Getting On

Chapter Fourteen


It had been weeks before they all settled into what was supposed to be their new lives.

Tina had encouraged Shane to move in with part in because she wanted to help her and the other because she knew that Shane had missed Bette just as much.

Everyone knew that she was slowly dying with her so far away, but nothing was ever said. They pretended to be happy for her, but who were they fooling as she pretended as well.

Alice and Dana could no longer hide their attraction and fell into their relationship so easily. Jenny still looking for herself had become a regular in their not so regular circle. Kit came around and Marina just stayed mysterious as usual.

When they were all together they were careful not to mention her, but it was so hard. Because being in New York, she had managed to receive more press than ever and she was always in magazines looking better than ever.
No one knew that Tina had kept copies of everything she was in, and her collection was growing and with her copies she would keep the short messages that Bette would send with them as well.

Tina continued in her relationship with Amy but felt at times that she just wanted to end things but couldnt. She was some sort of safety net she had come to need.
But she’d never let it get too far. When Amy would want to go a little further Tina would stop. She never stayed throughout the whole night because Tina just couldnt do it. She still wasnt ready for that kind of relationship with anyone else just yet.

She could tell the Amy would get frustrated and she didnt know why she stayed around so long, but Tina knew she would never be ready to ever give into anyone ever again, if that person wasnt her.


Back in New York

The only thing that felt like home was having James here with her. Bette had finally convinced him to come out and was happy he did so. He was there to take care of her and when he couldnt she knew it was time to make a call.

She picked up the phone.

Information please, yes I need the number to the most recommended therapists please. Thank you.

Dr. Belinda Kaysen:

Bette had been telling of her past to the doctor so that she could be in her present and have a future.
Bette I understand, that you wanted Tina to forgive you and just take you back. But you needed to give her time, to process the infidelity.

But I was scared that the time I gave her, she have would thought she didnt want me. I couldnt give her time.

Bette, I think it would have been best, to just give her time and space, but from time to time, you could have called her and just talked. You didnt have to push her, you were just going to have to wait it out as much as that was going to kill, you had no choice.
Great Bette thought how was this supposed to help her now, she was half a world away.

In the meantime, when not at work, try to get involved with things to occupy your time. Youve been putting too much of yourself into it.

I needed to so I could take of her to make sure she was ok, so that when our family did come they would be all right.
But now, all she had was herself so why not.

I know you had good intentions, but whether you admit it or not, you lost sight of her and you future together and was only concentrating on your future in your art world.

How did I mess that up so bad?

Bette Im going to give you an address to an after school center. When you can, go buy and just hang around, you dont have to volunteer or anything, just be there.

What is that supposed to help with?

For one, itll help the kids, and it will take your mind off of things, they could teach you some new things you know. I hate to say it, but its time to cut this short. Same time next week?

Yes, Ill be here.


Bette feeling a little empty after her session seeked out a bar to drown her past in once again. It wasnt very hard to notice which bars she preferred and as some nights she couldnt stand the lonliness, she would round the same bar over and over.

Back again huh? Surprised the bartender recognized her she just smiled and placed her order.

So what is a beautiful woman doing all by herself? Was the bartender flirting with her she thought? She must do that with all the woman, she was cute sure, but no Tina.

Im just having a quick drink before going home.

To your girlfriend? Bette hadnt had to answer a question like that in a long time because every one knew Bette had Tina. But here in New York she didnt.

No, and she smiled when she noticed the bartender smiling at her answer.

Im Callie, its nice to meet you.

Im Bette, same to you.

Im due for a break in five, do you mind if I sit with you.

Of course not.

They went off to a secluded corner and talked short talk. Before Bette decided to leave, Callie gave Bette her number.

Maybe we could hang out some time and just talk. Bette just smiled, Sure.

It was nice to know she still had it, but she didnt want to give it to anyone else. And she knew she couldnt be lonely for too long because she needed the friends.