It has been 2 days since the wonderful night that Bette had planned for Tina. Both of them were back at work and busier than ever. Bette was up to her ears with workthe opening of the new exhibit loomed over her head. She knew that she had a long night ahead of her, she decided to call Tina and let her know, she didnt want Tina to worry.
Tina had just gotten out of a meeting with a client when her cell phone rangshe saw Bettes name on the caller ID and a huge smile crept over her face

Hi Baby!
Hi T!
Hows your day going?
Oh, no too good. I have tons of work, deadlines to meet, but its all better now that Ive heard your voice.
Awww, babe, Im glad to hear your voice too. It brought a much need smile to my face. My day hasnt been too good either.
What time do you think youll be getting home.
Um, Im not sure, around 7 I suppose. And you?
Well thats what I was calling to tell you. Im not sure how late Im going to be staying in the office. Its an insane asylum over here.
You know Bette, you shouldnt work so hard.
I know T, but I have tocomes with the job.
Yeah I know, should I bring you some dinner?
No I think Ill just send James to pick up something before he leaves for the day.
Okay you sure?
Yeah. Oh, *****! Franklins coming. I have to go baby. I miss you.
I miss you too.
I love you T. Ill see you later tonight.
I love you too

Tina hung up and looked at her phone. She was a little disappointed that Bette had to work late, but she understood. Thinking out loud to herself,
Well well have loads of time to spend with each other after the new show opens. And besides, maybe I could get caught up on some reading
Tina was already asleep when Bette arrived home. She undressed and crawled into bed next to Tina, utterly exhausted. She reached out her arm to Tina, feeling Bettes touch, Tina instinctively moved in closer to Bettes body. Bette smiled and whispered in to Tinas ear, I love you, before falling asleep.
The first rays of the morning light had begun to creep through the window. Tina is laying on her side in bed, watching Bette sleep, taking in her beauty, the warm morning sun settling on to Bettes stunning body. She watches quietly the rise and fall of the chest of the woman she loves. God shes gorgeous she thinks to herself, I cant believe that out of all the people she could be with she picked me. This is my soul mate, my lover and my entire life. Bette suddenly wakes up with a start, cutting off Tinas thoughts. Tears begin to form in Bettes eyes as she covers them with her hands.
Baby, whats a matter? Are you okay?
Bette began sobbing now and Tina reached out to hold her. Bette pushes Tina away and continues crying. Again Tina reaches out to her lover, this time Bette lets her. Tina wraps her arms around Bette, trying to comfort her. She holds her tightly and gently runs her fingers through Bettes hair. When Bettes crying finally subsides, Tina wipes the tears from Bettes eyes,
Baby, is everything okay? Whats a matter? Was it a bad dream?
Bad dream would be a ***** understatement I think T.
Babe, talk to me. Im here for you.
Bette shakes her head, T, its justIts just
Its just what Bette?(In a soft, soothing voice)
Bette lets out a sigh, trying to keep herself from crying again. She can feel the love and genuine concern that Tina feels, and knows that she deserves to know whats been going on in her head.
Baby, can you just hold me a while? I need to feel your arms wrapped around me
Tina complies,
Sure babe, come here
Tina wraps her arms around Bette. Bette places her head on Tinas chest and quietly begins to sob. After so many years together, Tina knows that she just needs to be patient with Bette. She can inquire as to what is wrong, but she has to be careful not to push.
Babe, whats the matter?
Shhhh. Just hold me. replies Bette.
Bette continues to cry before falling asleep again. A million thoughts were running through Tinas head as she lay there holding Bette. Had she done something wrong? Had something happened at the office? Was everything okay at the CAC? Was everything all right with her family and with their family? Did Bette stray from her again? She pushed the last thought out of her head quickly. She knew that the old feelings of hurt arose once in a while, reminders of what they had to go through a few years ago, but Tina knew better than to let those types of fears get the best of her. She loved Bette, and she had learned to trust her againbesides she told herself, Bette is a changed woman, and so am I. Our bond is even stronger now, stronger than it ever was. She remembered thinking that it was part of the plan laid out for them, they were meant to go through that pain so that the love that they shared would become stronger. In a way she was glad that things had happened the way they didit brought to light things that needed to change and helped to show both Bette and herself just how lost they were without each other, how much they meant to each other, how much they loved each other. It was like Kit had told her once, that it was as if God had made them to find each other, he meant for them to be together, it was destined to be. She lay there next to Bette saying a silent prayer. She prayed that what ever it was the Bette was going through, she would have the strength to make it through. She also prayed that she would be able to help Bette, and that Bette knew just how much she loved her. Tina contemplated waking Bette, but it was still early and she decided to let her sleep awhile. She wanted to talk to Bette, to make sure that everything was okay. Just then, Bette began to stir.

Good morning baby.
Morning T, how long did sleep?
Not long. God babe, you look exhausted.
I am
Is everything okay? You got me so worried when you woke up crying. Please Bette talk to me. Tell me whats wrong.
Im sorry to have worried you T. I didnt mean to.
Stroking Bettes hair, Its okay baby, its okay. Talk to me.

Bette let out a huge sigh. She knew that she needed to talk to Tina, let her know what was going on with her. She owed it to Tina, to herself, to them. She pulled herself up to Tina then turned to look at her. Bette gazed into Tinas loving eyes before beginning to speak

TBC