Tinas heart was beating a mile a minute. Not only had she and Bette been civil but also it looked like they were getting along, at least on the surface. She pulled up an extra chair at the table and met Alices eyes. They said, is everything alright? Tinas look back said, I dont know but I intend to find out.

Tina sat down and finished her drink, in a bottoms-up gulp. This was not lost on the rest of the group.

Bette had gotten them another round and slowly walked over to the table while trying to gage the reaction by the group. Her friends all smiled at her and said hello. Bette was glad for Tinas sake that everyone was being more than civil. She handed Tina her drink.

Kit hopped up and gave Bette a big hug. She whispered in Bette’s ear, What are you doing to yourself Baby Sister? You look like *****.

Nice of you to notice Kit. I love you too. Bette whispered back.

Sorry B, I didnt mean anything bad. Im just worried about you.

Im ok right now, thanks for asking Kit. Still hanging with Ivan, huh?

Its complicated! Kit replied defensively.

Sos my life. Believe me, I am not judging, just observing. Just as long as you are happy. She let go of Kit and sat down next to Tina.

Hey Dana, wheres Tonya?

I dont know Bette. I decided to cool it with her and she didnt take it too well.

Sorry.

Dont be. Im ok.

There was an awkward silence around the table. Ivan broke it by asking Kit for the honor of the next dance. They went out on the dance floor with Ivan smoothly leading and twirling Kit, and Kit looked like she was enjoying the dance! Bette realized how much she had lost, and how much she had to make up for. In betraying her wife, she had also betrayed her sister and all of her friends. She would make it up to all of them somehow. But first and foremost, she had to make it up to Tina. And that was going to take everything she had at this time.

Shane excused herself to go speak with someone she just spotted at the bar. Alice started talking about her next project and Dana was paying close attention to everything Alice was saying.

Bette and Tina listened to the conversation and eventually joined in with some conversation of their own and everything seemed ok for awhile. Bette had gotten up to go get everyone another round and Alice and Dana took the opportunity to ask Tina how she was doing. Tina replied that her heart was heavy and it hurt, but she needed to spend time around Bette to see if she could even consider a future with her.

Alice said, Wow, that was fast. Just this morning you didnt want to talk to her.

Ive done a lot of thinking since this morning. I dont know if I can forgive Bette, but I dont want to think about living my life without her, even if it is only as friends. If she still wants this relationship, then she will have to prove it to me and I will need to evaluate everything to see if I can even consider returning to our life together. But I guarantee you things will have to change! Im not the same old Tina. My eyes are wide open now.

Bette returned to the table and the group finished their drinks. Ivan and Kit had barely been off the dance floor to drink the sodas Bette had gotten for them. Neither Tina nor Bette were feeling any pain at this time. Bette had just about fallen asleep in her chair but didnt want to leave since she was spending time with Tina.

Tina noticed how tired Bette was and said they should call it a night. Give me your keys Bette.

Why? asked Bette.

Because you are in no condition to drive. said Tina.

Neither are you. replied Bette.

I know that! Alice is going to drive us home, arent you Alice?

Ah, sure….sure, of course I am!

This was the Tina that Bette loved so much and remembered so well. The Tina that was so sure of herself and in charge. Bette handed over her keys and they went out to the car. Alice drove with Dana riding shotgun and Tina and Bette in the back seat. Alice told Bette that she and Dana would drop off Bettes car in the morning. When Alice looked back, Tina had her hand on Bettes thigh, Bette had her hand over Tinas and they were quietly talking. Alice couldnt hear what they were saying, but at least they were talking. She drove the long way home.

When they pulled up in front of Bette and Tinas house, Tina leaned over and softly kissed Bettes cheek. Goodnight Bette.

This was the moment Bette had been dreading all night and her chest ached like there was a big hole in it. She didn’t want to let go of Tina’s hand, but she did and got out of the car. She leaned back in, Can we talk again Tina?

Call me. Tina said.

Will you answer the phone?

Maybe.