Bette reached for a picture of her and Tina. She touched Tinas face with her fingers softly. I love you T. Tears filled Bettes eyes. When did this go wrong? Bette wondered. Thinking back, Bette began to see things that did not make her happy. I keep things bottled up, I dont share my feelings, I try to be in control of everything around me I lost control and it scared me, I ran to Candace, she meant nothing, and that is what I needed, someone who did not NEED me, someone who did not care if I was strong or weak. Someone who just fucked me. Bette sighed at her realization. Tina tried, she took us to therapy, and she tried to get me to talk. Dammit Bette, the best thing in your life just walked out cuz you are weak.

Bettes thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Bette got off the couch, answered the door,
Bette: Shane, hi, please come in.
Shane: Bette, is it true? I can not believe this.
Bette: who told you Shane?
Shane: I stopped by to see Al, and she told me, Tina was not there, so she asked me to come and check on you.
Bette: It is true, I screwed up, and I am not sure what is going to happen. I know that I did not give, I took, Tina was the giver here. She is the better person here.
Shane: Look, Bette, I love you guys, I know this is not my business, but damn, I looked up to you two, I wanted to be in a relationship like you guys had, remember, it gave me hope. I am shocked,
Bette: Me too, but I can not change what happened, I can only try to fix my marriage, but I do not know how, she wont even talk to me.
Shane: she needs time, Bette, give her time. Call me if you need anything, I am mad at you but will always love you
Bette: thank you Shane, and take care of my girl please.
Shane: will do, later Bette.

Bette went to make herself a drink, and then went back to the couch. I will try to call her, I need to hear her voice, but she said she would call you, Bette.

Bette closed her eyes and sipped her drink, longing for Tina, the empty feeling in her heart was overwhelming. She poured another drink trying to alleviate some of the pain in her heart.

Bette pulled the picture to her chest and lay on the couch, drinking another drink. She fell asleep holding the picture near her heart. She had drank so much alcohol that she never heard the door open.

Tina walked into the house, it was just as she had left it, but for Bette asleep on the couch, she could tell that Bette had not moved from the couch. She walked into their bedroom, the bed still messed up from that night, Tinas dress still on the floor, what were we thinking Tina packed up some things and went into the living room and sat on the couch opposite where Bette was sleeping. She sat there for a long time, and just watched her sleeping. God she is beautiful Tina thought to herself. Tina felt the familiar rapid beating of her heart, as she sat there and watched Bette sleep. Tears filled Tinas eyes as she remembered the love they had made together. How did we get here Tina said to herself. She got up, walked over to Bette and removed the picture from Bettes hand, she looked at it, and placed it on the coffee table, and pulled the cover over Bettes beautiful body. She leaned down and gave her a little kiss on her forehead. I love you, Bette Porter Tina wiped the tears from her eyes and quietly walked out of their home.

Bette woke up with a smile on her face, what a nice dream, to hear the l word from Tina, I am glad I am still able to dream about that. She got up, and decided to take a shower and get out of the house. She walked into the room, and noticed that is was picked up a little, was it a dream? Bette walked over to the closet and noticed that Tinas suitcase was gone, she was here, she really did tell me she loved me; This excited Bette, Okay Porter, time to pull yourself together and go after the woman you love Bette got dressed and actually managed to make herself look pretty good. She walked to her car and decided to put her plan into action. She was going to need some help though.

Bette made a few calls, and began to fight for Tina.

Alice: Come on Tina, it will do you good, lets go out, you have been inside this house too long, lets go meet Shane and Dana
Tina: I am not sure, Al, I miss them but what if I run into Bette, I am not sure what I would do.
Alice: we are your friends, you owe us a night out.
Tina: okay, you win, I will go out, let me get ready.

The girls walked into the club, Tina saw Kit, she smiled as she walked over and gave her a hug, Good to see you, I have missed you girl Tina smiled; she really loved Kit, I miss you too, Kit.
Kit motioned for the girls to follow her, here have this table, front row, I am going to be singing tonight, so it is great to have you all here.

Tina felt better just being out, and she had not seen Bette. She began to relax a little, enjoying her time with her friends and seeing her sister in law.

Kit came on stage, this is a song I am going to dedicate to all those who have loved and loss and found love again, true love is the greatest thing of all

Is it alright for me to feel this way?
Put your head in my lap and the world will go away
We can go there, we can go anywhere
We can go there
But is it alright?
Is it alright?
Is it alright for you to feel this way?
Put your head in my lap and the world will go away
We can go there we can go anywhere, we can go there.
Your mind leads my mind to a world more beautiful
Your mind leads my mind to a world more beautiful
And that is so right!
It is so right to hold you through the night
It is so right for me to hold you through the night

Tina did not even realize that she was crying as she listened to the words that Kit was singing, she knew Bette had to have requested that particular song. The words so appropriate.

The girls were watching Tina as she never took her eyes off Kit. Kit came to the table,
The girls: Bravo Kit, Bravo
Kit: I love my groupies, Tina?
Tina: you sang that song so beautifully, Kit, it was incredible. So tell me, did Bette put you up to that?

Before Kit could answer, a man came up to Tina, Ms. Kennard? Tina looked stunned, yes I am Tina Kennard
The man: Ms Kennard, this is a message for you
Tina: thanks

She took the message:

T,
I hope you enjoyed your song, if you want more surprises, then follow the bearer of this note, he will take you to your next surprise. You will know it when you see it.
B

Tina could not help but smile. She looked at the girls and they were smiling, Tina got up and went to the man standing by the door. He led her outside, and opened the door to the limousine waiting for her.

Tina got inside the limo, and noticed a glass of champagne, and one red rose and another note,

T.
If you are reading this, then you must be a little intrigued, I hope you will like the next surprise in store for you.
B

Tina was smiling what are you up to Bette?

The car drove for quite a while and finally stopped, Tina saw the beach ahead of her, the driver opened the door, and led Tina to the sand, follow the petals, mam and I will be right here if you decide to leave.
Tina followed the petals to the shoreline and there she saw blankets, candles and the song Kit had sang playing on the cd and another note

T.
I am near by, watching you as you read this note, never seeing you look more beautiful then you do right now, that dress looks great on you, and you brown eyes, so full of love, I love to watch you, I miss that. If you want me to go, then I will leave, but if you want me to stay and for us to talk, then stand up and look right behind you, I am there.
All my love,
B.

Tina was still for a moment, she finally stood up and turned around, there she saw Bette, so beautiful, so full of remorse.

Bette walked up to Tina, and took her hand and brought it up to her lips.
Bette: I know we have a lot to talk about, but T, I love you and I know what I need to do to change what has happened. You have to give us a chance; you came this far, can you go a little farther?
Tina: I love you too Bette, but we have so much to work out, it seems nearly impossible to believe we can fix this.
Bette: Life- Tina you are my life, love, Tina, I could love no one other then you. Loss- we lost our son, T. Life love and loss, we have made it through them all, we can make it through this. Give us a shot.
Tina: Bette, lets talk. Right here, lets talk about everything.
Bette took Tinas hand and together they sat down and began what was going to be a long and difficult road to recovery.

TBC