Tina turned over in the hard motel bed and looked at the alarm clock. Despite her best efforts sleep had not been forthcoming. Calculating the time difference she knew Bette would probably be getting ready for work. Only one thing prevented her from picking up the phone, the truth.

While she longed to tell Bette about her current situation, she knew it wasnt a viable option. Bette would be absolutely livid. Tina felt she had enough on her plate without bearing the brunt of her wifes justifiable fury.

Shed explain all of it to Bette when she was home, when Bette could see that there was nothing in it, that she had nothing to be worried about. Trying to explain long distance was a recipe for disaster, of that much Tina was certain.

Lying there she knew that the truth would have to wait. With the decision made she reached out for the phone and dialed home.

Hello Bette mumbled sleepily.

Baby? Tina smiled weakly.

T Bette yawned Jesus, what time is it there?

Its 1:45 in the morning

Are you OK? Bette asked. Tina heard the concern in her lovers drowsy voice.

I just needed to hear your voice Tina replied quietly.

Long day? Bette asked.

Yeah, another one Tina laughed ruefully.

When are you coming home?

Not soon enough

You sound so tired, are you OK? Bette asked.

Tina swallowed hard, fighting back tears which flooded her eyes.

I wish I was home She whispered I wish I was with you

Oh, T Bette replied I wish you were home too

Tina didnt reply for fear her voice would alert Bette to the extent of her unhappiness.

I miss you and I cant wait for you to come home Bette tried to soothe Tina best she could with so many miles between them.

I tried you last night, were you out with the girls? Tina asked trying to take her mind off her current situation.

I was at the Peninsula for a dinner meeting Bette answered.

An artist? Tina asked.

Just an old contact Bette responded Baby, do you think youll make it home for this weekend?

Nope Tina replied, her lethargy obvious Things just arent going right

Ill cancel the reservation. Well go when you get back Bette offered, doing her best to keep her disappointment in check Sounds like youll need it by then

Im so sorry, Babe Tina replied. She was silently thankful that Bette wasnt making her feel worse than she already did. Given that Bette had chosen their weekend trip in place of a high profile trip to New York, Tina fully expected some form of chastisement from her partner.

T?

Yeah?

What happened to that 9 to 5, low stress job?

Please dont start on me Tina implored.

Baby, Im notIm just worried Bette tried to soothe her partner.

Ill be OK Tina responded I just miss you so much. You have no idea how much I want to be there with you right now

Tina closed her eyes as her tears began to fall in earnest. The turmoil in her heart had finally overwhelmed her.

You havent been working all night have you? Bette asked but Tina didnt respond T, tell me you havent!

No Tina whispered and then winced knowing that Bette would have heard the emotion in her voice.

Baby, I cant stand what this is doing to you Bette said, her voice breaking with her own tears. Tina crying never failed to break her heart. Having an ocean between them only served to intensify the pain Is it really worth it if it makes you feel like this?

Tina sniffed and shook her head as more tears stained her face I dont know anymore She admitted.

You dont have to do this, T Bette said I dont want you getting all stressed out again, I dont want you back on those pills

Im not Tina said defensively I wont

OK, all right Bettes conciliatory tone backed up her response.

Its late, Id better get some sleep Tina said taking a deep breath in an effort to stop the tears from falling.

I love you so much, T Bette said. The words spread like warmth through Tinas heart. Words that told her that Bette would support her, protect her, take care of her always.

I love you too, Baby Tina responded with all her heart.

And I think you need to know just how much of a bad idea it is for you to go away like this. I have too much time on my hands Bette said calmly. Tinas body tensed as fear suddenly gripped her. I start plotting things Bette continued. Tina relaxed as she could hear the smile in Bettes voice.

What sort of things, Bette? She asked, playing along as her partner would anticipate.

Currently, Im plotting for your passport to have a fatal accident with the shredder the minute you get home

Tina laughed gently at her wifes sense of humor.

Thats better Bette said upon hearing Tinas response Youll be OK?

Yeah Tina replied Thanks

Sleep well, T Bette said

Love you

Love you too. Night, Baby

Night Tina replied before replacing the receiver.

Tina wiped her eyes and went in search of some tissues. All in all the conversation had gone well. Bettes reassurances had calmed her mind and bolstered her confidence. Both were vital for the conversation that lay ahead of her tomorrow.