I make my way to the kitchen. Ill check for any mail, then Ill go. Looking toward the counter I freezethere it isthe shiny, silver picture frame. I approach it to find that the glass is no longer in it. The photo is scratchedprobably from the broken glassbut theres no sign of any glass. Another clue of the destructiongone. I hold my hand out, touching the picturerunning my finger along her face. A single tear drops, landing on the photo.

The front door closes, rousing me. Tina? Baby, Im glad youre home.

Homethis IS my home.NO, this WAS my home. I need to leave; I cant give her the satisfaction of trying to explain. Im not ready yet. Before I can react I feel her hand brush back my hair. Shes standing beside me at the counter leaning over trying to look at my face. She inches closer and leans her head against mine. I can smell her perfumeher scentI feel her breath on my cheek. I cant turn away from herI never could. I feel my brain begin to shut down. NO, no, wake up. My feeble attempt has failed. I now know that my emotions are controlling me. What am I going to do? She puts her hand on the back of my head and, with her other hand, gently but firmly guides my head to look at her. I see her eyes gazingalternating between my eyesand my lips. She leans in and delicately brushes my lips with hers. She looks at me again for a second, then leans in again. Without thinking, I part my lips and kiss her back. I want this soooo muchI need thisthis escapeback to what we had. Bette moves her lips along my cheek, to my ear.

Ive missed you, she whispers. Baby Ive missed you too. Kissing my neck, she guides me away from the counter and towards the hall. Were moving towards the bedroom, I realizethe room where she all but confessed. Is my brain starting to wake up again? Yes it is. I cant so this, I cant give in to hernot now.

Bette, I say, stop this. We cant do this.

Of course we can. She continues kissing and licking my neck. Pulling me in closer she continues nudging me toward the hallway. I try to push her way, but its no useshes so much stronger than I am. Please Baby, dont do this. Tina, you idiot, what did you get yourself into? Just give in to herthen you can go. You can leave tonightand never look back. NO, NO! I cant do this. I realize now that were strugglingBettes still prodding me down the hall while Im trying to wiggle loose. Oh God, no! This cant be happening again.

Bette, I plead, please dont do this again!

She suddenly releases me and turns away. She walks out the back door and sits on the deck. Nows my chanceI grab my bag and turn to the door, taking one last glance at her. Her shoulders are shakingshes crying. I turn and leave.

Getting into my car I toss the bag on the passengers seat and start the engine. I look at the house once again and feel a single tear run down my face. I back out a drive away.

To Be Continued…