As Bette and Tina made their way back to Helenas house, all that Bette could think about while riding was what was in store for them. Would Tina bring up that night at the Provocations opening? Would the awkward silence during the duration of the ride back to the impound lot be unbearable? She certainly had hoped not, but now was her opportunity to find out for sure anyway because they had finally arrived back at Helenas home.
Tina got out of the car and turned and smiled at Bette as she went inside of the house to return the keys, Bette smiled back and stayed in the car with the engine still
running knowing that Tina wouldnt take long and that she would be right out. Bette looked around inside her car and noticed that there were some papers from work scattered throughout the passenger seat and so she made a quick attempt to get rid of them so as to not give Tina even the slightest idea that she was as devoted to her work as she had been in the past. So, she grabbed them and started stuffing them under the seat and as she came back up, she jumped at the sight of Tina standing outside of the car.
Tina: Hey, I didnt mean to scare you. (She said, chuckling a little.)
Bette: Oh no, you didnt . . . okay well maybe a little. Youve always been very light on your feet. I had no idea that you were coming.
Tina: Really? You always seemed to know all of those other times. (She winked). Bette started laughing.
Bette: Leave it to you Tina to turn a “wholesome” statement into something that has potential to lead to something further.
Bette wanted to say to Tina that when she would make references like that, it would turn her on to the point where she just wanted to take her then and there because thats how much she had always been
attracted to her, that she only had to make one vague comment and it would arouse her to that capacity, but Bette knew that even though they seemed to have almost that same comfort level as they did back when they were together, that it would be too soon to open up like that immediately. So, determined to take things slow, and move at Tinas pace, she just left it at that.
Tina: Okay well you know that I couldnt just leave that opening dangling and not take it.
Bette: Yeah, all too well.
Tina: Okay, okay, Ill stop . . . or at least for now. So are you ready?
Bette: I sure am. Do you have everything that you need? Purse, keys, money . . . your phone?
Tina: Ha, ha, very funny, but yes I do.
Bette: Okay then, shall we?
Tina: Yes we shall.
As they were riding in the car, Bette decided to take the initiative to inquire to Tina how her life has
been.
Bette: So Tina, hows everything been going with you so far? Anything new and exciting happening that youd like to share?
Tina: If I think about it, I cant particularly say that there is really. If I think of something, Ill be sure to
let you know though. How about with you?
Bette: I think that its kind of the same, nothing too overwhelmingly new. I guess the only thing thats really different is that I hooked up with Oscar to see what kinds of work that you guys were doing together and then I got addicted. He set me up with some schools that didnt have enough money in
their budget for any form of art class. So now I teach those classes and stuff like that non profit wise through my own means for them. I also have another class that other kids can come to just for recreational purposes who might have an interest in art or whether theyre underprivileged kids, anyone
can come really. I also attend group therapy sessions, and no. . . . they are definitely not with a Mister Dan Foxworthy, but theyre to help people that have lost children to cope.
Tina was immensely impressed with Bettes growth as far as opening up to people was concerned and how she was trying so hard to make differences in other peoples lives for the better. There was absolutely no doubt about it in Tinas mind that Bettes change was solid and she didnt think that she
would have to worry about her having some sort of relapse back to her old controlling, all about work and her accomplishments in the work force ways.
Tina: Bette, thats wonderful, Im glad to see that youve found something that works for you. Hey do you think that you would be able to let me know when your next therapy meeting is, I would like to go with you if that would be okay?
Bette: Of course Tina, I will make sure that I remind you.
Tina: Okay, thanks. So how do you want to work this thing out?
Bette: What thing?
Tina: With the car, I figured we should come up with a plan since were almost there, unless . . . You want to go our separate ways after you drop me off.
Bette: Oh no, I’ve been separate from you long enough. In plus, didnt you bring something for me to eat? . . . Dont start. (She said as she smiled, knowing what Tina was going to get at.)
Tina: You caught me, but yeah I did . . . as in food food.
Bette: Okay, so then its settled, after you pick up your car, if its okay with you, you follow me back to my house and hop back in the car with me and we go and find a nice spot to have lunch or an early dinner, whatever you want to call it. Actually, I have a spot in mind, so if you want to do that, then Ill surprise you with the location.
Tina: Okay, that sounds good. I’m excied to see what you have up your sleeve.