Tina had not said a word. But, as she regained her breathing and calm leaning against Bettes chest, Bette felt better. She knew something horrible had happened but if Tina was calm, theres nothing to be alarmed about. The old Bette would have pushed and digged. This new Bette was in love with Tina but now she knew how not to control Tina. After a while Tina walked into the bathroom and as she came out Bette was waiting for her. Bette saw Tina had cleaned up. She handed Tina some cleaner clothes. After Tina changed she held Tinas hand and took her to bed. As Bette laid down beside Tina, Tina turned to Bette, Bette held her tight.

Bette never went to sleep and Tina never dozed. They lay there.for a long time. Tina buried her face in Bettes shoulder and cried and tried to forget what just happened. She felt what she heard from Betteit is okay now you are safe I am here.I love you. And Tinas head repeatedI am safe..I am with BetteSHE LOVES ME. It was a good hour before Bette felt Tina breathe normally and was sure she was moments away from fighting her sleep. Bette took that time to shift her weight and pull out of Tinas desperate hold. Tina still wore the scared expression. Bette: Baby, I am going to get an ice-pack.just stay here. Bette came back to Tinas shivering body. She ran from the door to the bed in a flash. She held Tina up a little and then held her. Tina: Bette, Dont let me go.Bette: I got youI am not letting you go.ever. Look at me. As Tina looked up and her shivering stopped by feeling Bettes warm body and the warmth of Bettes love, Bette caressed her face and took the pack to Tinas bruises. Only two strokes and Bette was already cryingshe whispered.Ill kill her. She did this, didnt she?. Tina winced with comfort of every stroke and knowing that Bette knew. Bette told her she loved her again and again and again. That Tina was home and that she was safe and ..Tina fell asleep in her wifes known, comforting arms.

When Tina woke up, before she could open her eyes, she breathed the familiar smell of her house. She opened her eyes and saw the familiar sight of Bette watching her with eyes that were full of care and love and pain. She swallowed hard. Her bruises were now deep and hurting. But, her mind was rested and she felt so safe and so right to be waking up next to Bette. Just so right. When she looked up at Bette.Bette had tears in her eyes. Tina: Hi, I feel so much betterhonetly, I do. And as she said that she shifted closer to Bette looking for Bettes hands. Bette had slept for an hour before she woke up scared. She had forced herself to sleep so many nights wishing for this morning.not to see Tina like thisbut to see her when she woke up. And today nothing could keep her from feeling and watching Tina sleep and breathe, next to her. She stroked her hair and face so many times just to feel real.

Bette almost whispered in a choked voiceT, hey. Tina feeling so loved and safe: Porter, have you been watching me all night. Bette, now smiling in her tears and giving her hands to Tina: No, Kennard.I missed one hour of this beautiful faceas I slept. Tina shifted and wiggled into Bettes strong embrace. Bette held her with streaming tearsTina realized suddenly how strong this relation was. Bette was crying for Tinas hurt. How could she have doubted Bette about not loving her? In her worst timeof despairshe reached out for Bette. And found her. Waiting for her Tee. She still only wanted Bette to make her feel safe and ..feel home. Bette made a mistake and she.her thoughts were disturbed as she felt Bette stroking her bruise with ice. It was fresh ice and a fresh towel. She also smelled coffee. Tina: You made coffee? Bette still stroking her gently kissed her hairand then she said..T, Ill kill her.

Bette did make coffee (strong and not-burnt) and had some juice and cookies. As she walked in with the tray she saw Tina in bathroom struggling to wash her face and looking her broken, purple face. Bette put the tray on nightstand and walked towards the bathroom standing against the door.now crying. Tina: I know its not your favorite color. She was in pain but being with Bette made her feel so much bettersooo much safer…that she could actually try to be funny. Bette moved forward and soaked the towel wet. She pulled Tina up on the shelf and stood between her legs. Bette wiped Tinas face.kissing gently each bruise. Tina was so overwhelmed with the whole thingshe took Bettes hand and pulled the towel down. Tina: She tried to rape meBetteI had to fight so hard to escape itand then she hit me.and beat me.Oh God! Tina was now cryingshe was near hysterical but she wanted to tell someonenoshe wanted to tell Bette. Bette pulled her close.her heart was breaking.and anger rising. How did that ***** dare to hurt Tina.how dare she.my Tina, my wife.how dare she. She held Tina as Tina clung onto Bette. She felt so much better nowas if it was not her pain alone anymore. And it wasnt. Bette was hurting for Tina. She held her stronglywanting to not let her go. It amazed Tina how it was Tina and not Bette who broke the embrace. And when she looked at Betteshe saw her pain in Bettes eyes.she also saw love. Bette scooped up Tina, something she had not done in months and took her to bed. Tina clinging to her like a baby. She put Tina to bed gently and knelt down beside her.stroking her hair. Bette: I am not letting anyoneeven myselfhurt you anymore. I am going to take care of you. okay T? Tina was still holding Bettes hand. She nodded with her eyes. Bette continued: I love you Tso VERY much.