Tina sat at her desk just watching the clock. She was supposed to see Bette tonight and it would be the first time in about a week. Bette had been unusually busy with a new show opening and with the Academy awards right around the corner Tinas office had been in high swing as well. Tina sat back and thought about the past eleven months she had spent with this incredible woman and she felt a fuzzy warmth spread throughout her body. She is so amazing, thought Tina as she let her mind daydream about Bette. They had been through a lot in this past year and Tina was sure that Bette was the right person for her. She couldnt even remember why she had been so hesitant to pursue her feelings for Bette when they initially met, and she wondered what her life would have been like if she had never done that. Probably safe and secure, just like Eric, she thought as she pulled out her cell phone. Safe and secure were words that came to mind when Tina thought of Bette also, but so were passionate, ***** and exciting. They had managed to have their ups and downs without any major fights, and every time a tough situation presented itself they always found a way to get through it. Tina dialed Bettes number at her gallery and a smile crossed her face as she waited for the sound of her lovers voice.

This is Bette.

Hey babe.

Hey T.

Bette sounded irritated as usual and Tina found it odd that she had gotten used to this tone in Bettes voice. Bette could be a hand full when she wanted to be, but for the most part Tina was able to stand her ground and she knew that standing up to Bette was the only way to get her to respect you.

Tough day?

Dont even ask.

Are you going to be working late?

MaybeI dont know. I should be out of here by six or so. Should I just come to your house or do you want to come over here?

Either way. Just call me when you get off.

Okay. I gotta go Tina.

Okay, see you tonight. Love you.

Love you too.

Tina hung up and smiled to herself again. She still got excited to see Bette even though they had been spending almost every day together up until this past week. This did not go unnoticed by Tina and once again she knew she had found someone special. She looked at the clock and decided shed better get back to work if she wanted to get off at a decent hour.

At eight thirty Tina was sitting on her couch waiting for Bette to call. She had gotten home around seven and after taking a shower she had been relaxing and enjoying a little down time. Tina looked at the clock again and sighed to herself. I know shes busy but she could have at least called me by now. Tina didnt know if she should call Bette again or not because she had a good feeling that Bette would snap at her if she was in the middle of something important. Tina decided to give it a little more time and she went upstairs to her office to pass some time.

At nine thirty Tina had grown extremely irritated at the fact that Bette hadnt called her yet. She knew she was being a little clingy and she didnt want to be one of those girls who whined all the time, but she was getting tired of waiting for Bette. Tina went back downstairs to grab the phone but she stopped herself. If she hasnt called me by now it means she either worked late then went home tired or shes still at work and in which case she will be way too crabby to talk to me anyways. Tina sighed knowing how Bettes mind worked and she decided to call it a night. She went to her bedroom and slipped under the covers. She fell asleep after a few minutes but sometime during the night she was woken up by the sound of her front door opening. Startled, she sat up quickly but then lay back down when she realized it was probably Bette. Tina rolled over and tried to fall back asleep as Bette entered the room. Tina heard Bette sigh then she felt her climb into bed next to her. Bette gently wrapped one arm around Tina and Tina could feel how tired Bettes body was. Tina was going to let it go, but she didnt want Bette to think that she could do this to Tina whenever she wanted.

Late night?

Oh sorry baby did I wake you up?

Nowell kind ofI wasnt really sleeping anyways.

Mmmm

Bette was having a hard time staying awake and Tina could tell how exhausted she was. Tina knew she should just let Bette sleep and talk about this tomorrow but now that she was awake she figured she might as well get this over with.

What time did you leave the gallery?

Nine.

Nine? Tina looked at the clock and saw that it was almost one in the morning. Tina sat up angrily and looked down at Bette who had a confused look on her face. She didnt know why Tina had moved so suddenly and she could feel the fatigue taking over her body again.

You got off at nine?

Yeah. I went home to shower before calling you and I guess I fell asleep.

So then why did you wake up and come here?

What?

Tina knew she was picking a fight over something stupid but she was tired of not being near the top of Bettes list of priorities. Would it really have been that hard to just call and cancel tonight? she thought as she crossed her arms and gave Bette a cold stare. She knew Bette couldnt see her in the dark but Bette could sense her anger and Tina was waiting for Bette to retaliate.

Bette why didnt you just call and tell me you were too tired to do anything tonight?

Because we havent seen each other in over a week and I thought you wanted to spend time together.

I did, but I dont think sleeping counts as spending time together.

What is that supposed to mean?

Bette, its one thirty in the morning. You told me you were working until six. What happened to the seven hours in between?

Bette sat up and looked at Tina. She couldnt believe Tina was getting mad over the fact that she didnt call earlier. Bette was not used to having to check in with someone every time she did something and she didnt like it.

Tina I told you I was at work until nine. Then I went home and showered and somehow managed to fall asleep for a little while.

Bette, Im just saying you could have called me on the way home and told me you were too tired to do anything tonight. I would have understood.

Look Im sorry that I didnt call okay? I was just so busy at work that when I was leaving all I wanted to do was get home and shower.

So you didnt want to see me tonight then?

Thats not what I meant and you know it.

Do I?

Tina knew she sounded like a bitchy girlfriend right now but she just didnt care. She was tired of putting up with Bettes ***** and as happy as Bette made her, she could also piss her off like no one else. Bette angrily got out of bed and turned on the light. Tina had to put her hand up to block the light and wait for her eyes to adjust. Bette was standing there with her hands on her hips staring at Tina like she was five years old. Tina looked at Bette with a cold glare in her eye and she suddenly realized how mad Bette was.

Oh thats great Tina. So you didnt think I wanted to see you tonight is that it?

Im just saying you could have let me know that we werent doing anything tonight.

Why so you could go out and find someone else to be with tonight?

The moment the words left her mouth Bette knew she had said the wrong thing but she was so frustrated with Tina that she almost didnt care. Almost. The look of hurt that crossed Tinas face was enough to make Bette truly regret what she had just said.

Im sorry Tina.

Tina looked at Bette and felt tears forming in her eyes. She really didnt want to cry at that moment but what Bette said just hurt too damn much. She couldnt believe that Bette would even accuse her of that and she didnt know if she was more upset with what Bette had said or just the fact that she said it at all. Tina bit down hard trying to keep the tears in and after a few minutes of controlling her anger she was able to speak.

I cant believe you Bette.

Bette moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge next to Tina. She tried to pull Tina into her arms but Tina wouldnt let her. She just sat there staring at Bette and Bette knew she was in deep *****.

Look Im sorry I didnt call okay? It wont happen again I promise.

Yes it will Bette, I know you.

Bette was getting frustrated with Tina again and she knew if she wasnt careful her temper and stubbornness could ruin this relationship forever.

I dont know what else to say Tina, Im sorryI really am. I love you and I miss spending time with you and I DID really want to see you tonight. Im sorry that I got caught up at work okay? And I promise next time I will call you if something comes up.

Tina looked at Bette and felt her anger disappear just a little. She was still pissed at what Bette said to her and she was still angry at the fact that Bette hadnt called.

Bette, Im not only mad at the fact that you didnt call tonight. Lately it seems like Ive become less and less of a priority to you and I dont want to sound too whiny, but Im getting tired of it. Im getting sick of you coming home in a bad mood then taking it out on me and Im getting tired of always taking a back seat to your work. I know you have a crazy schedule and you are constantly busy at work but so am I babe. I dont knowmaybe this isnt working as well as we had hoped.

Bette looked at Tina angrily again and she stood up slowly and crossed her arms over her chest. Bette felt the slow burn of anger flowing through her veins and she knew that whatever was about to come out of her mouth would be completely wrong but she couldnt stop it.

So what Tina? Is this your way of breaking up with me?

No Bette Im not trying to break up with you Im just telling you how I feel.

Fine. Look Im sorry for everything okay? Im sorry for not calling, and Im sorry for being such a ***** girlfriend. Therehappy now?

With that Bette grabbed her bag and headed down the stairs for the door. Tina just stared at the door as she heard Bette slam her front door closed and Tina knew Bette was really pissed. *****, she thought as she decided if she should go after her or not. Tina knew she had done the right thing in standing up to Bette but she also had a good feeling that she had really hurt Bettes feelings tonight. Tina decided to let Bette cool off tonight and she would just call her tomorrow. It took Tina a while to fall back asleep, but when she did she fell into a deep sleep and didnt wake up until almost eleven oclock the next morning. Good thing its Saturday, she thought as she rolled out of bed. Tina went downstairs to check if Bette had called and when she saw that she hadnt Tina began to worry. As angry as she might have been with Bette last night it wasnt enough for her to want to break things off. God dammit Bette, why do you have to be so stubborn? Tina thought as she reached for the phone. She called Bettes house but when she didnt get an answer she just left a message saying to call her back when she had a chance. Tina went back upstairs to lie down as she was suddenly feeling exhausted. Tina knew her life had been too good to be true and she hoped against hope that she didnt mess things up for good.