“God baby, you are so beautiful. I love you so much.” Tina whispers wistfully. She sits on the edge of the bed staring down at her sleeping girlfriend. Her heart is heavy with guilt and sadness and she is utterly exhausted. She aches to lie down next to her love and feel her warm body close to hers, to feel free and happy and fearless, all the things she usually gets from Bette’s loving embrace. But she doesn’t dare. She doesn’t trust how she would handle having to leave again or the rejection she knows is soon coming. They’ve been together almost six months. The last few months have been difficult. Tina’s latest project has been incredibly demanding and she’s been working excruciatingly long hours and almost every weekend. A fact not missed by either of them causing things between them to be somewhat stressed. She pushes Bette’s hair away from her face and lifts the sheets to look at her gorgeous body. She sighs. She’s misses her girlfriend so much. She pulls the sheets back up to tuck her in and lays a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Hey T. What time is it?” Bette’s eyelids flutter open. She smiles at Tina looking down at her so lovingly. It’s been a long time since she’s seen that look.

“Just after five A.M. Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay. Do you want me to fix you something to eat?”

“No. I have to go.” Tina gets up abruptly and walks quickly to the door as if she can’t get away fast enough. She doesn’t want another battle, especially today when she’s meeting the board to request more money for her film. She cringes at the thought.

“Can you be home early tonight?” Bette’s sweet, pleading voice stops Tina in her tracks. She turns around slowly, grateful for the darkness, as tears and frustration fight equally to escape.

“Bette please. You know I can’t. We’re in the last stage of the shoot. I promise to take some time off when this is over.”

“You said that last time.” Bette looks at Tina with hurt in her eyes. Tina doesn’t notice as her feelings of stress and frustration have resurfaced.

“I’m sorry, but one of us has to work around here.” Tina bites her bottom lip, regretting her words instantly.