Bette turned around and hurriedly walked away, down the stairs and back to her car, just before Tina and Steph opened the door to leave for the airport.

Tina: Ok Steph. Lets get you home to that beautiful little boy of yours as they walked through the door.

As they left Tina smelt the faintest scent of perfume, a familiar scent, Bettes scent, she glanced around in hope and observing no sign of anyone, Tina dismissed it as a mere coincidence

Tbc

Chapter 26

Bette was in the back seat of her car when she observed Tina and Stephanie leaving. She was strapping Jack into his booster seat and out of the corner of her eye she saw the unmistakable figure of her Tee walking across the street, approaching her own car.

Bettes heart was in her throat, she didnt want to see Tina right now. She didnt think she could handle it; she had to think. Bette stayed quiet and still, with Jack in her arms, she was praying that he didnt start crying; then her cover would be blown! Fortunately Jack was pretty tired and just lay in his mommys warm, loving armsdrifting slowly off to sleep.

Stephanie and Tina stood at either side of Tinas rental car and just before they got in, Tina spoke, Ok, lets get you to LAX! Pronto!!

The two women then entered the car and drove away.

Bette heard the comment about going to the airport and momentarily thought Tina might be going back to San Francisco early. A look of panic graced her face.

She just sat there, in the back seat of her car, for a few minutes thinking about the events of the last 24 hours. A sudden realization occurred to Bette; it was only this morning that Tina and her were standing in Shanes lounge room.. together. It was only this morning that Tina told her she still wanted her; it was only this morning that she told Bette that she was having trouble getting over her; It WAS only this morning that they had shared that incredible breathtaking kiss.

No one (and I mean no one) could make Tina Kennard feel that way, no one except Bette Porter. Even if Tina thinks she loves this Dr Stephanie, she will never love anyone anywhere near as much as she loves me!! Bette confidently thought to herself. Me and Tee, we are meant to be, destiny, like Tina said. nodding her head in acknowledgement.

Bette thought back to Tinas last statement from that morning, *Its never going to work anyway if Im the only one thats prepared to fight!!!* Those words..Tinas words kept ringing in Bettes ears. She was prepared to fight. She was going to fight for her Teefor her family!!! Dr Stephanie didnt have a chance

Bette called Shane. If anyone would know Tinas plans Shane would. She was going to the airport if necessary, she was going to San Francisco if necessary. Bette was not letting go of Tina again; she was never letting go of Tina again.

Bette called Shanes number and just when Bette was about to hang up receiving no answer, Shane picked up, (giggling) Hello.

Bette knew she had interrupted Shane but this was too important to wait.

Bette: (a bit shyly) Hi ShaneSorry to call you so late. I need a bit of information off you!

Shane: (attentively) Ok Bette, sure what do you need to know?

Bette: (becoming anxious) What are Tinas plansI mean, is she going back to San Francisco tonight? She told me she wasnt going till Saturday?

Shane: No, Tina isnt going back till Saturday and thats only if Shane just realized what she was about to say and paused.

Bette: (a hint of desperation in her voice) Only if what, ShanePlease tell me, Its very important that I know.that I know what Tina wants.

Shane: (unyeilding) Bette, to be perfectly straight with you, Tina wants youPlain and simple she wants YOU. So get your head out of your *****, if you want her tooand go get her She is at my place!

Bette: (anxiously) No shes not. Im here. She just left with the doctor. I heard Tina tell her than sheshe loves her and then they took off in Tinas car, saying something about going to LAX. Tina wouldnt leave without saying goodbye to her friendswould she?(adamantly) Ill go to San Francisco if I have to!!

Shane: (thinking) No WayTina would not go without telling me.

Bette: (almost yelling) Well then why would she be going to LAX Shane? WHY?

Shane: (serenely) Whoa, Bette. take a breath ok, calm down!!

Bette did as Shane suggested and took a deep calming breath, Ok

Shane: Come over to Tonis Ill give you my key, then go back to my place and see if Tinas stuff is still there. Did she have a suitcase when she left?

Bette thought about it, she was too busy looking at Tina, and trying to listen to the conversation to notice, UmI dont think so Shane.

Shane: Well then BetteI wouldnt be dragging little Jack all over the country just yet.

Bette: Youre right. I really dont think she had a suitcaseOk Im coming over right now.

Bette was feeling much better about herself now, Oh and Shane, please wait until Ive come and gone before you continue with your (cough) activities. (laughing) I really dont want to interrupt, and I certainly dont want to be witness to anything I shouldnt!!Im only 5 minutes away!!!

Shane had no intention of honouring Bettes request! Ok, Bette. Well see you in 5.

Bette: (sincerely) Thanks Shane!

Bette hung up the phone, strapped the peacefully sleeping little Jack in his booster seat and drove over to Tonis, feeling immensely better about the situation.

She knocked on Tonis door 5 minutes later and heard a voice, Ill be there in a minute followed by a body fumbling around, obviously for some clothing, Bette guessed; before a few moments later Shane was opening the front door, clad in a pair of black boxer shorts and a white wife beater.

Bette: Hi, Im so sorry Shane. Ill just grab your keys and leave you to it!(sincerely looking at her friend) Thank you, for telling me how it isfor telling me what I needed to hear.

Shane grabbed her house keys and handed them to Bette, (coolly)No worries!! Nowgo get your woman Bette!!!!! Shes been waiting a long time and so have you. winking at Bette.

Bette took the keys and drove back to Shanes place arriving a few minutes later. She knew Shane wouldnt be home for the night, and if she did so happened to crawl home, she wouldnt be doing that for hours yet.

Bette picked up Jack in her arms and carried him up the stairs, entering the apartment. Bette was hesitant; she suddenly became a little unsure of herself, hoping and praying that Tinas belongings were still there.where she had left them.

She would go to San Francisco if she had to, but her mothering instinct kicked in too and she wouldve preferred not to drag Jack all over the place, it was becoming late and the little man needed his sleep.

Bette walked through the door and instantly breathed a sigh of relief, seeing Tinas open suitcase, still beside the couch, with her clothing in tow, and 2 pairs of shoes neatly stacked next to the case. Thank God Bette thought.

Bette put her son, who had now drifted into a deep slumber, on the couch and wandered around Shanes place, looking for specific items; items that Bette knew Shane would have hidden away somewhere, for when she wanted to romance a woman. She was preparing to set an ambience in the apartment for when Tina did get back. Bette wanted to show Tina how much she really meant to her

Bette wasnt going anywhere either; she was going to wait for her Tee, right there, for as long as it took even if Tina came back with Dr Stephanieeven if she didnt come back at all for the night!!

Bette was going to wait there until Tina did, and when she did, Bette was going to fight.fight for her love and fight for her family. She was done running and she was done suppressing her feelings any longer!!!

Bette Porter was going to get back her Tee!!!!!

She found what she was looking for, hidden at the back, in one of Shanes cupboards, a picnic blanket and some Jasmine scented candlesBette set up the room to, hopefully Tinas liking, and when Bette was happy with her accomplishment, taking one last look around, she lit a few of the candles and accompanied her son on the couch, nervously anticipating Tinas return.




Tina and Stephanie arrived, parked and entered LAX about 45 minutes after they left Shanes. Stephanie was anxious to get on the plane, the permanent grin still plastered on her face.

Tina assisted Stephanie with her luggage and getting her checked in. As soon as they sat in the waiting area, Stephanies plane was already being called for boarding.

Stephanie stood up, (eagerly) Well this is it babe. Wish me luck (smiling). come here, give your friend a hug! extending her hands to welcome Tina into a friendly embrace.

Tina stepped in and hugged Stephanie tightly. It wasnt a sad moment; it was a joyous moment. Tina was going to miss her friend, but she was incredibly happy for her; You call me as soon as you know Steph, Ok. I would love to meet Jason!

Stephanie: I will Tina and.

Another boarding call came over the loud speaker for Stephanies plane, interrupting her

Stephanie broke their embrace and began walking to the gate, Ok got to go babe! Ill talk to you soon!

Stephanie was nearly at her gate as Tina called out, See you doc!! Stephanie looked back flashing a smile, and with one last wave, she disappeared through the doors.

Tina walked out of LAX in a sombre mood. She had been on such a high for the last hour, since Stephanie had received her amazing news. Stephanies natural high was so infectious that Tina couldnt help but join her in the incredible feeling.

But now Tina couldnt help think that she was going back to Shanes alone; not even having anyone to share the rest of the evening with. Tinas thoughts immediately turned solely to Bette

She couldnt help wonder what Bette was doing right at that moment, how she wished Bette was home waiting for her, to hold her in her arms and finally tell her what she had been longing to hear, but Tina knew that was just wishful thinking.

Instead of going back to Shanes, Tina opted to go for a drive to hers and Bettes favourite spotsa journey to reminisce all their good times, seeing as she was possibly going back to San Francisco on Saturday. . and may never return, except for the occasional holiday!

Tina got in her car and began her journey

She made her way over to the gallery she first met Bette, it was now a distribution warehouse. The restaurant they had eaten at on their very first dateThe spot by the pier where Bette had told Tina she loved her for the very first time all those years ago.and finally the spot on the beach, near the cliffs where on that one magical evening she would never forget, Bette had asked Tina to spend forever with her

The tears spilled down Tinas cheeks as she remembered the most loving, amazing times of her lifeShe was at least thankful to have those incredible memories.

Eventually Tina had had enough of driving, she felt rather surreal.. and worn out, remembering all the wonderful times her and Bette had shared, she needed to return to Shanes and get some shuteye

She drove home, arriving at Shanes street about 1/2 hour later. By this time it was pretty late, after 1am. Parking her car; she observed a vehicle that looked extremely familiar to Bettes, parked right in front of hers. Tina just thought it was another coincidence, having Bette on her brain and all, besides, why would Bette be at Shanes, she thought, Shane wasnt even home.

Tina wandered up the stairs and opened the front door, completely oblivious to what was awaiting her. Immediately her eyes were drawn to a peacefully sleeping Bette and little Jack on the couch

She couldnt believe her eyes. She stood frozen in the doorway staring at the two most important people in the world to her. rubbing her eyes to ensure it wasnt a dream.

When she was sure it wasnt, Tina took a step, cautiously, quietly; inside the apartment and out of the corner of her eye she caught a flicker of light. It was then she noticed the apartment. Tina looked around and smiled, taking in the romantic gesture Bette had created and tears began to well in her eyes

A tear escaped and trickled down her cheek as she walked over silently, delightfully to join her family.

Tbc.