Kristie: (scared) Are you going to be happy and fulfilled with me baby or.do you want another chance with Tina Kennard? Kristie held her breath for a response.



Tina arrived back at Shanes a while later and as soon as she walked in the door she heard her cell ringing. Realizing she had left it on the coffee table, she ran over to retrieve it. By the time she got there the ringing had stopped, *****!! Tina stated loudly to the empty room.

Tina checked her phone, 10 missed calls, Jesus, someone really wants to get a hold of me hey?

Tina checked her message service. Upon hearing the messages she smiled, her impending migraine a distant memory, grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

Tbc..

Chapter 16

Tina arrived at LAX 20 minutes later anxiously searching the crowd. She wandered around for at least an hour, becoming more and more excited as the search progressed.

Finally Tina fixed her eyes on whom she was searching for, sitting in the airport caf, sipping a latte, reading the L.A. times; she could recognised the good doctors face anywhere.

A huge grin slowly appeared on Tinas face as she approached her dear friend. Walking up behind her, Tina tapped her on the shoulder.

The woman turned around and her eyes met Tinas in a warm friendly smile. She immediately arose from her chair and encased Tina in a tight embrace, Hey Tina. Where have you been? Ive been waiting here for hours?

Tina: (grinning from ear to ear) Sorry Steph, I only got your message just over an hour agoAnyway youre early!! I thought you werent coming until next week?

Stephanie: WellI had a few free days so I thought Id come earlyand we could catch up over the weekend? Stephanie knew from their last conversation, that Tina was having some troubles fitting back into her new life, and the doc. thought she might be able to help.

Tina: Thats great Steph!!! (rolling her eyes) I certainly have a lot to tell you.

Stephanie: Ok Tina, shall we get outta here! Im sure theres more to L.A. than the airport!!

Tina: You better believe it! Ok lets go.Where are you staying?

Stephanie: At theHyatt Regency? Ill need to go and get checked in.. and then, if you wouldnt mind, Ms KennardHow about you accompany me to dinner?

Tina: Sounds like a plan Dr Hunter..I would be honoured! Tina gave Stephanie another warm hug, Im so glad youre here Steph! I missed you. (sombrely) I missed being able to talk to you.

Stephanie: (Picking up the sorrow in Tinas voice) I missed you too Tina!. Shall we!!! breaking the embrace both women walked out of the airport to Tinas awaiting car.





After Kristie sprung the loaded question on her, Bette gazed deep into Kristies eyes with an expression that could only be described as totally lost. Bette knew her initial silence would give Kristie the wrong impression, but she knew that giving the wrong answer would be abundantly more detrimental, not to mention hurtful!!

Bette had to co-alate her thoughts into words, precisely in her head, before she answered Kristie. That was going to be incredibly hard to achieve, because Bette didnt really know what she wanted herself. How was she supposed to respond completely honestly to the question at hand when she didnt know all the answers?

Kristies question replayed over and over in Bettes mind, Are you going to be happy and fulfilled with me baby or.do you want another chance with Tina Kennard?

Bette thought to herself, Yes of course I would be happy and fulfilled with Kristie.I AM happy and fulfilled with Kristie. She is a wonderful woman, and Jack adores her.Tina and I had our chance..but in my heart, I have always wanted a second chance with Tee.always.(confusion was seeping through her mind) but that was before.I dont even know how I feel about her anymore, do I??!!??!.I only know we still have that amazing connection.I will be happy and fulfilled with Kristie but Tina was the one woman who completed me I never felt that with anyone else ever!!.Was or is???… God, I could really use some HELP here!!! Bettes mind was silently screaming in uncertainty.

Kristie could see through Bettes eyes, she was wrestling with her deepest emotions. Kristie could read Bette well enough, to know; no matter how Bette responded, right hereright nowthe words, the answers would be stemming from confusion

All Kristie wanted. no all Kristie neededwas to look in Bettes eyes and see that she still had her love, and she would fight for that love. Bette Porter was one woman definitely worth fighting for!! She was a little disappointed at her lovers obvious confusion, but quietly confident that ultimately Bette wouldnt throw away what they had!

Bette began, holding Kristies hands firmly in her own, staring determinedly into Kristies eyes, Kris, to be completely honest.right now, Tina and I have some issues to sort out Ok.but thats what they are at the moment, sweetie, issues… I AM already happy and fulfilled with you baby, so you neednt ask me that..I love youI came to love you when I didnt think I couldve loved anyone again

Bette pausedshe couldnt do itshe couldnt hurt Kristie..She just couldnt say the words, I dont know if I want another chance with Tina? she just couldnt bring herself to hurt Kristie.

The uncertainty would eat away at Kristie, and hurt and fear would be born Bette needed to get her thoughts and feelings in order herself, before subjecting them to anyone. let alone the one person who could be hurt by them the most.

Bette was determined to never inflict upon someone she loved, the incredible hurt she subjected Tina to, all those years ago!! Even if she wasnt in love with Kristie, which she still had yet to determine, she loved her very much!and Bette knew Kristie was deeply in love with her, and it would break her heart if she decided to leave, she couldnt live with the guilt of ruining yet another womans life!

If she came to regret not having another chance with Tinaso be it. She felt as though she didnt deserve to be only thinking of herself anymore, she had to stick to her principlesShe had to sacrifice her own wants and desires to be more than adequately happy with her current lover and her beautiful little boy!!

Kristie heard Bettes words and could see the love still there in her eyes, figuring that what Bette said was honest, and thats what she wanted, all that she could ask for right now, (hesitantly smiling) Ok I accept that response for now babebut your not off the hookI want you to talk things through with Ms Kennard sort out whatever issues you have, and then I want you to be sure its me you want. you choose Bette and youd better be sure..if youre not and I can see even a glimmer of regret in your eyes sweetie, I will not stay!!!. There has to be a decision made and an end to this situationand you have to make it!!..I cannot live in uncertainty!!!

Bette: Okbut its not a choice baby. I told you, you are my future Kris, I want you..(smiling cheekily at Kristie, with the look in her eye) how about right now darling, I really WANT YOU right now!! leaning in planting a passionate kiss on Kristies lips.

Kristie couldnt help but succumb to Bettes kiss, her hands gently roaming up and down Bettes back. Kristie deepened the kiss, moaning into Bettes mouth as her desire hastily rose. Speaking huskily, feeling the beginnings of her arousal, Mmmm..but I want this sorted soon Bette, okMmmm, GodSORTED!!

She desperately wanted to feel Bettes assurance of their love

Bette reacquainted her lips with Kristie in a smouldering kiss that left no doubt in Kristies mind of Bettes intent.

Bette broke away, whispering in Kristies ear, Ok babytomorrow though, tonight youre all mine!! Bette licked Kristies earlobe before bringing their lips back together.

The kiss quickly intensified, both women parting their lips, their tongues exploring, tasting every inch of each others mouths, feeling as though they were not able to get close enough to the other; their breathing becoming erratic and laboured.

Kristie: (breathlessly looking into Bettes eyes) Babe lets check on Jack. Its time for his nap isnt it? suggestively.

Bette: Yep sure is with a wicked grin on her face Let me organise Jack in his room baby, and thenIll show you precisely how happy and fulfilled you really make me??? winking at her lover.

With a smile and a wiggle of the eyebrows, Kristie sexily stated, Ok but hurry up Babe!!




Dr Hunter checked into her room at the Hyatt, with Tinas assistance and her and Tina had decided Thai was the way to go for dinner.

The two women made their way to Tinas favourite Thai place. Tina was bemused and glad that the restaurant was still there; after all she hadnt eaten there in more than five years.

The two women were seated and ordered, conversing and enjoying each others company.

Stephanie: (enthusiastically) So Tinahows things here in L.A. five years on?

Tina: (weakly smiling) Not so good Steph, but can I talk about that later. I want to hear about you first. How is the little one doing?..any change?

Stephanie: (sadly) No3 years and counting. But if you taught me anything KennardIts never give up hope. Smiling briefly over at Tina.

Tina: (compassionately) Im sorry.Yes Steph, never give up hope! You never knowtomorrow may be the day?

Stephanie just nodded, (Wanting to change the subject) So how did you go with Dr Phelps, she is a great doctor yeah? We went to Med. School together. Do you like her Tina? She will really help you with your complete recovery

Tina: (incredulously) She will help me with my complete recovery . (One way or another Tina thought)You wouldnt believe me how much, even if I told you Steph! grinning at Stephanies random choice of words.

Stephanie looked mystified at Tina, Hey???

Tina: (despondently) She is Bette Porters new partnermy Bettes. Tina was getting teary eyed and her voice started to crack causing her to be unable to complete her sentence.

Stephanie looked at Tina and the realization hit her, (not meaning to, her voice came out as a yell) No way!! (Tina just nodded) ***** Tinayour Bette and Dr Kristie Phelps heyJesus, I didnt even know she was *****!! She was with. whats his nameCraig? Craig. someone, in Med. School. I guess things change??!!?

Tina: (laughing at Stephanies loud response) Believe me, dont I know it!!!!

Stephanie cringed at her choice of words, Sorry, I know you do!!..So how do you feel about Bette having moved on Tina?

Tina knew she could talk freely with Stephanie, (confusion filling her mind) I dont knowI still havent had a chance to talk to her yet I still love her, I can feel thatthe connection we have always had (steely eyed) but I will not break up her family!!! I am not like that Steph, even though my heart breaks a little more each time I see them together. (adamantly) I will not break up a family!!

Stephanie: (crinkling her eyebrows in confusion) Her Family? They have a family? the doc. knew about Tinas lost little boy and was amazed how together her friend was, talking about the woman she loved having the family she had so desperately wanted.with someone else.

Tina: Oh yeah (grinning proudly at the thought of HER son) Bette has a little boyactually Bette and I have a little boy. Jack, he is the most gorgeous little boy and Bette is going to allow me to see himwe just need to arrange things!

Stephanie: (shaking her head in disbelief) Jack is your little boy?

Tina: (trying to explain) Yes, kindaJacks father was the donor Bette and I used with our first little boy(dejectedly) you know, the little boy we lost.

Stephanie: (trying to ascertain the exact nature of Tinas thinking) So let me get this straight, Kristie is shacked up with Bette and Jack, YOUR estranged wife and YOUR son, and you dont want to break up Bettes family? Are you sure you got it right there girl? Arent YOU the missing piece in the family Tina?Kristie is not really Bettes family, she is Bettes lover, companion, even partner yes, and maybe even an important person in little Jacks life.. but a family Tinacome on. Sounds to me she has got your family!!! If you still love Bette, like you just said you did, why dont you fight?Havent you lied down for long enough!!! (cheekily smiling) AND that pun was intended!!! Tina. if I had a second chance with the love of my life I would fight!!You need to fight girl!!!!!!

Tina: (letting Stephanies words sink in) Youre right Steph!!. I never really looked at it that waythose two are MY family!(doubtfully) But I dont even know if Bette feels anything for me anymore!

Stephanie: (directly) Well theres only one way to find out!!!

Stephanie: (deep in thought, talking out loud) OkI will need to catch up with Kristie while Im in L.A.Tomorrow, you and your Bette talk okIll catch up with Kristie and make sure she is occupied(looking into Tinas big brown eyes) Give it a shot babe. tell Bette what you wanthow you feel, and if she doesnt feel the same, well you have lost nothingat least youll always have your little boy!

Tina looked back at her friend with love and thankfulness, WHY?Why would you do this for me Steph? Kristie is one of your oldest friends?

Stephanie: Kristie is a good friend of mine and I dont want her hurt but Tina, I see the way your face lights up every time you speak of Bette and now I can see the same thing when you speak of little Jack too. If Bette feels even as passionate about you as you do about her. girl, you two belong togetherI dont think Kristie would be happy playing second best, shell see as will you, that whatever was meant to be will happen!!

Tina: (thoughtfully) We still have a lot of stuff to sort through!!!

Stephanie: Well sort through it then Tina(sorrowfully) My little boy has been sleeping for the last 3 years TinaIve lost the last three years and my husband, well he.(the tears quickly welled in Stephanies eyes, a lone one escaping, trickling down her cheek).

Tina knew all to well about Dr Hunters unfortunate family situation and her heart was aching for her. Taking Stephanie hand in her own, Im so sorry sweetie!! Itll be ok! Itll be ok!

Stephanie quickly snapped out of it, shaking her head, Youve already missed out on the first what.?


Tina: (hesitantly) 31/2 years.

Stephanie continued: 31/2 years of his life Tina Do you want to miss any more? (Stephanies eyes became dead serious) And you..you lost 5 years of YOUR life Tina. 5 years . dont waste any moreplease!!!!!

Tina got up and walked around the table bending down and giving Steph a huge hug. She realized how lucky she was to have such a wise friend, Thats what I neededThankyou Stepheveryone here is so cautious. trying not to upset me..not telling me what they really think, what they ‘really’ would advise..Thank you for being a friend and giving me the kick up the bum I needed!!

By this time the two women had completed their meal and were ready to leave the restaurant.

Stephanie: (taking a deep soothing breath) Your welcome . NOW wheres a good night spot around here?after all that mushy stuff I think I seriously need a drink.

tbc.