When I Need You
Chapter Thirty-Six


A few weeks later.

So do you mind if we include Libby in this cause, it kinda has something do with her too.

Of course not, babe.

All right then, you wake her up and Ill start breakfast.

Awhile into their discussion about the boy, Bette had noticed that though Tina was agreeable on some things, her eyes still hurt about something else.

Cleaning the last of the dirty plates and taking her seat next to her,

T, its not that I dont want to have babies of our own, I do, but I cant help but want to reach out and help him. The idea of us giving him a home, it overwhelms me you know. Well still have our babies, but I was just kinda hoping that we could you know, give him a place here.

Bette I know you have the best of intentions about this, but I cant help being scared. I mean we have Libby in school, youre going back to work, Im busy with redoing the house at the center, maybe now is not the best time.

T, we have a place and were almost done with the inside work. And Libby, shes fine.

Yeah, Nini, Im good. But Ill be here to help in any way possible. Hes a good boy Nini.

And with James, Ill be here more, for all of you. I mean Libbys already agreed to volunteer with us and with you at the center. Shell be with either one of us, and so will he.

Giving her wife an encouraging smile, You have put a lot of thought into this havent you?

Yeah, I know I didnt come to you first, but Susanna did some checking for me.

And?

And at this point, we just have to pass some kind of orientation kind of thing. Then if we do wed have to get some kind of foster license because thats what well be for four months. Then after four months we can make him ours. But before I do.

What?

Ill have to go to New York and meet at their office.

Just you?

This first visit yes, then if everything goes well, you and I will be making a second trip.

Dont you think were taking on too much right now?

No I dont T, Id like to think were in a good place. All three of us, or should I say four? But if you dont feel the same, tell me Tina.

Um, Im supposed to meet James, so Im gonna take off. You were done with me right momma?

Sure, sweetie, be careful k?

Ill call later.

Tina what is it?

Its not that I dont want to be supportive of you but this is all so new to me. I know its no excuse, but you in this maternal role is absolutely breathtaking.

Can I tell you something?

Her eyes was all she needed to see her answer, taking her hand and outlining the promise ring she had made for her.

When I left to New York, I thought I had nothing to live for. And being away from home made it more difficult for me to do anything without thinking about you, closing my eyes to only see you, and thinking I could hear you calling out for me. But when I met Libby, she breathed some life back into me. She made me lose the uptight person I once was. Of course I still have some of that in me, but she just showed me a new view of life.

Now kissing the ring, its not that you didnt do that for me T, but at the time, I was just kind of closing my eyes to what I knew so well.

To us getting too comfortable with each other, in whisper was all that was said.

I was just running a race, that never ended, and Libby with Jonathan of course, they just gave me a new race to run thats all.

I do love who you have become, engulfing her wife in a hug.

She was always there, but it took losing you and finding new meaning, to get her to come out.

So when do you leave?

What?

For the NY thing?

Right, in two days.

How long?

Two days tops. I have to stop and see Peggy of course. So hopefully just two days.

I already miss you.

So can you show me how much, as a low chuckle came out followed by a smile.

one button, two buttonsthree


Days later 4:30 a.m.

The door closes with Bette getting into a small cab and disappearing into the dark morning.

The sun shining, birds singing, and big clouds in the sky, as one remained in bed, the other sitting in the air.

Reaching out, feeling for Bette, instead a small note, which kept her company, was the only thing in her grasp.

I couldnt wake you from your dreams about me. I love you and Ill call you. Give her a kiss for me wont ya.

But the beep on her phone all ready said she did. Getting ready and Libby already gone for school, she had nothing else to do.

Going to the restroom for her shower, there taped to the mirror were Bettes words,


When I need you, I just close my eyes and Im with you. And all that I so want to give you babe, its only a heartbeat away


Getting a clean shirt from her drawer, another one,


When I need love, I hold out my hands and I touch love. I never knew there was so much love, keeping me warm night and day


Driving on her way to breakfast with the girls, she decided to check her message. What started as silence, was soon filled with a soft but heartfelt voice,


Miles and miles of empty space in between us, a telephone cant take the place of your smile. But you know I wont be traveling forever. Its cold out so hold out and do like I do


Walking into the Planet she tried to contain her smile. As she sat down, Marina was next to her with her morning cup, and a little something extra.


its not easy when the road is your driver, but honey thats a heavy load that we bear. But you know I wont be traveling a lifetime, its cold out, but hold out, and do like I do. When I need you
I love you, T


So I take it this wasnt the only one she left right, as Alice tried to hide the sarcasm in her voice.

No Al, it wasnt.

Al right cry me a river Tina and get it over with already. She loves you and you love her. Blah, blah. I have to tell you though Id never thought Id live to see the day that Bette turned into a hallmark card.

Al.

Why do you do that?

Why do I do what, Dane?

Take the romance, or the seriousness, or the whatever mood it has away from anything?

Dana Fairbanks, are you implying that I can not be romantic, or serious for that matter?
Looking at her girlfriend and not backing down this time, Yes I am.

Fine, then, as she got her purse from the table. But as she walked away, you could hear, Ill show you Dane.

Tina and Shane just looking at Dana.

What?

Are things not good with you two.

Yeah is she tying you up and leaving you there. Or are you having multiple orgasms that you cant control. Which one is it Miss Dana. With Tina laughing and Shane giving that wicked grin, Dana wasnt at all comfortable in telling of their problems.
Wiping her tears away, Dane, honey, Im sorry. Do you want to tell us about it.

No offense, but Id rather just tell you T. Sorry Shane.

No dont be, I have to meet a client anyway.
Turning back to Dana as Shane stepped out of the Planet.

So what is it?

I asked Alice to move in with me.

And?

And she didnt exactly give me an answer.

Oh.

But there is something else.

Like what.

Well a few weeks ago, I stayed at her place and she had to leave early the next morning, so I stayed in. I was in the kitchen and I opened up a drawer, and I saw this little red box.

What kind of box?

One big enough to fit a ring.

Did you open it?

Tina!

Sorry, Dane, but you know how curiosity is.

I know all right, it killed me to stay away from it all morning long.

So do you think, she wants to ask you

I dont know T, but Im scared because she knows I have been kind of weird ever since that day.

But why would she leave it in her kitchen drawer?

Its Alice remember, expect the unexpected with her.

Right, so are you expecting

I dont know, Im nervous as it is. But I have to go train for the day. Ill call you later.

Yeah, I have to call Bette and go to work.

Dont tell her.

Dane.

I know.


Babe, was your flight okay this morning?

Yeah, sorry I didnt wake you.

Thank you for the notes, theyre beautiful.

Sweetie,

Yeah,

I was thinking on the ride, that what if we cleaned out the old storage above the garage? It could be like a small apartment for Libby right there in the backyard.

Do you ever stop?

Stop what, baby?

Thinking, and working.

Her laughter on the end, made Tina smile herself.

A womans job is never done.

Well hurry up and be done, so you can come back to me.

Just tomorrow T, besides, you know I wont be traveling a lifetime so

This time Tinas laughter rang out, I know, I know, …its cold out, so hold out and do like I do

Thats my girl.

Forever.

I like the sound of that, her soft chuckle sounded again.

You better.

I do, T, Lord knows I do.