Thursday morning arrived quickly. Tina was awake at 7am, having tossed and turned all night. When she did get a bit of shut eye her subconscious took over and her dreams became purely and solely about her past life with the woman she adored; the same woman she was a nervous wreck over meeting with, at noontoday!!

Trouble was this time, unlike others, when Tina woke up she remembered every single dream.. vividly.

Tina lay on Shane’s couch wide awake, her mind churning through all the possible scenarios and outcomes of her meeting with Bette that she could think of. The thing that Tina couldnt comprehend was; which scenario did she REALLY want to happen???

Tina wasnt nave to think, that one meeting would really end a 7 year relationship or.. make up for a 5-year absence for that matter either. This would be a starta start for both women to heal and move forward with their lives.

Tina decided to spend the morning carefully planning what she was going to say to Bette. She had to get it all straight in her head and know exactly, word for word, what she wanted to say, because Tina knew if she let her heart take over, she would say things to Bette that. would place both of them in an awkward situation.

Tina was no home wrecker; she didnt want that to happen! Tina knew that Bette had more than herself to think about now. she had Jack and she had Dr Kristieshe had her family, the family that she had always wanted. Tina sighed sadly at the thought.

Tina needed to make sure she remained steely eyed and focused in her endeavour at noon, because she knew one look from Bette and everything she had planned to say would fly out the window and her heart wouldnt be able to resist taking over. She was determined to not let that happen! No tears today Kennard Tina said to herself!!



Bette had also tossed and turned all night in anticipation of meeting and talking to her Tee, after all these years. No shes not my Tee anymore Bette adamantly remembered.

Kristie noticed Bettes restlessness through the night, knowing about the meeting the following day and her insecurity was in overdrive. She trusted Bette and knew they loved one another, and Bette did constantly re-assure her, but since Tina Kennard came back, Kristie had felt a slight change in the dynamics of their relationship.

So far she associated the change to Bette having to face some demons from her past. But as the days passed by Kristie was a well-educated woman, and she wasnt so sure that was all it was. Kristie was determined to hold on to her loveher family; to make sure Bette knew she was truly loved by her.

Kristie got up early and left for the hospital before Bette was fully awake; she had an early meeting she needed to get to. Kristie had tried desperately to get out of it, so she could be there for Bette that morning, to gauge her reaction to this meting, but she was unable to. Kristie decided she would do something extra special that night for Bette, and try and get her to open up to her about what she was feeling.


Bette awoke at about 8am, feeling the empty bed next to her, remembering that Kristie had an early meeting, but was that who she was really feeling for???? Bettes mind was full of doubt and anticipation about meeting Tina; she didnt have any idea what to expect.

The last time she had really seen Tina or spoke to her was that fateful night of Provocations, all those years ago; the night when her whole world had fallen apart.

Tina was so angry with her that night and who could blame her, after finding out about the affair and then there were the things they did to each otherthe angry ***** they engaged in.

Its true what they say, you dont REALLY know what you have until its gone. Bette knew what she HAD alright, sadly after Tina was gone.but that was so long ago now. Bette had put that to bed (figuratively) as time went onhell she had seen Candace only once after Provocations and whatever they had during the affair, the spark or whatever, had well and truly been extinguished even then.

A lot had happened to Bette after Tina left, over the last 5 years. Bette had grown as a woman..and as a mom. It was amazing how much her little boy had taught her about life!!!

Bette didnt prepare ***** to meet Tina, because she had no idea what Tina thought or wantedshe didnt know anything really, she just knew they had to talk!!



Tina was still living out of her suitcase at Shanes. It had been less than a week and Tina wasnt going to commit to a lease or anything until she decided what she was doing, staying or going back to San Francisco.

She needed to make that decision firstMeeting Bette today would go a long way to assist leading her in one direction or the other.

It was 10:30am and Tina was rummaging through her suitcase looking for something *****.. but conservative to wear. She didnt want to give Bette the wrong impression, but she did want Bette to see what she may be was missing too!!!

Tina decided on a pair of fitted black jeans and a body hugging white t-shirt. It was casual/ ***** and showed off her figure, at the same time being an outfit she would wear on any given day. Tina shower and changed applying only light make up and finally grabbed her bag and was out the door.



Bette was sorting through her closet, beside herself, not unlike Tina. She too wanted to look good, but casual good.

She didnt know what she wanted to achieve; she didnt know if she wanted Tina to want her, or to just show Tina what she had missed out on???

Bette was determined that she wasnt going to hurt Kristie; she would have a good life with Kristie. Tina was the only thing that was, and ever could, stand in the way of that!!

Bette finally decided on a pair of fitted blue jeans and a short white t-shirt, exposing a minute part of her flat midriff. Bette nervously showered and dressed and grabbing all that she needed, was on her way.

It was incredible how after all this time, unbeknown to each other, both women still thought the same way!!

It was to 12 and Tina parked her car near the park. She just sat there, behind the wheel, for a while, taking a deep breath, trying to calm her shaking hands.

She finally got out of the car and timidly wandered around the park looking for Bette.

Tina didnt need to walk to far; she located Bette sitting on the bench near the childrens playground. This is going to be so hard, look at how gorgeous she is.. Tina thought, just the mere sight of Bette was giving Tina butterflies

Tina didnt want to appear too eager so she hesitantly, slowly approached Bette. She hadnt gained more than a few steps when Bette looked up and her eyes came to rest on Tinas.

Both women just stared at each other, neither one wanting to break the contact with each other, like their souls were communicating within each others eyes, still recognising the others after all this time.

Bette thought to herself, God, she is still so beautifulNo Bette you love Kristie now!!!!!!!!

Bette was the first to snap out of the stare, calling Jack over from the swing, Jack.. baby, come to mommy for a minute sweetie?

Jack jumped off the swing and ran over to Bette, jumping on her lap, giving her a tight hug, Wotmommy?

Tina heard Bette call for Jack and she continued to approach Bette. She saw Jack running over and jumping in Bettes lap. Her heart just melted at the sight of Jack and Bette.. together.

Tina couldnt contain her overactive mind, memories flooding back of their lost son, the son that seemed to Tina she had only lost, a few months ago. A single tear trickled down her cheek; which she quickly wiped away.

Bette looked up and Tina was standing right in front of her smiling shyly, UmmHi Bette

Bette politely smiled back, Hey TeTinaPlease sit down?

The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Both women were so engrossed in the familiar feeling of being in each others presence that they didnt really notice what they were each wearing.

Tina: (smiling weakly) OkThanks!(Tina looked down at Jack genuinely smiling, letting her guard down slightly) and who is this handsome little man?this must be Jack?

Jack grinned and buried his face, shyly in Bettes shoulder

Bette: (grinning proudly) Yes it certainly is. Isnt that right kiddo.. This is my.. friend, Tina sweetie

Jack looked at Tina and gave her a big toothy grin. The tension ceased to exist for that moment.

Tina: (broadly smiling back at Jack) It is so nice to meet you Jack! Tina extended her arm and shook Jacks little hand.

Jack: (excitedly shaking Tinas hand) Halloww Teena.

Bette watched the interaction and her heart melted.

Tina couldnt bring herself to look Bette in the eyes, the tension was swiftly returning. Tina focused all her attention on little Jacksmiling sincerely at him. Tina was truly happy that Bette had finally had her family; even if it werent with her at least one of them would be happy in life.

Tina could see the resemblance in Jack, to Bette; the big chocolate brown eyes, the curly brown locks, undoubtedly he was her son, but she also saw a familiarity in Jacks eyes, that she couldnt quite put her finger on.

Jack jumped off his moms lap to go play on the swings.

Bette watched attentively as Jack ran off, (yelling after him) You be careful honey!!

Jack stopped and turned around smiling at his mom, Owkay mommy!

Tina watched Jack run off; the little bundle of energy, and couldnt wipe the smile off her face.

Bette: (hesitantly looking over at Tina) Tina.. I thought today we could make it a bit easier on both of us. Obviously we have a lot to sort out but today I thought we could just. Bettes voice trailed off.

Tina couldnt look at Bette; her eyes were firmly fixed on the ground, listening intently to Bettes words.

Bette remembered the reaction Jack had to Tina and she smiled continuing, I thought we could just spend some time Tina.for you to get to know OUR SON! I want you to know your son Jack(Bette looked at Tina in anticipation, tears welling in her eyes) Tina!!

Tina raised her head in confusion and looked into Bettes eyes, then over at Jack playing.

At that moment she realized the familiarity she had seen in Jack. All she could whisper was, Marcus and Tinas heart couldnt help but take over!!

Tbc.