Chapter 8

Tina was slipping into her sweats and a small T-shirt while her mind raced with thoughts of Bette. What right did she have to kiss her? Her lips had been so soft and gentleDamn it. Every emotion surging through her body was conflicted and they were all competing to win her inner battle. Strong arms wrapping around her waist brought her back to reality, Tina leaned back into the form behind her feeling safe and loved.
What are you thinking? Rachel asked her voice full of concern.
Nothing really. It was a lie but the truth wasnt needed.
Was it Bette? The question shocked Tina; the brunette had hit the nail right on the head. Rachel felt the woman become stiff in her arms and squeezed her lightly. Baby its ok, I understand that she might have an effect on you Im not nave. Seven years is a long time. But her loss is my gain. Tina turned to face Rachel placing her hands on the younger womans cheeks looking deep into her eyes.
What did I do to deserve you? Tears were beginning to sting here eyes.
Tina you deserve the world. She said kissing her forehead. Come on, get into bed and get some rest.
******
Shane had been standing outside Jennys bedroom door for about 15 minutes deciding whether or not to knock. She was about to walk away when the door opened and the shorter woman stood there looking at her.
Going to walk away again? Jenny asked the words laced with venom.
Look Jenny I was wanted to say sorry, were friends and I dont want ***** to ruin that. Shane felt she had said what she wanted to so nodded and began to head towards the stairs.
I didnt think it would ruin it. Jenny said. You excite me Shane, my heart excels every time you walk into a room. Im not saying I want a relationship but maybe a date would be nice.
But Shane started.
Just say yes.
Ok. Shane smiled and continued down the stairs smiling and leaving a grinning Jenny leaning on her door.
******
Dana get away from the Barbeque. Alice shouted from the kitchen and Dana dropped the fork she had in her hand. Whats the rule?
The woman sighed and sat down on a chair. Dont go near any food. Alice came outside with a tray full of food. Couldnt I help even a little bit?
Oh yeah of course baby could you get the wine out of fridge and the ice out.
Alice I think I can handle more than that.
Were just starting slow. Alice said kissing her girlfriends head. Did Tina say she was bringing Rach?
Yeah that wont be too weird Bette, Tina and Rachel, I mean thats gonna be more awkward than Bianca, Maggie and Lena all alone in a room. Dana explained rolling her eyes.
You need to go training more these soaps are doing nothing for you.
Alice was it nave to think that they would just get back together? Dana said lowering her head, the blonde walked over to her running a hand through her hair.
No baby, we all kind of hoped it would happen. But some things cant be swept under the rug I guess.
*******
Kits singing voice was gently floating through the evening air mingling with the chatting group. The evening was hot and the sky was a mixture of beautiful warm colours only adding to a romantic feel. Bettes eyes had been focused on the amazing sky for the most of the night, she was laying on a chair trying to get lost in her own thoughts. She was brought back to the event by hearing Tina laugh. Looking up she saw Rachel whispering something into Tinas ear, sharing a private joke only meant for the two of them. She sighed heavily then she felt weight at the end of her chair and looked up to see Alice.
Hey there woman. Have you heard from Kit recently?
Hi Al. Yeah her little tour is going well I think. There was a moment of silence and they both looked over to the laughing couple. It gets easier right?
Not really. The pain is always there and the thoughts are always there, but you just learn to have them as part of your everyday life.
Great.
But tomorrow will be less painful then today but more painful than the day that follows that.
Can I trade you back for the sarcastic Alice? Bette smiled. As long as shes happy I will cope. The brunette smiled and got up walking past a kissing Tina and Rachel. She stopped short in the kitchen with her mouth open, in front of her stood Shane and Jenny in a tight embrace. Bette felt a body behind her and heard an intake of breathe; it was Alice.
Oh my god seems this is a kitchen from an alternate reality, well just leave you to it. The couple broke apart with shocked expressions to see the people walking away. Bette looked at Alice and then they both laughed, causing the group to look at them, they simply shook their heads and sat back down.
******
Bette was saying goodbye to Dana by the door it was late and she had work tomorrow.
Thanks for coming. Dana said hugging her.
And thank you for not cooking. Bette smiled.
Hey! Dana frowned. Fine. Ill see you tomorrow for lunch?
Yeah at the country club.
Ok drive safe.
Bette walked out of the house and was half way to the car when she heard footsteps behind her she turned expecting to see Dana.
Im sorry about calling you a bad It was a blonde standing there instead.
You didnt say goodbye. Tina said standing a couple of metres away from Bette.
You were busy.
Im sorry if you felt uncomfortable today.
It was fine Im going to have to get use to it. If youre happy Tina thats all that matters to me.
Thank you.
Youre welcome. Im glad she treats you right.
She wont ever hurt me. Tina explained.
I never meant to hurt you Tina.
You never meantwell you did.
Do you love her? Bette cut straight to the chase.
That has nothing to do with you.
You dont do you?
That is none of you business Bette, Im none of your business any more.
Youre with her because shes safe Tina, its easy it isnt a challenge. Love isnt meant to be easy; its meant to be happiness, pain, tears and smiles. Look into my eyes and tell me you love her.
There was silence and all they did was look at each other and then Tina took a step back her bottom lip quivering.
***** you Bette. Tina said
Bette cursed herself knowing she had pushed the blonde to far this time.