Tina felt so bad about running off like she did, she had to call and apologise to Bette. where was it she said she worked again??. oh god, what if she doesnt want to talk to me or what if she doesnt feel the same and it was just a kiss to her?. pull it together Kennard and just call the woman and tell her how you feel Bette Porter Gallery, how may I help you? Ummm, could I please speak to Bette Porter, its Tina Kennard calling? Bette was just entering her office when she heard James ask someone to hold the line, not wanting to speak to anyone she asked who it was to see if she could call them back. She could still not get over what happened last night with Tina. They shared the most passionate kiss Bette has ever experienced and then next thing she knows shes staring at the empty place where Tina had stood. She had run off and left Bette on the dance floor not knowing what was wrong or for that matter what had happened, the kiss seemed so right to Bette but obviously Tina didnt feel the same. Its a Miss Kennard for you, shall I take a message? God no, put her straight through and Ill take it in my office Hi, Tina? Hey Bette, I was calling to apologise for last night. I dont know what happened and Im so sorry to have just left you Tina, why did you run? Tina noticed the sadness in Bettes voice as well as her need for an answer and so she asked to meet Bette for lunch, to try and explain what she was feeling and why she ran. Bette was waiting at the Planet to meet Tina for lunch and Marina could not help but notice how anxious and worried her friend looked. She had never seen Bette like this and it worried her slightly but before she had a chance to ask Bette what was wrong, she noticed Bette tense up as a hot blond walked through the door and made her way straight towards Bette, she figured that this woman was the cause of her friends anxiety and she was right. Hi Bette, Im so glad you could join me for lunch. I really didnt want to have this conversation over the phone. Bettes heart immediately sank, Tina was going to tell her that last night was a mistake and that she didnt want to see her any more. So Bette steeled herself for the inevitable and signalled for Tina to continue. If she was going to be rejected, she didnt want to waste too much time getting it over with. Firstly I wanted to again say how sorry I am for running but it is something that I have learnt to do. You see, I was so confused about my feelings after the kiss that I went with my natural instinct and you have no idea how much I regretted it once I got home. Last night Bette, was one of the most wonderful nights of my life because I got to kiss the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but part of me couldnt accept that because you were a woman. Bette could not believe what she was hearing, she was so sure that Tina was going to end it that she had not prepared herself for what she was actually hearing. She could not contain the sigh of relief as she felt all the tension drain out of her body. She was so relieved in fact that it took a while for what Tina was saying to register. Bette, did you hear what I said? Oh sorry Tina, Im just so glad that you didnt come to tell me you never wanted to see me again wait, did you say part of the problem was that I was a woman? Yes, youre the first woman Ive kissed and it was the most passionate kiss I have ever had, it scared me. My feelings for you scared me, I had deluded myself into believing that I was only interested in you as a dancer, when all I wanted to do was kiss you and touch you. Then it became all too real after we kissed and I couldnt deny my feelings any more, but I still wasnt sure what those feelings were. I was conditioned long ago to run and thats what I did and Im truly sorry. Im more attracted to you than I have ever been to anyone and a part of me tells me that it runs deeper than just a physical attraction, but I. I need to be sure. Can we just start out as friends and see where it leads us and can you forgive me for running? Tears had started to form in Bettes eyes as she listened to Tina and how honest she was being. She felt the same way as Bette and even though it scared her she was letting her know how she felt. She felt herself falling even more for Tina, she was passionate, courageous and scared yet here she was asking the person who had caused all of this to forgive her! Bette had not realised that Tina had never kissed a woman and was silently kicking herself for not picking up on it. From now on she was going to take things slowly, go at a pace Tina set and hopefully end up with the only thing she wanted. Tina. Tina you dont need to ask me to forgive you because there is nothing to forgive. I should be asking for your forgiveness for not realising what you were going through and for pushing you. I hope you can forgive me and accept that from now on we will go slowly and at your pace. I have never felt like I do with you and it scares me too. Weve only known each other a few days but I feel connected to you, as though you were what Ive been longing for and Ill wait for you as long as I have to. For now if I am only able to have you as a friend then that is what Ill take Tina felt a lump building in her throat, this wonderful, beautiful woman felt the same as she did and wanted to be with her and was willing to give her time, slowly she raised her eyes to meet Bettes and simply said. Thank you!