She was sleeping. Dreaming. A soft hand tracing patterns across the taught muscles of her back. It felt good, something she wasnt used to, it was comforting, she felt loved for the first time in her life. A warmth enveloping her as she flitted back and forth from dreaming to a semi conscience state. Being overwhelmed by what she thought was a dream her eyes blinked open only half way, the need to adjust to the bright morning sun keeping them from ridding her of the blurry image of her surroundings. When she was finally able to look aroundshe found she only wanted to look in front of her, damned the rest of the world. Because there just so happened to be an angel lying next to her. Ok, so what they got up to last night proves that Bettes no angelbut at least she looked like one. Her dark hair, that she tried so hard to straighten and make perfect, was tousled and thrown every which way all over the pillow; the once concealed curls now springing to life most likely from the sweat and heat of their late night activities. A cheek pressed against a pillow, her face lightly pressed into it making her lips pout and her face scrunch slightly. It may not be incredibly *****, but it was adorable. A light blue sheet wrapped around a perfectly naked body that begged for Tinas hands only short hours earlier, a body which Tina had taken to places she never thought she could go with another person. The only problem was that she couldnt see Bettes eyes. She like to watch them sparkle when Bette talked about something that she was passionate or had strong beliefs in, she watched the embers of passion begin to glow when they had arrived in the empty house last night. She watched as those eyes caught fire when she undressed Tina, and then watched the fire give way to the most loving look shed ever received when they laid there afterwards giggling and talking. Coming back to the present Tina moved her body forward closer to the heat of Bettes so that they were practically pressed front to front, Bettes arm wrapped around Tinas waist and her hand was tickling her back lightly while Tina leaned in and pushed her lips against her girlfriends forehead. Morning, She whispered. Bettes eyes opened only partially probably for the same reasons as Tinas had refused to as well. She moaned softly taking in her surroundings. Morning, She mumbled back with a smile and nestled her head into Tinas chest hugging her tightly. They laid there for a few minutes until Bette rolled Tina onto her back fully and placed her body on top of her. She leaned in to properly say good morning until she was stopped. Bette, I have morning breath. Tina said almost shyly. I dont careI love you, morning breath, bad hair, and all. Bette said while smirking, and using the time that Tina was caught off guard, pressed her lips against the blondes, nibbling her bottom lip, before pulling back. Mmmm, delicious. Liar Tina smiled but I love you anyway. She leaned her head back up to meet Bettes lips again this time using her tongue to open Bettes mouth to her, her hand slipped under the sheets as she let her fingertip trail down Bettes chest and circle a nipple, and then pressing her palm to it. She heard her lover moan deep and husky in her throat and she wouldve thought it incredibly ***** if she had the time, but her bedroom door had flung open and she sat up straight as an arrow effectively throwing Bette from her top position. Now fully exposed she found herself pulling the sheet that was wrapped around Bette, and exposing Bette for the intruder to see. Realizing this Bette went to lean over the edge of the bed for her clothes and tumbled off when she tried to free her legs from the sheet that Tina had wrapped around her own body. Ompfh. Bette! Christina! Tina leant over the edge of the bed and gave Bette an apologetic look, while helping her into a sitting position. Christina what the ***** is going on! Her mother asked, obviously furious. Nothing mom, we were sleeping. Tina said simply, hoping that her mom was momentarily stricken blind and didnt notice that either of the girls were naked. Sleeping my *****. Explain yourself now. She stood there in the typical Im-the-mom-hands-on-hips routine. Bette threw her shirt on followed by a pair of jeans that she couldnt remember who they actually belonged to, her or Tina. Mrs. Kennard Bette started but was cut off almost immediately. Elizabeth Porter, dont you dare try and lie to me to my face. Go home now. Or should I call your parents? Bette stood defiantly. She wasnt going to leave Tina here, she didnt trust Jackie as far as she could throw her. Fine, Have it your way. She said pulling out her cell phone, she started to dial but Tina interrupted her. Mom stop, shell leave. Bette looked incredulously at Tina. Tee, Im not just going to Bette I dont want you getting in trouble, we all know how your parents are, its okay, really. She looked at Tina for a moment and then nodded. She wanted to kiss Tina goodbye, but under the circumstances she opted against it. Waiting until she brushed past Jackie in the doorway she turned to find Tina watching her leave. She blew her a kiss, mouthed I love you and Tina smiled ear to ear. As soon as the front door opened and closed Jackie Kennard let her wrath be known. Youre a ***** now! Jesus ***** Christ Christina Its not really any of your business mom. Of course its my business! I dont want this depravity in my home! Well you wont have to much longer will you. Bette and I are leaving in two daysso get the ***** off of my back. Tina said so angry that she felt herself shaking. No youre not! I refuse to let my daughter run off with some mulatto ***** to play house. Its disgusting, and youre out of your mind to think that I would let you leave with her after this! You have no choice in the matter mom! Its my life! Just because you fucked yours up doesnt give you the right to control mine! I cant take you anymore Christina, but Im not letting you go to Philadelphia with her, I wont help pay for school and I wont be here for you. I will cut you off completely. Well what the ***** am I going to do? I cant just not go to school. Tina said mockingly. You can register for spring classes when you get back. Back? Back from where? Where the ***** am I going. Youre going to your uncle Andys, hes the only I can think of to straighten you out. Tina almost wanted to laugh at the bad pun, but the seriousness of the situation killed any jovial mood she may have been in. Your father is too busy with his family, the comment stung Tina deeply, thinking of her father with his new wife and kids had always made her want to curl up and cry, and Im not going to be here, Greg and I are going on a trip. I dont trust you by yourself. I cant believe this Tina whispered to herself, but Jackie heard it and walked over to the bed sitting next to her daughter. Christina its for the best, youll come back and realize that whatever you had with that girl was a phaseexperimentation is a part of life and Im sorry that I got so upset, I know this has been going on longer that what I saw here. but youre not going to be seeing Elizabeth again. Ill let you call herthats it. Here. Jackie handed the phone to Tina and Tina waited for her mother to give her privacy. You have 10 minutes and then Im helping you pack. Youre leaving in the morning. Tina eyes shot wide. What?! How long have you been planning this? Since I suspected that something more than friendship was going on between the two of you. 10 minutesthats it. Jackie closed the door and walked to her own bedroom. Tinas tears burst like two damns. Momentarily blinded by her watering eyes she couldnt make out the numbers. She wiped furiously at her eyes with her hands and dialed. Hey. T? Yeah, she sobbed hearing Bettes voice. Thinking it could be one of the last times she would. *I cant believe this is ***** happening* She thought. Baby whats wrong? What did she say? BetteshesIm.Shes sending me away. Tee, Tina she cantnoTina, please dont tell me you agreed to it. What else am I going to do? How would I pay for school? I have some Financial Aid, but not enough. Id completely be cut off. I have money Tinamy Dad and Momthey can helpI can ask for moreI can help you. If it keeps you with me, I dont care what it takes. Just dont run away from me again. Please Tina. She could hear the break in Bettes voice. Her heart felt like it deflated and went berserk bouncing inside of her chest and then landing in the pit of her stomach. Your parents dont like mewell your dad doesnt, and they dont even know that Im going to be living with you. Ill be back by spring session. Maybe my mom will have calmed by then and I can just start in Philly. So youre just going to let her do this? Break us up. Bette asked disbelievingly. Tina was gob smacked. I didnt say anything about breaking up? she whispered harshly. Yeah, well, maybe its for the best. Maybe we both need to get a new perspective on things. Bette said through clenched teeth. Tina knew that this wasnt what Bette wanted deep down, but she said it with such conviction. Fine, Tina said sniffling If its what you want, I wont make you stay with me. I need to go pack. Im leaving in the morning. I love you Bette, and I know youre angry at me for this, I just hope you realize that its something I have no choice in.Iwellhave a good trip I guess Bettes eyes were clenced so tightly, her knuckles were whit from almost crushing her cell phone. I love you too Tee. She said into the phone, but was only met with the drone of a dial tone. She sunk into her mattress and cried. ___________________________________ The next morning. Tina was walking out the front door with her mother getting ready to drive to the airport when she spotted a familiar car, and the beautiful girl standing next to it. Her once vibrant eyes were covered with dark glasses, whether it was to black out the blinding sun, or to hide salt swollen eyes, Tina wasnt sure. Tina looked over and realized that her mom recognized who was standing there. Sighing she relented and let Tina go talk to Bette. Make it quick were running late as it is. Tina chucked her final bag into the passenger side and jogged over to Bette. There was an awkward silence when she reached Bette. Im sorry. They both said at the same time and then smile shyly at each other. Are we friends? Bette asked and Tina felt like she was punched in the gut. Friends? Bette nodded and released a burst of air from her lungs, she combed her fingers through her hair and lifted her sunglasses. That answered Tinas previous question. Bettes eyes were red and puffy like she had been up all might crying. At least now Tina knew that she wasnt the only one dying from this. Thats all I can give you right now Tee. Who knows maybe youll find someone wherever youre going that you wont have to keep running from. But I dont want to loose all contact with you, and you have my cell if you need me, and I have your num My mom took my phoneIm not even really supposed to be talking to you. Tina said embarrassed. She felt like she was 12 years old with her mommy telling her what to do. Bette looked past Tina to the car where Jackie was sitting and gave her the death stare. Oh. Bette thought for a second and took out a piece of paper from her pocket. Well heres my address, ya know, you can write me or whatever. I just want to know that youre okay every once in a while. Call me if you can. I love you so much Tina. I love you too Bette. Bette leaned in and kissed Tina only the lips. Aware her mother was watching, she let all the love she had for Tina show through the joining of their lips, hoping that maybe Jackie would realize what she was tearing apart; but it didnt work. Instead she honked the horn and Tina pulled away. She began walking to her car, their fingers still joined together as they parted from one another. Tina wanted to keep the memory of Bettes touch in her head, on her fingers, in her heart. She knew she wouldnt find anyone on this little vacation her mother planned for her down in Texas. She just prayed Bette wouldnt find someone better than her in Philadelphia.