Bette held Tinas hand as they made there way to the elevators of the hotel. The silence between them spoke volumes, as each was lost in their own thoughts.

Bette spoke first, why dont we go to my room first. Ill go in and you can have the key. This way you can get your pjs and come back.

Ah, that might be a problem Bette, I dont have pjs. Remember, I sleep in the buff?

Momentary brain lapse, I forgot, it has been awhile. I should have an extra t-shirt for you to slip on.

Silence enveloped them yet again as they made their way to Bettes room. She slipped the key into the door and waited for the green light to appear. Tina saw that Bettes hand was quivering but said nothing. When the light turned green Bette grabbed the handle, twisting it and opening the door in one motion.

Make yourself comfortable, the remote to the TV is on the nightstand. Ill be out of the bathroom in no time.

Tina didnt say anything, she just plopped herself down onto the sofa and turned on the TV. She was watching Bette gather her pjs from a draw, not even looking at the television.

Tina, could you at least pretend to watch the television, youre making me nervous.

Bette turned and smiled, and Tina smiled back. Sorry babe, just a habit. I always loved your nightime ritual. Did you find that extra t-shirt?

Yeah, right here she said as she tossed it to Tina.

Why dont you let me go first, I was always faster than you any way. This way you can pretend to be watching the TV. Well see if you can do better than me.

Before Bette could answer Tina walked past her and closed the bathroom door behind her. Bette sat waiting, wondering what posessed her to ask Tina to stay with her tonight. It was unfair to Tina, but she had said yes. Bette was so lost, she didnt know what to do and she wasnt sure why she felt this way so suddenly. She hadnt been depressed like this in years. The first year after Tina left, yes, she was so depressed that the doctor put her on medication. She had attended bi-weekly therapy sessions that helped and enabled her to slowly wean herself off the meds. Bette was so deep in thought that she didnt notice Tina come out of the bathroom, nor had she noticed that Tina had crawled into bed, covers tucked under her chin.

Your turn Bette.
What, huh? Bette looked over to where the voice was coming from and saw Tina laying there all bundled up under the covers. Dont you look snug as a bug in a rug?

Tina laughed, Wow, I havent heard that one in years Porter. Youre showing your age.

Is that why youre being so kind, because you think Im old and senile?

Yep, you caught me that must be it.

Bette made her way to the bathroom and emerged 10 minutes later wearing her usual sleeping attire, white wife beater with cotton lounge pants. She crawled into bed, flipping onto her back, one hand underneath her head, the other resting on her stomach.

I never answered your question.

No you didnt. Tina wasnt going to push so she left her answer at that.

I picked Fiona up on my last business trip here. It was the night before we met in your backyard. We spent the night together, and thats all there is to tell. I never got her name, and was stunned when she turned out to be the artist that wanted to show her work at my gallery. I made it clear that we could only have a business relationship from here on out and she accepted that. She really is bright and talented. We had a good time together tonight and I wouldnt be surprised if end up being good friends.

Thanks, I really had no right to ask but I couldnt help myself. Old fears and all.

You had every right to ask Tina, we had agreed to try and get back together.

Past tense?, Tina asked in a neutral tone.

Bette continued to stare at the ceiling, not answering Tinas question. Why was this so damn hard? Could she do it? Take a leap of faith? Their last night together flashed through her mind, feelings of deperation, self-loathing, and despair flooding her senses. Tear trickled down her cheeks and Tina reached over to wipe them away.

Bette turned her head to look at Tina and softly said this is the first time weve been in bed together since that awful night. Bettes sobs began, tears now streaming down her face, her body tensing into a fetal position.

Tina responded by pulling Bette into her arms, rocking her gently, rubbing her back with her hand.
I forgive you Bette, let it all go, its going to be alright. We can do anything as long as were together.