T

Tina looked at her and noticed the sadness in her eyes. Hey, Bette, you dont have to worry ok? Im just going over to Alices cos Im not ready to take you up on your offer to stay here. Im just not ready yet. I dunno when Ill be ready but just give me time ok?

Bette nodded. I dont know how we got here T, and I dont know how I can make it all up to you, but I do know that I still love you and I really want to make it up to you one way or another.

Bette please, it hurts to know that you did what you did, hearing you say you love me doesnt help either. So please, dont say it if you cant show it. I know I love you and I thought that was all we need to be together but it isnt. Theres so much work to be done here Bette. So much hurt. But we have to take this one step at a time.

I know T, I know and Im

And Bette, dont say youre sorry, I know you are but it wont help the pain go away. Im sorry too Bette. Im sorry I let this happen. I know its as much my fault as it is yours. Were in this together. I hope youll be more open with me than you were before.

T, can I just tell you something? I need you to know this before you go.

Bette gestured for Tina to sit on one of the chairs and she obliged. Bette walked and knelt in front of her. She took Tinas hands in hers and Tina noticed Bettes hands were shaking. The last time she felt Bettes hands shaking nervously was when she asked her to move in with her. And that was about six years ago. Tina thought it was sweet then that Bette was nervous as she had never known that side of Bette. But now it just scares her, she loves Bette and seeing her like this broke her heart.

T, the first time I met you, I knew you were the one to hold me, love me and take care of me for the rest of my life. And I also knew I was made for you. But back then you were with someone, a guy even. I knew I had to make you see. I knew I must make you love me as I have loved you from the moment we met. And baby, Ive never loved anyone in my life before you.

The times that I had to convince you to go out with me were the most challenging days. I know I had a reputation of breaking anyones hearts that pass by but I know I couldnt break yours, never… I wouldnt even dream of breaking yours. I courted you day in and day out there was nothing I wouldnt do to have you, I wouldnt let anything come between you and I; not even that boyfriend of yours Bette smiled as she pictured Erics pissed off face when he found out.

Ive never felt so complete T, you made me complete. There was always a hole in me and I continued to search for what should be. Ive always thought it was my dads continuing ignorance of my lifestyle or Kits inability to stay with me. But when I found you, I knew it was you. And its always been you.

Ive always been proud of you T, without you, I wouldnt be where I am now. You light up my life with your kindness and your grace. I know Im difficult most of the time but when Im with you, I let my guards down. Youre the only one who knows me so well, the only one who can penetrate through my defensive walls. Youre the only one who can understand me

And when it was time for us to start a family, it was all I could think about. And I wanted to make the best of everything. Provide you with everything you need, the best of everything, cos youre everything to me. And when we lost the baby, our baby, I couldnt do anything to take your pain away. I hated to see you in pain.

All that Ive done couldnt save our child and couldnt take your pain away. I felt like a failure, Ive never failed not once in my life. And Ive failed you and our baby. I didnt know how to react. All I knew was to isolate myself and bury myself in work, forgetting you still needed me. And in the process, did something I couldnt even imagine doing. I hurt you T, I hurt you bad. And I will forever seek your forgiveness; I dont care how long I have to wait. I dont care what it will take, as long as I have you. Even after all weve been through, I know youll always be my one and only

By now there were tears in Tinas eyes. It has been so long since Bette has opened up to her like this. This was the Bette she has been missing all this time. Bette stood up and kissed her tears away.
—–
I cant believe you just said that Al, and coming from you? Dont you want to see me happy? Dont you want your friend to be happy?

Alice just stared at her not believing what she was hearing. Happy? Oh honey, I want you to be happy, more than anything but I know your place isnt with her and hers is nowhere near you

But why Al? Is there something youre not telling me? Cos if there is you have to tell me. Im so confused right now

I, *****! Alice leaned herself on the kitchen counter wondering where she should start. She loves Dana thats as far as she knows, but other than that shes also confused.

Dana walked towards her and held her hands in hers. She looked into her eyes and spoke softly, Al, last night when you came over, and kissed me, it was a wake up call. I know I was marrying Tonya but I didnt know why I was marrying her. For you to come like that made me see and made me very, very confused. I see that I cant marry her but Im also confused as to why I proposed to her in the first place and Im even more confused of why you did what you did and what I am feeling right now. Youre my best friend Al. I know we dont always see eye to eye and I know I dont show you how much I appreciate your friendship but I love you so much, inside and out. So whatever it is that you want to say to me, I just want you to know that you can

God Dane, I, I dunno what to say! I, I went there last night to tell you, you cant marry her. You shouldnt marry herGod, Dane, this is so hard but whatever I say to you in the next few minutes, please, dont say anything ok? Dont interrupt cos this is kinda new to me

Alice waited to get any acknowledgement from Dana and when she did she continued.

I know we promised we wont sleep with each other cos were friends. But we continued hanging out at clubs you, me and Shane. And Shane always gets the girls so that leaves you and me. Dont get me wrong I think, I mean I know youre wonderful and can get any girl you wanted but we always ended up leaving together. But ever since Tonya came into the picture I hardly see you alone no more. Its always you and her. And I miss you. I miss having you around. And the more I think about it, the clearer I see that I feel more for you each day.

And when you decided you two were gonna get married, I couldnt take it anymore. I know youd be happy and I really want to see you happy. But I thought, shes not the one who would make it happen. And I just couldnt live knowing that theres someone better for you out there. So I came over and I wanted to tell you all this but the only thing I could come up with was to kiss you full on the lips.

You mean, like this? Dane leaned closer and kissed Alice full on her lips. Alice was surprised but enjoyed the kiss nonetheless. Dana pulled back and loved the lingering feeling of their kiss.

Oh Im sorry Al, I know you asked me to shut up but I just couldnt

Shh its ok. Its alright.

Hmm do you want to continue Al? I will shut up this time Dana was half joking and Al played along.

Well, you dont need to shut up but you can shut me up anytime you like Alice pulled Dane in for another kiss but Dana stopped her.

So Al, who is this person who you think would make me happy? Someone you had in mind? Is it someone I know? Cos I would love to meet her!

Well, kiss me again and Ill tell you