Chapter 10

THREE MONTHS LATER

Bette and Tina had been together for a few months now. Everything seemed to be going well for them both professionally and personally. Patriot was a huge hit with the big boys and their relationship grew stronger with each passing day. Bette knew Tinas family, and her family adored her. Tina on the other hand had yet to meet Bettes family. Bette decided that one Saturday she would take Tina to meet the parents and Nana. Tina was nervous at first but after meeting Nana first and getting some tips from her Tina had Bettes parents wrapped around her little finger (Yes, Melvin too. See in my story he is actually human). Tina was the first girl Bette never brought home before and it was not hard for her parents and Nana to see why she did Tina. Their love for each other was evident. The looks they exchanged, the unspoken words and they have never seen Bette happier. Bette and Tina spent most of the day with her family. She and Tina made plans for that night so they left for home early. When they got to Tinas home Bette spent sometime with her family before going home to get ready for that night.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Bette arrived at Tinas to pick her up. Tina was running a bit late. She fell asleep earlier, after Bette left and slept longer than expected. While Bette waited she and Hazel chatted a bit till Tina came flying down the stairs. I am so sorry I kept you waiting.

Oh thats ok. Bette looking at Tina, You look great.

Thanks, you dont look too bad yourself.

Ok you kids, have a good time now.

Bye mom. They both said in unison jokingly.

Bette and Tina soon arrived at the club. They met Alice and a friend, Bruce, (a guy Alice was seeing) there. Bette noticed the confused look on Tinas face and whispered, Shes bisexual. to which Tina replied Ooohh. They waited a while in line to get in but eventually were seated at a table.

What are you all drinking? Bette asked as she was getting up.

Baileys for me. Alice replied. Bette looked at Bruce and Tina respectively for their answer.

Beer.

Ginger ale. Thanks. Do you want help with it?

Its ok sweetie.

Bette came back with the drinks. Alice had everyone laughing. She remarked about everyone in the club. Who needed a better perm, whose pants were too tight, who was wearing underwear and who wasnt. She had a field day with a couple who came in fully dressed in cowboy gear, hats and all. As they all watched the door to see who next would be Alices victim, Jessica came in with Mark. Jessica and Bette spotted each other and Bette signalled for her to sit with them.

What are you doing? Tina asked

Im inviting Jess to sit with us.

Why?

Why? Because shes do you have a problem with that?

Tina didnt answer she just looked away. Bette made a mental note to enquire about that later. She didnt see the need to get into it then, and also, Jessica and Mark were almost at the table. Although Bette and Tina were a couple and because of the fact that they also worked together they did an excellent job at keeping it a secret at the office. Tina was not ready to admit nor deny anything to anyone where her sexuality was concerned, so the fact that her relationship with Bette was a secret could not have pleased her more, that, and also the thrill of sneaking kisses in Bettes office or their covert rendezvous for ***** made it all the more exciting. Jessica was surprised to see Tina seated at the same table with Bette and her friends. Tina noticed this and that made her uncomfortable. Jessica didnt make any comment about that but Tina knew that once Jessica got a chance to be with her alone she would have a lot of questions to answer. The conversation at the table was continuous, Alice effortlessly had everyone laughing and Tina marvelled at the banter between she and Bette. Bruce and Mark sometimes had their own little conversation going. An hour or so had passed and Bette excused herself. She went to the bar for water.

Im going to get some water, anybody wants anything from the bar?

No thanks. Thats ok, were fine. Were the responses around the table.

Ok then, Ill be back in a bit.

Tina and Jessica waited a bit for Bette to disappear in the crowd. As Bette approached the bar she decided to relieve herself before consuming any more liquids. Tina and Jessica didnt notice this and Jessica pulled Tina to the bathroom with her. When they got to the bathroom Jessica didnt hesitate to give Tina the second degree about Bette and more importantly how come they were here together.

Ok, spill.

What?

You and Bette. Whats the deal with you and her?

What do you mean? Tina was pretending to be absolutely clueless.

Gosh do you want me to spell it out? Are you two an item or what?

Or what.

Come on, its as clear as day. I mean I see how you look at her and she is very attentive when it comes to you. I think you two are sleeping together.

No. Tina scoffed, Were not sleeping together. I swear. Were just friends.

Just friends. Yeah and Mark and I are just friends too.

Jess just drop it ok. Tina said as they walked out of the restroom. When Bette was sure she was alone again in the rest room she exited the stall. Bette was livid and hurt by what overheard, and decided to do what she does best. Get even. She didnt go back to the table, instead she went to a cute brunette who couldnt take her eyes off her all night. She asked the young lady to dance. Bette and the brunette began gyrating on the dance floor. The dance becoming more sensual with each movement.

OH MY GOD! What the f Hummm Bette has some explaining to do. Alice exclaimed. All eyes at the table followed Alices and turned in the direction of the hot couple on the dance floor. Tina couldnt believe what she was seeing.

There goes my theory. Jess remarked.

What theory? Alice asked

She looked at Tina Nevermind.

Everyone looked on in amazement, jaws hanging in shock at the display on the dance floor, but when Bette started kissing the girls neck, Tinas rage surfaced. She got up and approached Bette. She tapped Bettes shoulder to get Bettes attention. Can I talk to you?

Bette nonchalantly indicated, Im busy. Can it wait?

Tina very sternly replied, No. Now.

Bette whispered something in the brunette and casually gave Tina her attention. What is it?

What? You cant be serious.

Hey I was just dancing. Whats your problem?

Whats my problem? Bette how could you? Have you any respect for me at all? Its bad enough you danced like that with her, but to kiss her?

What do you care what I do? After all we are just friends arent we.

What?

When you and Jess were in the bathroom, I heard you.

I didnt mean.

Save it Tina.

Bette

Look Tina, I love and I want to be with you. But I cant be with someone who is ashamed of being with me. I have never been happier. What we have is beautiful and I want the world to know that and it hurts me to hear that you dont feel the same way.

Bette I love you, I really do. But I am not as open with my sexuality as you are. And I dont think Im ready to

Bette didnt wait to hear what Tina had to say, so before Tina could finish her statement she interrupted, I thought that I would be your motivation, I thought that I would be reason enough for you to admit to who you are.

Im sorry.

Yeah? Well me too. And with that Bette went back to the brunette to continue what she started. Tina watched on. Tears now flowing uncontrollably she ran out of the club and went home. Bette was never enjoying what she was doing but she was doing a great job at pretending. She wanted to hurt Tina for what she said to Jessica but when she saw Tina leave crying, that broke her heart. She left the brunette, grabbed her things and she too left for home.

LATER THAT WEEK

Bette and Tina were both miserable. And working close to each other didnt make it any easier. Tina barely left her cubicle and Bette was isolated to her office. Bette knew that she went too far that night. She hated herself for hurting Tina like that. Now she has only one regret, I should not have pushed her. Tina was scared to admit to Jessica that she was in a relationship with Bette. She hated that she belittled something so wonderful in her life. She hated herself for hurting Bette like that. Now she has only one regret, Why couldnt I just come out and say it.

AT TINAS HOUSE

Tina honey, I brought you some dinner. Hazel said as she entered Tinas room.

Im not hungry mom.

Sweetie, what is it? Youve been sulking for days, and youre hardly eating. Whats wrong?

Nothing, Im fine.

Talk to me, Im here for you. Whatever it is we can work it out.

Mom Tina could hardly get the words out.

What is it honey?

Be Bette and I had a fight.

Why? Is it about the project?

Tina was crying so talking became difficult for her. She shook her head no.

Then why?

Tina tried to talk through her tears, She I

Hazel knew exactly what Tina was trying to say. She decided to make it easy on Tina. She held Tina tightly and rocked her in her arms to comfort her like she did when Tina was a baby and she cried. After a few moments of silence Hazel, now with tears in her eyes said, Baby, some. sometimes you cant help whom you fall in love with. You just do. And I havent seen you this happy in months. She paused for moment then continued, And I think that Bette is a wonderful person and when you two are together I can see that she adores you and I dont think that you should be ashamed of that.