chell, lost1, slacker, t-boz, thumbs, Jwet, fareast, wo~wo, Trolle, M99, Paula, Tamaratag, MARSUPIAL, wildtouch, Lyn, shadesthank you all for your encouraging comments and for taking the time to leave one:)

temerity- lmao at your comment matehehe. maybe Bette WILL give Tina some physio. ~wink~ Lets get em home first aye:) Thanks for commenting.

Spacey- Sometimes you get lucky and have an understanding momI just have a vision of Tinas mom being really cool in this story??Thanks for taking the time to comment!

nix- Thanks for taking the time to read and comment~ btw what has happened to your story mate?~no goofy grin for a while?~

AmandaMG- Thanks for your always encouraging words. I know its hard to write atm but Im missing your story too:). Cant get enough of the B & T lovin you write so well!!!

c2bc- you are a very wise woman~ love will keep them together~ I really hope so (and not just in my story). But I havent decided yet *in the story that is*???

And to all the readers out there hope youre enjoying

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Previously…………

Bette: (trying to sound casual) No thanks, Im good!

Nancy left the room and Tina looked lovingly up at Bette, scared and hesitant about the ensuing conversation. How the ***** am I going to get through this Tina thought to herself.

Gripping Bette tighter, tensing in her arms, Tina began, Bette, I need to talk to you about Friday?

Bette thought to herself, Here we go Porter. Stay calm!

Tbc.

Chapter 39

Bette took a deep soothing breath, (knowingly) Sure Tee, ok, whats up.?

Bette loosened their embrace, prompting Tina to turn slightly and concentrate all her energy and emotion into Bettes loving eyes, staring intently back at her, (thinking to herself, Here goes nothing) Ok well Bette, you know I am being discharged on Friday and .

Bette interrupted, smiling thoughtfully into Tinas eyes, (excitedly) Yeah, its so great Tee, I cant wait until you are back home. with me, where you belong baby. leaning down, giving Tina a brief, gently kiss.

Bette was going to do her best to stay calm, but she wasnt going to make this easy on Tina. After all no matter what the reasoning, no matter how much she understood why, Bette was still immensely disappointed that Tina had made this huge, life altering decision without her.

Tina: (hesitantly) Yeah, umBette, thats what I need to talk to you about. Going home!

Bette: (rubbing her fingers comfortingly up and down Tinas arms) Tee, babyyou dont have to worry. I have taken care of everything!

Tina was impressed by Bettes words but becoming frustrated at her interruptions, this conversation was hard enough for her already, (as nicely as she could muster) Bette, can you just shut up for a minute babe and let me finish?

Bette smiled internally, pouting her lips for Tina to see, Ok, Im sorry. Go ahead Tee..

Tina: (sombrely) Bette, on Friday I am not (pausing for just a moment)I am not going to be leaving here with you!

Bette: (casually) Sure ok Teeum, your mom can drop you off at our home. I need to do a few things anyway on Friday and Ill just be there when you arrive ok! smiling back broadly at Tina.

Tina: (adamantly) No BetteI mean I wont be going home.I wont be going home to our house. (dropping her head) I am going back to San Francisco with mom. As soon as the words were out of her mouth Tina quickened up her spiel, desperately trying to explain, hoping Bette was listening, before she was bombarded with questions and insinuations.. and anger.

Tina: (despondently looking down at her feet, talking fast) Im really sorry baby, but I need to do this for me! I need to get better, and I need to feel like me again, before I can be the partner you would truly want, you would truly deserve; and if I dont I want you to live a full and happy life. You cant do that Bette. with me like this! tears began to trickle down Tinas cheeks but she kept some semblance of composure.

Tina obviously had an abundance of unresolved issues in relation to her inability to walk. She just couldnt let go and give herself completely in to Bette; to let Bette take care of her, she had been hurt so much and although she had forgiven Bette, her insecurities plagued her mind and she couldnt bring herself to accept that Bette had only the best of intentions for her!

Bette had heard what Tina said and to her own surprise she actually did understand Tinas words. She didnt agree with them ..but she did understand! Right at that moment she knew what it would take on Friday to convince her Tee to stay!

Bette needed to regain eye contact with Tina. She gently placed her hand under Tinas chin and lifted her head so they were looking directly at each other. Bettes disappointment was mirrored in Tinas teary eyes. Why is Tee doing this? thought Bette, Why when I can see clearly that she know what she really wants?

Tina continued, looking directly into her loves eyes, letting the tears flow freely, having no composure left to hold them back, Thats why I wanted us to .no thats why I needed us to be friends for now Bette. (smiling shyly) I know we could never be just friends but as much as I want to, I just cant come home and live as your partner and wife right now. If we are meant to be we will get through this and be together again!

Bette couldnt hold back any longer, (trying to remain level headed and calm) Baby, I do understand, most of what you are saying anyway, I really do! (her voice rising) The thing I cant understand, and I totally disagree with by the way, is that you said we could get through all this together! How can we get through this together Tee if you arent here with me? If you are living in San Francisco for god sake?

Tina: (teary eyed, her hands lightly shaking) Please try and understand my reasons baby, I have made my decision and I need to stick with it for now!

Bette could see the uncertainty, the sorrow and the pain in Tinas eyes and decided she was only going to be fighting a loosing battle, so she let it go for now!

She then remembered what Tina had said, as much as I want to, At least Tee wants to be my partner and wife again! That is something! Bette pondered.

Bette resisted the urge to blow up at Tina, realizing it would accomplish nothing, (calmly) I will try baby, but I got to tell you I am very disappointed. (tenderly) I love you Tee, I am in love with you and it does hurt that you want to (her voice cracking with emotion) that you want to leave me! Can I at least visit you or call you at your moms until you feel like you again?

Tina: (happy that Bette didnt just give up, even wanting to call and visit her) As long as youre prepared to accept that. I may never be back Bette!

Bette: (ouch, that was a kick in Bettes guts) Do I have a choice? staring questionably at Tina.

Tina just shrugged her shoulders, (whispering) Im sorry baby!

Bette: (unapologetically) I am not prepared to accept that you will never return Tee; you told me that whenever you and I are concerned there is always hope and if I accept that you may never come back, isnt that like giving up? (Tina went to speak but Bette continued over the top of her sombrely) But I am prepared to accept whatever decision you make.

Tina: (playfully) Ok so where has Bette Porter got to? Where is my Bette?

Bette: (hesitantly, smiling half heartedly) Im still right here Tee. I just know that I have to respect your decision. I dont like it but I have no say in the matter?

Tina was very surprised and very thankful for Bettes reaction, Gee, she really is changing Tina thought, Bette, thank you for being so understanding. I would love for you to call or visit me.

Bette smiled into Tinas eyes, (quietly but loud enough for Tina to hear) You mark my words though Kennard, you will find your way back to me, like I did you. I dont know if we both could live any other way!

Tina: (smirking) Now thats more like the Bette I know and love!

Bette: Are you sure about that Tee?

Tina: What?

Bette: Know and love?

Tina: Yes baby, Im sure! There has never been any doubt about that aspect of our relationship! snuggling tightly into Bettes warm, safe arms.

The two women lay in each others arms, in complete comfortable silence, each woman lost in their own thoughts, uncertain about their immediate future.

Tina was beginning to have doubts about leaving. She needed to remain firm in her endeavour however, the fact that Bette had accepted her decision and was willing to visit her, all the way in San Francisco should have had her elated, but as she thought, her insecurities flared and she was kind of disappointed that Bette didnt put up more of a fight for her to stay, her mind beginning to wander and wonder why that was so?

Bette on the other hand was prepared to travel if that was what it took; glad that Tina didnt want to let go completely, but was hoping that her plan on Friday would convince Tina to stay where she truly belonged!

Tina was the first to break the hypnotic, thought induced, silence. Time had gotten away from the two women; almost an hour passing them by and Tina was revelling in the warm, safe feeling lying in Bettes arms evoked.

Although she didnt want to; thinking that she would gladly stay that way forever, Tina had to move, a sharp pain, suddenly emerging, stabbing at her lower back, causing her upper body to jolt in pain, Tina: Owwquick baby, I need to sit up!

Bette: (instantly concerned) Are you ok Tee. Do you need the doctor? Bette was about to push the button at the side of Tinas bed.

Tina grabbed her hand, No babe, I just need to sit up! I am still a bit bruised and battered, and lying here, without movement, for too long causes aches and pains in my body, its just normal.

Tina saw the look of absolute worry on Bettes face, and a warm smile spread over her own face; grabbing hold of Bettes hands, caressing her digits softly, (compassionately) Dont worry baby, it gets less painful as my injuries heal. I havent actually felt that kind of pain in quite a while. I just felt so contented and relaxed in your arms that I didnt want to move a single muscle!

Bette smiled and hastily released Tina from her embrace, as she got out of the bed, What do you want me to do Tee? What do you need?

Tina: UmCould you help me into the chair by the window? I need to sit upright!

Bette: Sure, of course I can baby!

Without hesitation Bette put her arm under Tinas legs and the other around Tinas back and cautiously, easily lifted her out of her hospital bed, Is this ok Tee?

Tina put her arms around Bettes neck and gazed lovingly into her eyes. This was the first time since the accident that Bette had held her in such a tender, longing, ***** way. She could feel the previously dormant, stirrings of desire simmering in the pit of her stomach. God she had missed that feeling; the only person in the world who could achieve that effect on her, still did!

Clearing her throat Tina managed to speak, (barely coherently) MmmHmm. Im ok babe!

Bette stopped what she was doing, and holding Tina in her arms she stared intensely back at her, pulling her closer, becoming totally entranced in the feelings that used to be so familiar when she had her wifeher Tee in a loving embrace.

Bette bore witness to the faintest hint of desire in Tinas eyes, and she could feel Tinas breath becoming heated and shallow, breezing from her lips across her cheek; her own breathing hastily bordering on erratic.

Bette was quickly becoming overwhelmed (and overheated), she knew that look, Tina still desired her, Tina still wanted her. A huge smile appeared on her face at the realization; the sign that had Bette holding back and waiting for, for so long had appeared. Confirmation that Tina still craved her had just been given to Bette.

She couldnt deny her longing, her want, her need to show Tina she was really loved, any more and she was sure that Tina was feeling the same way.

Bette made the move, closing the miniscule distance between their lips and engaged her love in a kiss. Not a light, friendly, tender kiss that they had been reduced to since Tina had been in hospital; a smouldering, sensual, frenzied kiss that left Bettes toes tingling, and her feeling like her legs were going to give way on her.

Tina returned the kiss with just as much passion, their tongues grazing over the tip of each others before seductively exploring the others mouth. Both women desperate to taste, feel and smell the once familiar sensations of each other that they had missed so much.

Their hands remained still, but their desire took on a mind of its own. Bette was cradling Tinas injured weak body in her strong arms, while Tinas slender arms were wrapped around Bettes neck, her fingers intertwined in her dark curly locks. It was all purely and simply about their kiss, their need to reconnect on that intimate level, no need for anything more.

Bette broke away from Tinas lips, her eyes remaining closed. She could hear Tinas laboured breaths. Bette spoke quietly, breathlessly, almost in a whisper, Mmm, baby are you sure you want to do this? Are you sure you want to leave me? . Cant you still feel that Tee?

Bette gently lowered Tina onto the chair, kneeling in front of her, her arms feeling like jelly, her legs nearly collapsing under her; Bettes whole body was tingling from the sensation that one smouldering kiss from Tina had summoned.

Both women were still visibly affected by their show of affection, pressing their foreheads together, leaning into each other, in an attempt to remain focused on the situation.

Tina thought to herself, How can I leave thisHow can I leave my Bette?

Tina took a few moments to regain her composure, (breathlessly) God, of course I can Bette! I can feel it all. and thats why I have to do this, at least for now! Please babyIm not leaving you!

Bette was at a total loss, she didnt understand anything anymore, but she thought back to what Nancy had said to her, what Tina had earlier versed to her and she didnt want to push. She wanted to make sure she had her chance on Friday, her chance to convince Tina that they belonged with each other, that the only way they would get through their lives happily would be together!

Bette knew Tina still loved and desired her, after the events of the day she no longer had any doubt. She was confident, especially after the sensual, breathtaking kiss they had just shared; and she resolvedly told herself, she was not going to entertain any notion of her Tee actually leaving!

It was all up to Bette to convince the only woman she would ever love that she could trust her again with her heart, her body and her soul! Friday couldnt come quick enough for her. She was daring to hope that it would be the first day of the rest of their lives together

Tbc.