Sighing deeply Bette entered the hotel room without turning the lights on. Throwing her shoes off, removing her jacket she sat at the edge of the bed, looking at her watch. Shaking her head she placed it on the night stand before lying fully clothed on the bed. But then after sighing again she stretched her arm to get the phone and dialling in the dark waited, anxiously.


She could feel it, hear her trembling lips shutting down the moan that was trying to get free. She didnt need to look at her beautiful face to know that shed be biting her lips, that shed be grabbing the sheets tight, that her head was falling back, she could feel, know all that, by how her muscles were tensing under her touch, under her kisses and she wasnt even there. Knowing, feeling all that was making her happier, fearless and if that was possible with her, hopeful. Something shed not believe she could ever be, the always cynical.
But then, as her kisses were getting her down to the center of the universe she heard Shreks theme, making her stop.

Oh god! This can be true!, forget it, ok

You have to get it, itd be important, Itd be Tina Danas voice was barely a whispered, lacking of any strength. She was handing Alice her cell, who, the moment she saw the caller id sighed, answering,

You have to be kidding me!! Arent you suppose to be in Chicago? Her words were harsh but were lost in the weakness of her tone as she was emerging from under Danas sheets.

“I am. Im on my way to the airport, could you pick me at 6:30? I need to talk with you Bettes tone made Alices annoyance calm down.

Ok, Ill be there, but It must be a good one, you owe me big…You know how much I hate waking up early!, have safe flight, see you tomorrow without waiting for an answer Alice hung on and throwing the cell away looked back at Dana mischievously.

Where were we? Her words were lost in the air as she was ducking her head back under the sheets, making Dana chuckled.



Tina, pacing up at down her living room in her pjs noticed a light outside. Walking to the door she looked through the curtains seeing Shanes truck parking quietly on the driveway. Opening the door she let herself out.

Hey she said, waving at Shane who was jumping out of the car.

Hey you, just saw the lights on, you ok?

Tina, standing in the middle of the stairs was looking at Shane, amazed by her creepy timing.

Yeah, yeahgod Shane, your timing was thinking about you

Really? How come?, well here I am Shane said, opening her arms, offering, sitting down on the stairs, looking at Tina.

No, lets go inside, you mind? Tina was leading Shane inside, not really waiting for an answer.

Shane, following Tinas steps was trying to read between the lines, between the frowning face, the tired feet. The door to the pool were wide open, letting the fresh breeze cool the house.

You want something to drink? Offered Tina, opening the fridge.

Nah, am ok, thanks Shane said walking outside, checking the garden.

This look great Tee, you certainly know your way around plants Shane was lazily lying on one of the chase lounges, looking at the sky, waituing for Tina to talk as she knew shed.

Tina, slowly was following Shanes steps, trying to figure out how to say what was in her mind. Seeing Shane looking at the full moon sky she sighed, taking a seat at the other chase lounge.

“Bette is coming home tomorrow

“Yeah, I know. How did the whole Peggy thing work out?”

“I dont know, fine I think, she said she wanted to tell me in person

“Cool

“Yeah added Tina, squeezing her hands, nervous.

Feeling Tinas anxiousness Shane rolled over to look at her.

“You sure ok?

Nodding, Tina whispered,

“Greta kissed me

Reading Tinas expression Shane sat straight on the chase lounge, looking at her, taking her cigarette packet from her pocket. Tina, not really seeing Shane moving, stood up, pacing around the pool.

I didnt see it coming, she cut herself when she was helping me out here we have been talking I didnt even know she was ***** but Bette mentioned it yesterday so I was curiousI didnt ask her thou, we just were talking about her life in Berlin, then she cut herself it was raining and then she was bleeding… II went inside to get something to take care of her and I did she had an ugly cut (Tina was nervously pacing up and down, shaking her head) so I put some stitches on and then she asked me why I always called her Garbo I told her and I thought she might be upset with my answer because she was looking at me in a funny way, she was very serious (looked back at Shane for a second), not her usual serious her hair was getting wet and she looked like a kid, a beautiful very fragile woman, not the usual compose mysterious one we are use to and then very slowly she kissed me God Shane I didnt see it coming and and I kissed her backI didnt want toI just did.

Shane was quietly smoking, listening to Tina, nodding, waiting for her to finish. Tina, looking up from the floor turned to look at Shane who was looking at her.

So? Tina asked, sitting down again in front of Shane.

“So what?, what do you want me to say? she nonchalantly said.

Dont you have any wise advice? Please be judgemental tell me something!

Shane, shaking her head was pacing now, not looking at Tina.

“I dont have anything to say Tee. You have said it all. I know you

You do? Tina words were hopeful but confused.

I know what you havent told me I know you broke the kiss, I know you told her you loved Bette, I know you didnt want this to happen, I know you dont want to happen again Shane was letting her words sink in Tinas conscience, letting them do their job.

“How how you know all that? Tina asked, amazed, was shaking her head looking at Shane.

“Because I know you Tee Shane was looking at her now, standing in the middle of the patio.

“Yeah, well, if you know me so well, tell me why do I feel so bad? Tina said, looking down at her feet.

You tell me Shane said, sitting down at her side.

Im scare Tina said, whispering, caressing her rounded belly, nodding.

Shane placing her hand on Tinas knee nodded, giving her time to continue.

I want Bette, I do I have no doubt about that but But Gretas kiss has shown me something I didnt know

Seeing that Tina was not voicing her thoughts Shane whispered,

That there is life away from Bette Potter?

Tina, listening to Shanes words looked up at her, feeling small tears camping at the edge of her eyes. Unable to talk, she just nodded, helping the tears fly free.

“Of course there is Tee, we all knew that. You just never let yourself think about it. But is good that you know now

Is it? Tina mumbled in between her salty tears.

Of course. Now you know that you are not with Bette because you think, you feel is the only way Tee of course there is life away from Bette I just cant believe you really dont know that there are hundreds of women out there who were jumping up and down when you two broke up

Tina looked up, astonished by Shanes words.

Sure, I know Alice kept you away from all the hunters, but you were one demanded woman. You just havent been on the market Tee, but that doesnt mean you are not wanted, many people curse Bette for being the lucky one I even did once

Shanes last words were said in a whispered, like a gift, a sweet very tender gift. Tinas eyes were wide open, looking at Shane, caressing her knee over the jeans.

Sure, all of us, well I dont think Al has, too creepy …all of us have had a crush on you Tee is something you have, even when you never try to is in you.. but we all know you only have eyes for Bette

But, butI never thought Tina was speechless, very confused.

You didnt need to. You were happy, you didnt need anything else…no one dare to cross the line we all know, knew Bette but Greta didnt she saw the gleam you still have in your eyes you are different now Tee you are stronger, but your eyes cant hide the pain that is still there, vanishing with each new day but Great doesnt know your story, she really doesnt know Bette she just knows you and she liked you like we all do but she sees in you something you cant hide, your kindness, your tenderness, your big heartand she got confuse, she hasnt learn yet that thats the way you are, that that doesnt mean anything else than friendship she hasnt seen, learnt yet how you and Bette are together maybe because you are still working on that maybe because you are building new grounds, because you are building a new life with Bette, and you havent done it too much in public yet, she doesnt know you as part of a couple. She knows you as Tina, her friend, an amazing woman who she has been falling in love without even wanting to. She needs to see you with Bette, Tee.

Tina, nodding was looking down at her hands, listening Shane words, nodding.

“As much as it scares you Tee, you are part of a couple again. I dont mean you have to let yourself disappeared in there, but if your life is with Bette, and I think is what you want (Tina was nodding), you have to show the world that you are who you are, but that you are with Bette

Tina was again feeling tears rolling slowly down her cheeks.

Tee, you are not the same, you are stronger and it wont happen again Bette wont do it againbelieve me Id kill her Shane finished, trying to light the mood but meaning each and every word, making Tina chuckled.

I know, she told me Tina said, leaning to kiss Shane on the cheek.

They stayed quiet for a while. Shane lighted another cigarette while they looked at the stars, enjoying each others company. But then, turning to look at Shane, Tina said,

You know, you being so wise and all that dont you think youd by now trust me?

Tinas question, even when the words were sweetly said, surprised Shane, making her uncomfortable.

Eh? What you mean? Shane asked, hoping to fool Tina.

“Its been a week since you have been sleeping in your truck in our driveway, dont you think is time you come inside and sleep in the room?”

Shane moved her eyes, not wanting to look at Tina, hating when they took pity on her.

No way Shane, dont look away from me. Tina said, taking Shanes chin in her hand making her look back at her.

Im not asking for you to tell me what happened, but you are my family. I need you well and safe, I want you here, I need you here, you hear me? Tinas seriousness only left Shane the option of a shy nod.

I dont want to intrude, I will pay for my room Shanes words were shyly put, making Tina shake her head even harder.

Shane, seriouslyare you nuts?! You are going to be my sons godmother, you are FAMILY (she was raising her voice), Bette and mines, there is a room waiting inside for you, for as long as you want it, ok?

Tina said the last words standing up, straightening her t-shirt, trying to cover her now more prominent belly. Turning to take another look at Shane, she added, leaning, before kissing her again on the cheek,

And Thanks, I really needed to talk about that

“Anytime answered Shane standing up, following her inside.