"So am I going to get some help here or are you going to let me do all the work?" Bette joked feigning her best slave girl face. Reduced to giggles Tina grasped Bette’s hand as the women finished making the breakfast together and took their plates out onto the patio to eat. Wanting to savour each bite of the meal they created together they spoke little and simply allowed their senses to drink in the sights, smells and sounds of the day to provide a backdrop to new beginnings.

Tina broke the spell that wrapped itself around them first. Having eaten her fill, grateful, for the treat Bette had given her Tina’s mind suddenly seemed to grasp the concept of time and the fact that the sun had risen high enough to reach over the back fence to warm her face.

"Oh my God Bette what time is it?"

" 10:30"

Amazed at Bette’s lack of anxiety Tina looked into a set of deep brown eyes that twinkled with mischief.

"Why are you still here? You should be at the university what if they have decided something and you’re not there!"

"T, relax its alright. I left a message for Phylis that I wouldn’t be in until the afternoon. I wanted to make sure I would have lots of time to deal with the situation. I have it as under control as I can right now. I told her to call me on my cell if anything significant happened before I got in. I do need to go get ready though. You stay put and enjoy the sun babe. Its not very often you get to sit in the mornings I’m sure"

Leaning in and across the table Bette captured Tina’s mouth in a lingering kiss. As Bette broke the kiss and left the table to start what would be a long and stressful day, Tina felt her soul swell at the sight of the beautiful, woman that walked into the house with the confident stride of a warrior heading to battle. Bette had always inspired pride and desire in her when she switched into this mode but the last few days had added another element to the mix. This time Tina knew Bette didn’t walk into battle alone–she took their plan with her.