something? Tina reached out and took Bettes hand in hers. Bette’s supremely confident front was just that, a front. Her infidelity had rocked her self-confidence to its very foundation. Tina was slowly coming to realize that Bette was still working out who she was since shed fallen from grace.

Iit wasnt an issue until I saw him with you tonight Bette responded Anyway, the last time the topic came up it didnt go so well

Admitting to feelings of jealousy didnt come naturally to Bette Porter. Under Tinas gaze she felt transparent, very aware and suddenly uncomfortable that she was so easily read. It still amazed her how easily Tina could look at her and see right to the heart of an issue. Knowing she had no right to ask Tina to wear her ring and being comfortable with it were on opposite ends of the scale. Bette knew that the subject wasnt weighted in her favor.

Baby, a ring doesnt guarantee immunity. You know that Tina rolled onto her back, trying to shield Bette from her frustration.

She loved Bette, there was no doubt, but for reasons she couldnt yet discern the thought of a commitment ring left her cold. Perhaps it was because of the value she had put in it herself. At the end of the day it didnt work, it hadnt stopped Bette. When it came to the wire wearing a ring wasnt going to stop anyone or anything.

Bette closed her eyes tight, and chastised herself, wishing she was stronger, whishing she wasnt so unsure of herself.

Tina turned and looked directly at Bette I love you and I need you to believe in me She said.

I do Bette replied.

Then why do you need a ring on my finger?

I just like that symbol of commitment Bette responded I like knowing that people can see that we are committed to each other, that you are committed to me.

Bette, Im here. Im committed to us, to you. Cant that be enough for now?

Bette swallowed hard as she pushed beyond her initial response and replied Yeah, T. It can

Tina could see the uncertainty in Bettes expression but she wasnt going to cave in this time.

We dont have to figure all of this out tonight Tina said as she stifled a yawn with her hand Its late, Babe. Come to bed.

Bette leaned in and kissed Tina softly Be right there She said quietly before moving away to prepare for bed.

TBC