The hot and strong dark liquid warmed and rejuvenated her and Bette ordered oatmeal with fruit to go with it. She needed to stay strong and the food was comforting but her emotions were still all over the place. Bette knew that she had to make a decision but everything she thought of so far didn’t make any sense.

She was torn between two courses of action but either one required a certain sacrifice and Bette wasn’t sure which one she could live with. She finished her breakfast and went for a walk. Walking was always like a therapy to her. After analyzing everything in her head and talking about it out loud, which made her feel incredibly foolish, Bette finally made a decision.

Tina and Bette’s House – Wednesday evening

When Tina got home she couldn’t remember how her day went. She sat at the meetings not hearing a word anyone said, her mind preoccupied completely with Bette and their predicament. She was so glad when the day was over and rushed home, hoping that Bette was waiting there for her and they would talk…or more like she would grovel and ask Bette for forgiveness.

It was dark inside and Tina’s heart fell. The house was empty and it didn’t look like Bette stopped by at all today. Tina walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She didn’t remember eating all day but as she looked inside at the leftovers from their last dinner together, Tina’s stomach roiled and she quickly shut the door.

She poured herself a glass of wine and went outside on the patio, hoping to come up with some plan or an idea on what to do next. Tina closed her eyes, letting the light breeze kiss her face. She remembered how many nights Bette and she would stay outside, cuddled in each other arms on the long lounge chair, talking and kissing, drinking wine and laughing.

Tina smiled at the memories with her eyes still closed when soft and warm lips gently touched her cheek. Tina’s eyes flew open and Bette’s face was just inches away.

“Bette,” Tina whispered and reached for her lover’s face. She touched the soft skin as if making sure Bette wasn’t just a beautiful apparition. “Is it you? Are you real?”