Bette couldnt believe her eyes. Shane had pulled up in front of Tina and Bettes house. She turned white and her heart started to beat fast as the memories came back. More good than bad, but still their last night there together overshadowed everything else. She didnt know if she could go back in there, let alone stay.
Tina: Bette, are you all right? I know this is a shock but I thought once you got accustomed to the idea we could work through this together.
Bette was still silent, trying to process everything. If she didnt go inside and face her demons how could she truly say she had moved on?
Tina: Bette, talk to me.
Shane: Hey guys, Im going to go on in, open some windows, and prepare something to eat. Why dont you take the time you need.
Tina: Thanks Shane.
Bette turned to look at Tina for the first time since they had arrived.
Bette: Im sorry. This just really threw me. I know I need to go in there and face my demons but I am so scared. You know that nightmare I have? It is not so much a nightmare, but a reenactment of our last night here together. It was awful, Ive never been able to forget it or forgive myself for the way I acted. I almost raped you Tina, and if you hadnt turned the tables and taken control I might have followed through. Regardless, what happened wasnt healthy and it haunts me.
Tina: Hey, I was there too and I had a significant part in what happened. I was out of my mind with jealousy and hate. I was out of control and I know I provoked you into doing things you wouldnt have done otherwise. We have to get past that night Bette. Lets go into the house and build new memories to wash away the pain. We can do it if we do it together. How about we go in, I show you what Ive done with the place and take it from there. If you dont feel comfortable then we will leave and go to a hotel. Okay?
Bette: Okay Tina, Im willing to give it a try. Have you changed anything?
Tina: I gutted the entire inside, moved rooms around. Nothing is the same. It should make it easier.
They both got out of the car and Tina went over and took Bettes hand. She gave it a reassuring squeeze as they slowly walking up the steps and opened the front door. Bette stepped in and stopped taking in the view. The downstairs was one big room now furnished like a French country home. The predominant color was white with splashes of yellow and sage to add color. Light streamed in from all sides of the room because Tina had added floor to ceiling windows in the front and sides. The back opened up into a modern kitchen with a bay window and sliding doors that looked out onto the pool. From here she could see that Tina hadnt lost her touch with the garden. It was thriving under her talented hands. Their bedroom that had been on the 1st floor was gone and Bette found a weight lifting off her shoulders. She still hadnt let go of Tinas hand. As a matter of fact she had it in a bit of a death grip. Tina had just stood there quietly watching Bettes facial expressions.
Tina: So, what do you think?
Bette: Its beautiful T. Its so different, youve decorated it wonderfully. The lighting is fantastic. I could paint in this room.

Tina: That was the whole idea Bette. I changed the renovation plans and added the windows once I knew we were going to get back together.
Bette: So the renovations were just completed?
Tina: Yes, about 2 weeks ago. Our being together is so new, and I know we havent discussed moving in together but I wanted this place to be an option. So I added the windows to let more light in with the hope that you could do some of your painting here. I hope you dont think it was presumptuous of me, I know we are taking things slow
Bette: Shhh. The space is great Tina. I could definitely see myself painting here. We can talk about moving in together when we are both ready. Im just glad youre thinking about it. So, where is the master bedroom and what is upstairs. Youll have to describe it to me since I cant walk up there right now.
Tina: I had an extension added onto the back of the house, at the end, so the master bedroom is down the hall. Come on, lets go take a look.
Tina grabbed Bettes hand and pulled her towards the bedroom. She noticed that Bette had relaxed and let go of her original apprehension. Changing the layout of the house had done the trick. Tina had done that for herself at first because she bought the house before she had gone to meet Bette months ago. She wanted the house because she loved the backyard with the garden she could tend and the pool. The rest of the house held memories that she wanted, yet she knew she couldnt live with them all. Thats when she had decided to drastically change the floor plan. They came to the bedroom and Tina quietly opened the door walking in. A king size canopy bed was the centerpiece of the room, which included a sitting room for reading, a plasma TV screen with surround sound speakers built into the walls, 2 walk in closets and a master bath with a spa sized tub, shower stall, 2 sinks, a tv and phone. The bath was done in marble with complementary corian countertops. The bedroom had maple hardwood floors and floor to ceiling windows with French doors that opened to the pool. In addition to the reading area there was a wet bar, small refrigerator and microwave.
Bette: Holy ***** Tina, this place is awesome. A person could stay in here forever and never have to leave. Wow.
Tina: So I guess you like it? Tina giggled as she pulled Bette into her arms. I just want you to know that you are the first and last person I will bring into this room to share my bed with. I love you Bette Porter. With those words Tina pulled Bette in for a passionate kiss. Bette returned Tinas fervor and started to slowly back her towards the bed. Bette gently sat Tina on the bed and was about to join her.
Tina: Bette, can we do this? Shouldnt you be resting?
Bette: It was the first thing I asked Dr. Wilson after she told me the baby was okay. She said we could, just to not over do it.
Tina: Hmmm, how does one not over do it?
Bette: Oh ***** Tina, I dont know. Could we please make love? I want nothing more to spend the next couple of weeks with you, in this bed, making love, over and over again. Pretty please?
Tina: Get your ***** ***** over here Porter and kiss me.
They spent the rest of the night making love, showing one another with their actions how deeply in love they were with each other. Shane had left once she realized they had forgotten about her and were not going to emerge from the bedroom. She left them a note saying they had given her hope, that maybe true love did conquer all. Sometime in the early morning Tina was woken up by Bettes screams.