As Bette sat quietly on the sofa she couldnt stop smiling. Bette felt overwhelming happy that Tina believed in them enough”believed in her enough to try to get pregnant again. Bette felt grateful and elated to be so loved by Tina. She couldnt wipe that ridiculous smile from her face, it was really getting bad because her face muscles were starting to ache but the smile refused to abandon her visage. Bette decided she needed to do something really special for Tina she wanted her to know that she truly had made her the happiest woman in the world. So she decided to plan something she knew Tina would enjoy.

First things first Bette announced. She had to set up a few meetings with James regarding the next new artists exhibit that would hopefully begin in a few weeks. Bette had still not been able to return to the CAC her fears from the attack were still very much present. Bette had learned to give herself time. For the last several weeks she had still been working just not at the CAC. She hoped shed be able to return soon but she realized that removing a date of return from her mind relieved the pressure she felt as each time the assigned date would come and go with her still unable to return. Bette shook her head trying to rid her mind of the things she had considered lost and quickly focused on everything she had seemed to regain—Tina. After getting off the phone with James and discussing a few new artists they both liked Bette realized it was still early and headed to the Planet for some breakfast.

As Bette walked in she saw seated in the corner in the back a very sleepy Alice.

Bette: Good Morning sunshine. Isnt it too early for you to be here?

Alice: God Bette why are you up this early are you back to work yet?

Bette: Im working but from home. Im, Im not quite ready.

Bette sat down and began flipping through the newspaper. She wasnt aware but that smile was back and it must have been infectious because when Alices tired eyes drifted to her friend she began to smile just as broadly and *****”she wasnt happy.

Alice: Okay”whats that? (With a huge grin)

Bette: Whats what? (Still smiling)

Alice: Bette I dont think I have ever seen you this happy. Whats going on? You know what”dont answer it if its gonna be something like; T rocked my world last night or I really rocked Tinas world.

Bette: (laughing) Have you ever known me to say anything like that to you, ever Al?

Alice: No”No so what is it? I want to know what has my friend so happy.

Bette: Tina wants to try for a baby again. God Alice she really believes in me and us enough to want this for us and Im just grateful she loves me enough to want to take that next step. God Alice I love her so much its really indescribable. I mean to say I love her its not enough. Love is such an inadequate word.

Alice sat there in listening to her friend and realizing that what she and Tina had was truly special at the same time she wondered if they were maybe rushing a bit. Of course she wouldnt dare share her concerns with Bette not right now. She wouldnt say anything to temper the apparent joy that Bette was feeling. They had earned any ounce of happiness they found. Besides who was she to question it? Of course her mind said these things but her poker face failed. Her smile had dissipated to a slow cautious frown. This didnt go unnoticed by Bette.

Too soon, you think its too soon, dont you? Bette said, still smiling and knowing she had similar concerns”they were valid concerns; but Bette knew that she and Tina had discussed that too and they would know when to try”together.

Alice: Look I dont know. I just want you guys to be happy with a baby now, next year, whenever is right for you guys. Im sure you will know. But God you and Tina definitely have something amazing and now you guys know you have to take better care of it.

Bette: Exactly. Wow that reminds me. I really want to do something special for her today. Shes made me the happiest woman in the world and I just want to do something really incredibly special for her. Oh she even told me she wants me to talk to Shane to try to get us all on the page. Shes terrific.

Alice: SHANE”Bette that reminds me. Im here this early because I went to speak to her this morning. Look I know you are really in a good mood and I really hate to burst your bubble or rain on your parade but things arent good, not at all.

For the first time this morning the smile”the infectious one that lit up every room she graced with her presence was gone. A look of concern and fear replaced that smile and Bette felt her heart racing as she prepared to hear what had been going on with Shane. Damn, she really missed her and hated that things had gone terribly wrong. Bette steeled herself to prepare for the not so good report.

Alice: Look shes been sleeping around A LOT. The thing is she said it doesnt matter how many she sleeps with none of them are you. She admitted she was lonely and she didnt know how to stop. Shes been drinking and missing work. I really think shes depressed. It just occurred to me that shes been through a lot too.

Bette: I will talk to her today. Do you think she will realize she and I can only be friends and do you think it will be enough?

Alice: Yeah, I think its sinking in. I just think she doesnt know how to make things right. Im sure shell grab the olive branch as soon as you guys extend it. When Shane and I spoke I realized that this thing with Dana and I it has to end too.

Bette: Why Al? Do you want to be with her?

Alice: Of course, but thats why I know I cant pursue it. I told Shane this morning that you had chosen Tina and that you were happy with that decision and that she needed to be happy for you guys. Bette how is that any different from me pining away for Dana when she has apparently made her decision. Of course I dont respect that decision but I do respect her, so Ill have to find a way to be happy for her, right?

Alices tear filled eyes turned away from Bette she knew what she said was true but it didnt make any easier to live by it. Bette wrapped her arms around her friend and said, You are right, but that doesnt mean they will always be together. Maybe you dont respect the decision because its a pretty bad one; she just doesnt know that yet. Love is blind until ***** happens to wake you. T and I can attest to that. Be patient and be a friend and if that situation changes Dana will love you even more for sticking by her and respecting her choices”even the bad ones, okay?

Alice left the Planet to start her workday as Bette stayed behind frantically calling several places to plan her surprise for Tina. She called her favorite florist and a deli she ordered a picnic luncheon and went by a wine shop. After she made the arrangements she went back to the house with red roses and put rose petals throughout the bedroom and on the bed. She strategically placed candles throughout the house so that later tonight the romance would continue. Bette noticed she had some time to develop a roll of film she had shot over the last two days. She was pleased with the results of the inanimate objects shed shot a few candid photos of people and a few photos that seem to play with motion. She was totally absorbed in her work when she realized it was quickly approaching noon.
She decided to call Tina to see if she would be ready to come home soon.

Tina: Hello?
Bette: Hi is this the most beautiful, *****, warm, loving woman in the world?
Tina: (laughing) uh no I think you may want to speak to my wife.
Bette: No-No its definitely you I want to speak to. Hows your day and when do you think youll be leaving?
Tina: My day has been great. Ive been thinking about you and I will be ready to leave in about twenty minutes.
Bette: Perfect.
Tina: What are you up to?
Bette: Im just trying to spend some time with the most beautiful, *****, warm, loving woman in the world.
Tina: (laughing) I will be home soon. Please be good.
Bette: I will try but I wont make any promises.

Bette immediately got up and picked up the picnic basket from the deli and an enormous bouquet of white roses, Tinas favorite and decided to greet her at the door when she left the Center hoping that Tina would be surprised.

Bette strategically parked her Saab and waited undetected at the entrance for Tina to walk out.

Tina finally got to the door and Bette spotted her and felt her heart stop for a second. She was overwhelmed by how beautiful Tina was inside and out. She felt her heart swell with love and pride to know that beautiful woman walking towards her was hers. Bette slowly stepped out from around the corner as Tina saw her she couldnt help but to quicken her pace. They ran towards one another as if they hadnt seen each other in years.

Tina: Babe what are you doing here.
Bette: I came to spend sometime with the most beautif
Tina stopped Bette with a kiss. The kiss started off sweet but passion-filled and at one point became deep and hungry. Tina eventually broke the kiss remembering where she was and it was a good thing too because Bette was getting overheated and reaching under Tinas blouse.
They looked at one another and let out a laugh realizing they should leave.
Bette had one hand behind her back the entire time she was embracing Tina and finally pulled it around her to extend a white rose to Tina.

Tina: Babe thanks thats so sweet. Whats going on?
Bette: Are you up for a picnic lunch at a quiet little place I know.
Tina: Absolutely.

Bette and Tina reached their destination somehow Bette had found the sweetest little park that was well shaded with nice secluded walking trails. She and Tina talked for a while and ate and then sat quietly looking into each others eyes and really just enjoying each other.

Babe I know you think I was being silly this morning but you truly make me the happiest woman in the world”with or without a baby T Im just glad you are in my life. I want to make up all the pain I caused you and I need you to know I will never do anything careless with your heart again. Tina Im so happy to have the opportunity to love you the way you deserve to be loved. Bette said as tears started to form in her eyes.

Babe”whats past is past. I dont know why all of that had to happen for us to realize what we have. We have learned if we arent careful, both of us, that we can lose this; and God babe I dont want to lose you or us ever. You dont have to prove anything to me just love me and let me love you and were going to be fine. Tina said as she wrapped Bette in a tight embrace. Bette leaned in and kissed Tina with so much urgency they both let out loud moans and looked tenderly into each others eyes no words were needed to convey their love.

Bette got up to clean up and pack their things. She noticed Tina staring at her. Whats up babe?

Babe Dana called shes kind of upset about a few things with Tonya and Alices name kept creeping up in the conversation. She asked if I could meet to talk to her about a few things. I didnt know about my surprise at the time and I told her I could meet her at the club. She sounds really upset. Do you mind if I meet her for a while? Then I plan to come home and thank you properly for my surprise. I cant believe those roses, theyre beautiful but of course theyll never measure up to how beautiful you are.

Is that your way of sweet talking me to go spend time with Dana? Well babe thats not a bad idea. I spoke to Al this morning and she misses Dana. Babe she also told me Shane isnt doing so well. Are you sure you dont mind me talking to her? Weve got to get things back to normal with everyone. I miss all of them and how things were”dont you?

Yeah babe-even Shane. I know she crossed the line but you are right we have to try to get the gang back together. Sweetie go ahead and talk to Shane but babe because she did cross the line, seriously if she cant accept the friendship, it wont work Tina said with regret in her voice.

Bette just pulled Tina into her embrace and agreed. As much as I hate to admit it T you are right. With that Tina went off to speak to a confused Dana and Bette went to confront a more confused Shane.

As Bette approaches Shanes apartment one of her roommates is leaving and lets Bette in.
Bette notices Shane sleeping on the sofa. She realizes just how much she misses her friend. She notices her beautiful features at peace as she slumbers. Bette reaches down and loving strokes Shanes wild hair. Shane awakens and gently rubs Bettes hand and raises it to her lips and kisses it. She sits up and embraces Bette, loudly sighing into Bettes shoulder. Shane breaks the embrace and tries to speak but words fail her as she looks lovingly into Bettes eyes and her body surrenders to Bettes beauty. Shane tenderly holds Bettes face in her hands and pulls Bette into a kiss. The kiss is slow and deliberate she softly pushes her tongue into Bettes mouth and lets out a moan filled with pleasure. Bette not wanting to respond soon surrenders not able to fight the temptation. Shes shocked and unnerved as her arousal takes over. Reeling in the sensation of Bettes warm enticing kiss Shane lays Bette down on the sofa and hovers above her slowly kissing her neck and undressing her. She stops and looks down at a beautiful disrobed Bette below her and finally finds her voice. Bette you are so beautiful please let me love you. I want to make you feel as beautiful as you look, please. With that Shane puts her hands in Bettes waistband to reach her destination. She finds Bette wet, warm, ready, and waiting. She lets out a sigh and begins her decent towards Bettes core. Bette gives in.

Shane is awakened by a knock on the door. She jumps up her heart is racing shes sweaty and breathless. She realizes it was all a cruel dream and feels lost, empty, and alone. She is in a state of complete arousal and finds it difficult to move the knocks begin again. She somehow manages to stand in her stimulated state and answers the door. This better be important As she opens the door and her eyes meet the visitor before her Bette responds, I think its very important. Shane instantly becomes flushed and turns a crimson red as if Bette could see the images shed had in her dream.

Arent you going to ask me in or do I have to stand out here all night? Bette asked teasingly. C..come in..,


TBC