Bette: Do you want to keep it?

Tina looked at the ring and then at Bette. This ring meant, trust, commitment and faithfulness… That trust and that faithfulness were gone, broken. Tina smiled sadly.

Tina: I want to… But I can’t…

Tina handed the piece of gold back to Bette who swallowed and put it back in the wallet.

Bette: I understand. Let’s go.

Bette began walking again, trying to suppress tears. It still hurt that Tina hadn’t forgiven her. Tina catches up with her.

Tina: Bette, stop walking so fast.

Bette did as Tina said but still looked at the ground. Tina took her hand and that made Bette stop moving.

Tina: I have forgiven you but that ring… stood for trust, commitment, and faithfulness; forever together, you know and that isn’t there anymore. I understand why you went to Candace and I have forgiven you for that. You have to believe me.

Bette looked up, unshed tears in her eyes.

Bette: Really? Have you really forgiven me?

Tina nodded.

Tina: I have really forgiven you.

She let of Bette’s hand and opened her arms, and smiled at Bette. The brown-haired woman didn’t wait and gave Tina a tight hug.

Bette whispered: You don’t know how long I have waited for you to say that.

Tina smiled and enjoyed Bette’s closeness. The hug lasted long, the two women just holding each other. They separated and looked into one another’s eyes.

Bette: Thank you.

Tina whipped away a tear that had found its way down Bette’s cheek.

Tina: Let’s go eat some ice cream.

They both chuckled and began walking again.

————

The women stood on the sidewalk, looking at each other. Not wanting their time together to end. The taxi driver was patiently waiting.

Bette: How long are you going to be here in Paris?

Tina: 2 weeks.

Bette smiled.

Bette: Do you want to… meet up again?

Tina chuckled.

Tina: Are you trying to get me on a date with you?

Bette: I… Um… No… Just… Um…

Tina laughed. Bette was so cute when she stuttered.

Tina: It was a joke Bette. Sure, I would love to see you again. Maybe you can show us around some more. We’ve seen the big monuments and stuff but maybe you know some small treasures in this city.

Bette sighed.

Bette: Yeah, I do know some little places that the girls and we might enjoy. Tomorrow I have Yves with me so maybe you want to meet him.

Tina: A little Porter? Of course.

The both smiled.

Bette: So…

Tina: So… I guess I should get back to the hotel, see if my girls ruined it already.

The taxi driver couldn’t stand it anymore and honked. Both women giggled.

Tina: I’ll call you, okay?

Bette: I’ll be waiting.

They gave each other a hug and Tina couldn’t resist giving Bette a kiss on the cheek, which was very close to Bette’s lips. Bette trembled and Tina enjoyed the feeling of Bette’s soft skin against her lips. They parted. They smiled and Tina got into the cab. They waved at each other. Bette kept looking at the car until it was no longer visible.

Bette whispered: I miss you already…

Bette sighed, turned around and began walking back to her car.

To Be Continued…