It was 5am when Bette rolled out of bed. The urge for sleep was becoming an annoyance so she decided to get up rather than stare at the ceiling. The only thing she could think of to do was to go over to Tinas and tell her how she felt, but she didnt want to scare her. Finally coming to a course of action after who knows how long pacing Bette pulled on her favorite pair of jeans, a black wife beater tank, and a pair of black sandals; and made the quite trip down the steps praying that her mother wasnt already up until she heard the soft but stern voice calling from the kitchen. Elizabeth, is that you? Bette sighed and turned from the door heading to the kitchen. Morning mom. She said taking a seat across the breakfast bar. What are you doing up at this hour of the morning? Victoria Porter asked. I just needed to go for a drive, I cant sleep. Bette motioned, with her keys in her hand, towards the door. Was there someone in your room last night Lizbeth? You know you father and I do not tolerate that kind of activity in our house She said sternly. Mom, she interrupted, it was Tina. Mrs. Porters face lit up, she loved Tina like she was a part of the family, from the moment she met the girl she could tell all she needed was a little motherly love and she treated Tina like a daughter; which surprised Bette. Oh, well then Why didnt she stay? I couldve made a big breakfast. She uh, she needed to get home, she didnt want to leave Colin with Jacki too long. Bettes mother nodded in understanding. That woman is a disgrace, how she could ever treat such sweet children like that is beyond me. What was wrong that she came over so late? Nothing, she was having relationship issues sort of. I see, Lizbeth, you should really find a nice boy, you hardly ever go out and you barely have any friends except Tina. Maybe the two of you could double date. She said excitedly. Bette hated to have to keep breaking her moms spirit but she needed it to get through to both of her parents that she wasnt interested in guys. Mom, I dont know why you dont want to accept this, but Im at least asking you to acknowledge that I will not go out with guys. Im a lesbiana pretty big one at that. Nothing you can say will ever change that. You cannot tell me who I will date. Bette said standing up and walking towards the door. Elizabeth Rosaline Porter, you do not walk out of this house until I say that it is okay for you to do so. Bette stopped in her tracks as her mother walked up behind her. I know that you think youre *****, and okay, Ill play along and let thisthis curiosity run out, but you are a child, my child, and Ill be damned if I let you embarrass me in front of this neighborhood, or any of its inhabitants. So you will keep your urges to yourself. Am I understood? Bette shoulders straightened and she inhaled deeply. Yes maam She said through clenched teeth. Good then, you can go. She practically ripped the door handle off of her mustang as she got in and cranked the stereo just as Underoaths Reinventing Your Exit came on, and she found herself turning it up even higher hoping that the heavy sounds would drown out the hurt that was crushing her chest. No matter how much Tina had hurt and confused her the night before, she was the only one Bette would be able to talk to about anything. Pulling up in front of Tinas house she snuck around the back like she always did and climbed up to the roof, she decided against knocking on the window because it looked like Tina was still asleep, instead she lay back against the rough shingles and watched the sun slowly come up over the houses. She knew Tina would be up any minute, she always got up with the sunrise, and she also knew that the first thing Tina did in the morning was open her window. Almost as suddenly as Bette had finished the thought she heard the sliding sound of the window and turned around a little to look behind her. Tina flashed her a weak smile before casting a glance back at her sleeping brother and going to lock her bedroom door. Coming back to the window she climbed out and took a seat next to Bette. She didnt know why the girl came here, but she was grateful that she had. They sat in an awkward silence both staring at the skyline in front of them until they both had enough and started to talk at the same time. T I Bette Im sorr They both gave a nervous chuckle and Tina waved to Bette for her to continue. T, Im sorry that I freaked last night, its just, youve never said anything about feeling that way, and I was kind of shocked. And Im sorry I came over like this, I couldnt sleep and my mom was being a *****. I just needed to see you. Bette finished looking down shyly. Dont be sorry, for anything, because you have every right to be upset with me. I acted like an *****, and I dont think I really need to tell you how sorry I am. You need to know that thats not what I think of you at all. I didnt mean any of it. Im just confused. Bette crossed her arms over her knees as she pulled them up towards her chest and looked at Tina out of the corner of her eye. Youyou didnt mean any of it? she asked cautiously. Tina turned her head towards Bette and looked at her profile. I mean what I said before I left. She said in a whisper, and then turned her head back to the almost risen sun but continued to talk when Bette didnt respond. I dont know when it happened Bette, youve been there since high school started and I know there were times when we didnt talk because I was being the stuck up ***** and I pretended to be too good for you, but even then you were there for me. You gave me a shoulder to cry on about Kevin or my mom, you made me laugh when I could hardly get enough strength to get up in the morning, and all of the time weve spent up here just doing nothing and talking, or not talking and just watching the sunset or riseyouve made me happy. But I dont know what to do now. She ended sadly. Bette sat there listening to Tina talk and she was stunned. Tina was taking Bettes silence as a bad thing and began thinking that maybe she misread the signals. Im sorry if I scared you, Im just so lost with all of this that I thought maybe you might Bette blinked rapidly to snap herself out of silence and turned Tina so that they were looking at each other. She couldnt help the smirk that crept upon her face at Tinas flustered appearance. No t, not scared, just surprised is all. I never thought in this lifetime would I be on the receiving end of a one Christina Marie Kennards affections. Tina blushed brightly. Well its hard not to be affected by you Bettejust so you know. Both girls smiled at one another, but the silence again became awkward as the two friends found themselves in limbo. They were straddling the fence between friendship and a new kind of relationship and didnt know how to broach the topic. Bette being the more forward one at the moment was the one to broach the topic. I dont want you to think that Im rushing in to things Tina, but what does this mean? She asked. Tina looked deep in thought for a few moments before replying with her answer. I dont know what it means for you, only you can answer that. Butbut I know that no matter how truly petrified I am of taking this step, I would always kick myself if I didnt try, because you mean so much to me and my feelings have surpassed being able to have you and settle for just being friends. I mean I dont want to loose our friendship, but I was kind of hoping we could build from that. By the time Tina was finished Bette was grinning from ear to ear. God T, you have no idea how amazing it sounds to hear those words from your lips. I think I felt that way about you for so long, but I was resigned in the fact that you were straight and were in a relationship, that I would take you any way I could get you. I want to give this a chance, and I swear I wont push you or rush you into anything youre not ready for. Just promise me youll tell me when somethings too much. Tina beamed at Bettes sweat-ness, she knew how sweet the other girl could be and couldnt resist but lean over and brush her lips against the soft cheek of her best friend and newgirlfriend? Thanks for being so patient with me Bette, and I promise you I will tell you if something is too much for me. She saw Bette blush and put her hand on the rosy cheek Aww, you look so cute blushingso uh, are we dating now? Bette looked at Tina and just shrugged her shoulders. I dont really know, I guess you could call it that although technically we havent been on a date yet. Well than consider this a formal question to you Bette Porter. Would you do me the honor of going out on a date with me today? Bette nodded and gave Tina a light kiss on the lips and sent a shockwave of heat through Tinas brain and down her spine resting in the pit pf her stomach and creating a wonderful tension there. One of the chastest kisses of Tinas life had turned into the most arousing. Grinning at the shocked and excited look on Tinas face Bette noticed Colins little face peering out of the window behind them. Bette gave him a wave and he waved back causing Tina to turn to see what Bette was looking at. Through the open window he called out to them. Hey sissy, hiya Bette. Sissy can you make me some breakfast, Im a little hungry. Hating that there little discussion was broken up, but feeling the overwhelming need to take care of her little brother, Tina got up and headed towards the window while Bette followed but headed for the side of the house to make her way down. Sure little man, turning around she saw Bette going to leave, and where do you think youre off to Elizabeth? Get your butt back over hear because I know you havent eaten yet. she said holing out her hand to Bette and she took discreet steps back to Tina, not wanting to make too much noise on the roof and wake up their mother. The three of them walked quietly down the creaky steps and talked in hushed tones as to not wake the wrath of Jacki Kennard. They ate breakfast and goofed off together. Tina couldnt help but wonder if this is what it would be like when they moved to Philadelphia together to start school, her brain did mental somersaults at the though of finally being able to be happy and she began to wonder why it took so long for her to realize that Bette was always that one thing that could make her happy. _________________ Later that day Tina arrived at Bettes house to pick her up for their first official date. She decided that since they had already did everything that they could think of together, they would go to Disneyland. Getting out of the car Tina walked up and rang the doorbell. When Bettes mom answered Tina was immediately met with a hug, Christina, Im so happy to see you, are you hungry? I just finished making lunch for Melvin and I, I could fix you something if you like, youre looking a little skinny. Tina just smiled politely. No thanks Mrs. Porter, Bette and I are going to get something later. Is she ready yet? She should be down any second, so Ill leave you alone and get back to my husband. Come back anytime darling, I love seeing you. Sure thing Mrs. Porter. Tina replied. She stood for several minutes in the large foyer until Bette came down. Hey T, sorry it took so long, I couldnt seem to find anything to wear. She said in apology. Dont worry about it; you look great, as always. Tina said with a wink to Bette who just replied, Same to you T. And with that they were back in the car. They spent all day going on rides and holding hand through the park. They were spotted by a group people that Tina used to hang out with and Bette was surprised when she went to pull her hand out of Tinas and Tina just held it tighter and smiled that sweet toothy grin making Bettes heart stop and then start double time. She did however see that Tina face was tense and she was sweating when she saw them point and whisper, but Bette just pulled her out of their eyesight. Are you okay T, you dont need to hold my hand if youre uncomfortable. Dont be silly Bette, I like feeling your hand in mine, its just they made me panic, but their opinion of me doesnt matter, I just have to keep telling myself that. As long as Im here with you thats all I need to know that Im okay. Got it? Got it, Bette said with a smirk as she leaned in a bit and kissed Tinas soft lips. She was met with an unexpected twist when she felt Tinas tongue grace her bottom lip and she opened her mouth to let their tongues meet. The kiss was so light and sweet; it was perfect for a first kiss, surrounded by the bright lights of the attractions with the spell of sugary confections and fast food lingering around, the whoosh and bustle of the rides, it made everything so real and incredible. It made them feel alive just being there together and forgetting about all the drama of their homes. After the long day Tina drove them back to Bettes house, and Tina came to the resolution that since Colin was staying the night at a friends house, there was no reason for her to go home so she decided to stay with Bette, which Bette was more than happy to accommodate Tina in her house. The two of them went up to Bettes room quietly and Bette gave Tina a pair of boxers and a t-shirt to wear while she grabbed the same. They were so used to changing in front of one another that they forgot things were slightly different now, and Tina found herself looking over the perfect muscles that stretched when Bette lifted her arms to bring the shirt over her head. It was enough to make the blonde light headed and her knees shale slightly. Turning around Bette caught Tina staring and walked over to her. Its okay T, theres no need to be embarrassed. Youre so adorable. She said kissing the tip of Tinas nose. So you get the bed, and Ill take the floor? Bette asked. Tinas eyes fluttered to the floor as she tried to verbalize her thoughts. Well its your house and I dont want to kick you out of youre bedits big enough, would you mind if we slept together? she questioned, and then realizing what the mustve sounded like to Bette, she tried to back track. I didnt mean toI meant just to sleep, I dont want you to have to sleep on the floor. Bette found her slight spastic-ness very endearing and nodded. I know what you meant Tina, and no, I wouldnt mind. Lets just get to bed. Both girls crawled into bed. When Bette found Tinas hand under the covers Tina felt herself melt into the mattress and couldnt help moving herself over and cuddling into Bettes side. Goodnight T. Gnight Bette. It was so low the brunette could barely hear it, but she did. She found herself running her hand through Tinas hair as she fell asleep and followed Tina into dreamland. When the sun began its ascent into the California sky, Tina was awakened with it. She looked over at the girl she had known for four years, but she didnt ever really look at her this way. The closed eyes and slightly party lips, made Tina want to kiss the sleeping beautyand for the first time she didnt think and went straight with her heart. Leaning in she kissed those full lips pulling back with a huge smile. She couldnt help but think that all her wishes had come true by just waking up next to this woman. Getting out of bed she walked over to Bettes desk and picked up the photo booth pictures and put them in the frame around the mirror. She looked around at all the things the other girl had saved from the things they had done together. Youd think wed been dating forever she thought to herself with a laugh, and wondered how she didnt realize sooner Bette had had feeling for her. She heard Bette begin to shuffle around in the bed and turned to look at her. Making her way back over, she sat on the edge and leaned over the now waking girl, putting one arm on the other side of Bettes waist. Morning my gorgeous girlfriend. Tina said and placed a feather light kiss on her forehead. Bettes eyes fluttered open. Morning to you too. Girlfriend? Tina winked and pushed the hair out of her face. Yeah, if thats okay with you. Dating just sounds like were free to see other people, and I think Id be very jealous if I found out I had to share you with someone now. Oh, well its perfectly okay with me T. I just though you wanted to take things slow. And we areOh here! Tina said reaching into her pants from yesterday and pulling out a slip of paper that she had jotted something on after Bette had left yesterday before their date. Handing it to Bette she smiled mischievously and Bette arched and eyebrow cautiously, the read it aloud. I O U One Galaxy. T? Bette questioned somewhat confused. Thats for you, because I feel like youve given me the universe by just sticking with me all theses years…And I figured I could at least pay you back by giving you a galaxy someday. Ill try my hardest, I promise. Tina said shyly and Bette just beamed wide eyed at her. Youre so amazing Tina. Come here. She said pulling her down and flipping her over so that Bette was straddling her waist and tickling her. Both girls were rolling around giggling on the bed in the early hours of the morning before parting ways and heading off to their respective summer sweat shopsorer jobs.