Tina said “Bette, are you protecting her? Because you don’t want her to get in trouble?”

Bette said vehemently “No. Absolutely not. I am protecting me and us.”

Tina said “Bette I do support you and I am here to help you with whatever you need. This is not an easy thing for me to know about and then watch you go through. And it does have an effect on me. I am afraid to touch you sometimes. I don’t want you to be thinking about that incident and her…”

Bette said “Tina, I do not think about her when you are touching me. I promise you. Can we lay back down and try to get some more rest before morning?”

Tina nodded. She hesitantly moved forward closer to Bette and when they were sitting evenly with one another she looked into Bette’s eyes. Bette could read Tina’s eyes even if she wasn’t speaking. This is the language that a couple develops from years of being together and synchronizing. Bette could tell that Tina was upset and unsettled and although Bette had explained herself that she was not totally comfortable and was definitely not resolved in the matter of Jodie.

Bette cocked her head slightly and blinked hard. She looked deep into Tina’s eyes and let her unspoken language reveal back that she understood that Tina was unresolved and that she hated that she was hurting.

Bette placed her hand on the side of Tina’s face and rubbed her cheek. She moved in and softly kissed her tender lips. Tina sighed. She accepted the kisses but she didn’t give back. Bette rested her forehead on Tina’s and then put both hands on the side of her head. She moved back just a couple of inches and looked deep into Tina’s eyes. Tina squinted slightly at the intense stare and then focused and returned it. Bette moved in yet again to kiss her. This time, Tina gave in and responded by kissing back. Tina’s kisses were those of a questioning and vulnerable nature and Bette responded with strength and protection.

After a very tender make out session of just kissing, Bette moved back and said “Hey”

Tina said “Hey”

Bette said “Tina I love you more then you will ever know. I need you Tina. You are everything to me. I can get through this, all of this, because of you. I love you”.

Tina said “I love you too Bette. I love you so much that it scares me.”

Bette said “Don’t be scared T. We will take care of another and catch one another when we fall, ok? “

Tina said “OK”

Bette said “Should we try to get some sleep?”

Tina said “Yes”

And the girls laid back down together and found a familiar feel to cuddling one another. They automatically assumed a position that they have been sleeping in for the last week. Bette whispered in Tina’s ear “Roll Over”

Tina said “Why?”

Bette said “I want to spoon you for a change. Tonight, I am here for you”.