Bette was standing there afraid to move an inch. Tina was just looking at Bette waiting for her to explain.

Tee, its not what you think, Bette said softly.

Last night Bette. You talked to Layla last night? Tina said crossing her arms across her chest.

Yes, I did, but it was nothing, Bette said slowly moving towards Tina.

When did you talk to her? Before or date our after? Tina asked.

Bette dropped her head. She could see where this was going.

It was after.

Tina dropped her arms to her sides. You mean after our intimate evening together. After you picked me up in a limo and took me to our first restaurant. After we had ***** in the same limo you were screaming you loved me out of. After all of this, you talked to Layla.

Tina, I said it was nothing. I came home and she had left a message on my answering machine asking me to call her. I hadnt talked to her since she left and I didnt think it was a big deal. Tina she lives in San Diego. There is nothing going on. You have to believe me.

Believe you? You want me to believe you? To believe in you, Id have to trust in you and I dont think I do, Tina said walking out of the kitchen. Bette was right behind her.

Tina, I know it appears that I was deceiving you or that I was doing something I shouldnt have been, but I wasnt.

Tina turned and faced Bette. Then why didnt you tell me today? Why didnt you come out and tell me that you talked to her last night? If you wanted to build my trust, you would have done that.

I didnt tell you, because I knew you wouldnt believe that it was just a phone call. Tina, Im guilty of nothing here but showing bad judgment. I shouldnt have called her back at all. I just.

You just didnt what Bette?

I just didnt want her to feel like I had forgotten about her.

Tina squinted her eyes at Bette. What is that supposed to mean?

When she was here she was trying to help me find myself again.

Tina interrupted, Im sure she did.

Tina please let me finish. She helped me see a few things about myself. And it was the first time in a long time, that someone didnt expect anything from me. She just let me be me.

Well it seems to me that she is the perfect person for you then. I must be such a burden, Tina said sharply.

Tee, you are not a burden to me. Its just we have a lot of things to work on. Like right now, I see this whole situation as just a misunderstanding, but you view it as some sort of deception.

If its not, then why didnt you tell me? Id put my life on it, that if I wasnt here to hear her say that on the answering machine I would have never known that you talked to her. You would have never told me.

Bette was just staring at Tina. She felt like she was fighting a losing battle. She didnt know how she was going to convince Tina that it wasnt how she perceived it to be.

Tina, I promise you that it was nothing. I apologize for not telling you about the call, but its not what you think. If you want, Ill call her right now and tell her to never call me again. I will do that for us Tina because nothing and nobody is worth losing you over. Nothing.

Tina just stood there trying to read Bettes sincerity. As much as she wanted to believe Bette, something in her heart couldnt.

So what did you two talk about? Tina asked.

Tina, thats not important. We talked about 15 minutes at the max and we hung up, Bette responded trying to get Tina to drop it.

Well if its not important then you shouldnt mind telling me what you talked about. You say its nothing so you must have talked about the weather or something trivial like that right? Tina asked not willing to let Bette off the hook.

Bette took a deep breath. She decided she was going to be totally honest with Tina, and hopefully she wouldnt get too mad.

Okay Tina. I had told her that when I was younger I used to read a lot and she gave me a book so I could do something for myself. You know, try to get back into doing something that I love. And basically she just wanted to know if I had started reading it yet.

Um huh. What else? Tina asked.

I told her I had just come in from a date with you and that was why I wasnt home to take her call. She was really happy for us Tee. She was glad to hear that we are working on our relationship.

Awww, wasnt that sweet of her, Tina said sarcastically. What else?

I asked her if she was coming back to LA anytime soon and she said yes maybe in a month or two. She said she did want to see me and she offered that you, me, her, and Vee go out to eat together. I told her I didnt know if that would be good idea but we would see. I dont know if you would be ready for something like that.

Dont make decisions for me Bette. I know what I am and am not ready for. Im a big girl, Tina said sharply. Is that all?

Bette wanted to say yes so bad, just to get this over with. But she knew honesty was going to be the best policy in this situation. She kept searching Tinas face for an out. Hopefully she would just leave it alone.

Well, is it? Tina said snapping Bette back to reality.

No. Bette paused before continued. She told me that she had been thinking about me all day and that is why she called. I asked her what she was thinking about and she made reference to our night together.

Your night together? You mean the night you slept with her.

Yes, the night we slept together. She explained that I pleased her sexually and that had her distracted at work. She respects our relationship and doesnt.

Okay enough. I cant listen to any more of this. Its too much. You said it was nothing. I dont think that talking about how much you pleased each other is nothing.

Tina you want me to be honest with you and I am. We did not have phone *****, we just discussed our night together and it wasnt really that deep. She knows that I love you and that Im not going to give you up for her. I was honest with her from the beginning. And she always respected that. She always said she had no expectations.

Bette could see tears welling up in Tinas eyes. This was going to be painful for them.

Tina I dont want to hurt you. I dont want you to overreact to this.

The tears finally fell down Tinas face and Bette felt the air go out of her chest. This was the last thing she wanted. She walked towards Tina, but Tina put her arms out to stop her.

Tina, why are you doing this? What are you crying for?

Because I just realized Im not ready for this yet. I cant bear the thought of you touching another woman and pleasing her like you pleased me. This is like peeling the scab off of an old wound. The thought of you with her, is like you with Candace. This is too difficult.

Tina this is nothing like me and Candace. I committed a sin against our relationship when I was with Candace. But Layla and me came when we were broke up. You had told me you just wanted to be friends, so I accepted that and began to try to move on. This situation is different. You know that Tee. It would be like me telling you not to sleep with Carlie.

How dare you compare Carlie and me to you and Layla? I was in a relationship with Carlie. You fucked Layla! Thats a big difference.

Okay Tina, you totally took that the wrong way. What I meant was that when we werent together, I couldnt tell you who not to sleep with, just like you couldnt tell me. But Tee, if we are going to make our relationship, you have to start to try to trust me again. Last night was not just a show for me. I want to spoil you like that. I want to spend intimate time with you all over again. I want us to laugh and joke together. I want us to put the past behind us and start all over. I guess the question that I should be asking is, is that what you want? Do you want to do these things with me? Are you ready to do these things with me? Im ready to lay it all on the line, are you?

I dont know Bette. I think I need time to think about this. Maybe its too soon for me. Maybe we are moving too fast.

I dont understand Tina. Last night everything was perfect. Now a phone call has you doubting us. Do you not love me Tina?

Of course I love you, but just because last night was marvelous, doesnt mean I dont have any reservations about us. Its not as easy as you think Bette. I dont want you to talk about ***** with someone else. I dont want you reminiscing about being with someone and its not me. I just cant handle it. I think Ive made a mistake coming over here. Im going to go back over Alices, Tina said turning towards the door to leave.

What.wait a minute Tee. You cant leave like this, Bette said moving past Tina to stand in front of the door. Im not going to let you go until we talk about this some more.

Bette, I just need some more time. Im not saying that Im giving up on us. I just need time to sort out all my feelings.

Tina, please dont do this. If anything just stay here so we can talk it out. I said yesterday that our path was not going to be laced with rose petals and this was going to be hard, but we cant keep running from each other. Please stay. We cant work this out if you are over at Alices.

Bette walked over and grabbed Tinas hand. Please Tee, stay with me. I dont want you to walk out on me again. Lets try to make this work, Bette pleaded.

Tina was staring at Bette. She really didnt want to leave but this was just so hard. All she wanted was for all this pain and hurt to go away. She just wanted to be happy with Bette again.

Okay. Ill stay, Tina said softly.

Bette smiled softly looking up to the ceiling thanking God for softening Tinas stance.

Lets sit down and talk, Bette said leading Tina over to the couch.

Tina followed reluctantly and they both sat down. Bette grabbed the remote and turned the DVD and the TV off. She turned to Tina but didnt say anything. She just kept rubbing her hand. Tina was looking down at her lap.

Tee, look at me.

Tina took a few seconds before she turned to face Bette.

I love you so much. I dont want to hurt you anymore. Ive made a lot of mistakes in our relationship. I am willing to admit my flaws. But one thing you cant say about me is that Im not committed to you and to us. There is nobody else on the earth that I would rather spend my time with, grow old with, raise a family with, make love to. *****, there is nobody on earth that I would rather argue with.

Tina smiled at Bettes last revelation.

Im serious Tee. I only want to experience life with you. All the good, the bad, and the ugly. Right now we are not in a good time, but this is still the only place I want to be.

Then why Bette. Why did you cheat on me? If Im so important to you why did you violate my trust and our relationship? Tina asked.

When we first broke up I asked myself that a thousand times. What would ever make me betray you? I had so much time to look back at our relationship and at you and me. I took a thorough and honest look. Now I dont want to make excuses for my behavior or blame you, but we started to grow apart. I know you felt it because you even mentioned it. I was spiraling out of control. I almost lost my job and I never told you. We struggled to agree on a donor for our child. My identity was questioned and it bothered me. Then we lost the baby and I knew I needed to be there for you, but I was hurting so much. I didnt feel like I had anywhere to turn. So when Candace came along, she was an outlet for me. I didnt have to act a certain way. I didnt have to be strong. She needed absolutely nothing from me and that drew me to her.

So you mean you were never attracted to her? The whole thing was just a release from all the pressure you were feeling? Tina asked.

Boy youre asking some hard questions.

I dont plan on making this easy for you Bette.

Yes Tina. I was very attracted to her. For some reason being around her made me lose all my ability to reason. But it wasnt love. It was more lust than anything else. And I realized it after me and you broke up. Candace and I never grew to be anything other than ***** partners. We saw each other a few more times but that was it. I havent talked to her in over 5 months and I dont plan on talking to her.

But why Bette? Why didnt you turn to me? We were partners. I am your wife. It doesnt make sense. Maybe we were having problems, but I would have never cut out on you.

I know that Tee, but you were hurting so much. When we lost our son, you were devastated. I couldnt compound your hurt with my problems. There was no way I was going to come to you and say Im having doubts about us and our love. That would have been cruel and unfair to you. So I shouldered the whole burden. I know that is hard for you to understand, but at the time I felt like I was doing the best thing for us. Can you see my dilemma Tina? Nothing was intentional. I was always supposed to be the strong one, but I was broken down.

Bette I never knew. I didnt know you were going through so much. I guess I was so caught up in my own grief that I couldnt see that you were hurting also. Im sorry about that.

Tina, you dont have to apologize to me. Im the one who fucked up. I should have just talked to you. I never gave you the opportunity to be there for me. Its obvious to me now that I need to be more open with my feelings. I know that Im not in anything alone. I have you there with me.

Wow, you really have done some soul searching huh?, Tina said.

Ive had a lot of lonely nights. I had nowhere else to turn but to myself. And it wasnt easy. I just recently, I mean within the last week, finally found myself again. Its been a long and hard road, but Im gradually becoming Bette again.

So thats what I see in you then.

What are you talking about? Bette asked confused.

Well the last few times Ive been around you, Ive seen a confidence in you. You seem so self-assured. And since were being honest, it is totally ***** to me. Our encounter in the bathroom at Milk was a perfect example. You quickly overpowered me and I have never seen that side of you before.

Bette was smiling. She knew she was different and was glad to hear that Tina liked it.

Well thats good to know. Ill make sure I keep in mind that you think Im *****.

Tina was blushing. Ive always thought you were *****. You are incredibly beautiful. Thats one of the reasons its so hard to walk away from you. Thats why its so hard to think about you being with someone else. I want all of you to belong to me. Your body, your mind, and your soul. I just need for you to promise me that. Promise me that I dont have to share you with anyone. I need to know that if I let you back in that I dont have to worry about you cheating on me.

Tina, I promise you with every breath I take that there will never be anyone that I would jeopardize our relationship with. I know my words seem shallow right now, but Im going to show you. If its the last thing I do, you will see my sincerity.

They paused to just look at each other. They wanted to make sure they understood the magnitude of this moment. There was no turning back from here.

Are you willing to trust me again Tina? Can you forgive me and all my past transgressions? I know forgetting is going to be tough, and you probably wont forget. Im just asking for forgiveness.

Tina absorbed all of Bettes words. She knew that even though there may be some tough times ahead, she had to find it in herself to move past the past and into the future. She knew Bette was the only person that was ever going to make her completely happy and she had to open her heart to forgiveness.

Yes Bette, I will forgive you.

Bette pulled Tina into her arms and held her tight.

Thank you Tina, thank you.

She pulled Tina back and started planting kisses all over her face.

Okay, Okay Bette Tina said trying to pull away from Bette.

Im just so happy. You cant believe what I am feeling right now. Ive been waiting for this day for 7 months. Its so unbelievable. Wait right here.

What are you doing Bette?

Bette got up and went over to the stereo. She turned on the cd player and pressed play. The music started to play through the speakers. It was one of their favorite songs as a couple.

May I have this dance? Bette asked extending her hand.

Tina smiled at Bette and her romantic gesture. She stood up and went towards Bette.

How did you know that you would be able to play this? Tina asked as Bette and her started making a slow circle.

I didnt, but I had high hopes. It looked bleak for a little while, but now you are here, so its all successful.

When the singer came in they both started singing to each other:

>>>

Honey you are my shining star
Don’t you go away
Oh baby, wanna be
Right here where you are
Till my dying day, oh yeah

So many have tried
Tried to find a love like yours and mine
Hmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm
Girl don’t you realize
How you hynotize
Make me love you more each time, yeah baby

Honey I’ll never leave you lonely
Give my love to you only
To you only, to you only

Honey you are my shining star
Don’t you go away
Oh baby, wanna be
Right here where you are
Till my dying day, yeah baby

Feel so good when we’re lying here
Next to each other lost in love, yeah baby
Baby when we touch, I love you so much
You’re all I ever dream of, yeah baby

Honey I’ll never leave you lonely
Give my love to you only
To you only, to you only

Honey you are my shining star
Don’t you go away
Oh baby, wanna be
Right here where you are
Till my dying day, yeah baby
You are my shining star
Don’t you go away, oh-o-o baby
Honey you are my shining star
Don’t you go away, oh-o-o baby
Honey, right here where you are
Till my dying day, ahhhh yeah
Honey you are my shining star
My shining star
Honey you are my star
Don’t you go away, yeah baby
Honey you are my shining star
Don’t you go away, oh-o-o baby


They kept dancing even after the song went off. They wanted to stay in this moment for as long as they could because who knew what tomorrow would bring. But for now everything was okay and they both wanted to keep it that way.