Bette was sitting at the usual table when all the girls rolled in the next Sunday. The moment Tina walked in her and Bettes eyes locked. Tina was surprised to see Bette but as soon as she saw the look in Bettes eyes her heart skipped with joy. Bette had that fire in her eyes that Tina had prayed to see again. Bette must have come to some decisions to have that look.

Approaching the table Alice spoke up first: Great to see you Porter, but do you know you have paint on your shirt?
Yeah Alice I just finished up a little while ago, but if a little paint offends you I guess youll have to leave. Bette teased back as she shot a glance over to Tina. How was your week? Bette asked softly as her checks blushed slightly.

Alice looked from Bette to Tina and back to Bette and for once said nothing just smiled that knowing smile.

Long but Im glad its over, you know one of those weeks that you feel like your just passing time. Tina responded but it was more her smile that extended to her eyes as she talked to Bette that made Bettes soul sing.

Shane and Dana made there way to the table and the Sunday morning routine was under way.
You guys have got to come with me on my new assignment. It really is the coolest. Alice begins as all the girls eyes dance back and forth saying what now. Its called Tree Top Gliding, I guess its really big in the rain forests of Costa Rica. They have these cables strung at the tops of the tree canopy. You get harnessed up and then glide along the wire with a breathtaking view of the forest from above.

Wow Alice, for once that sounds like a really cool thing are you going to Costa Rica? Shane asks showing an interest.

Oh heck no, Im going to Tropical Forest at the Zoo, theyre simulating the ride at the LA Zoo in the Rain Forest section. But the harness, wire and the effect is supposed to be pretty real. Anybody want to go? Alice asked looking at all of them with real excitement.
Yeah Al that does sound interesting but I have one questions how do you stop? Dana asked.
Well that is the only draw back besides the 20 or so release papers you have to sign, as your scooting along they give you a pair of leather gloves to stop. Alice shot back.
What? the girls all said in unison.
Youre kidding right Al? Tina asked.
No, but its supposed to be safe, come on guys, this should be so cool winding around all the trees. Think of the fun. Alice goes on trying to keep everyone interested.
I dont know let me think about it OK? Dana responds hesitantly. Knowing Alice Dana wanted to change the topic of conversation. Bette hows the painting going? You know your paintings at the auction blew me away. I would love to see more of your work.
Thats nice of you to say Dana, I guess Im just beginning to grasp how good my paintings are myself but youre in luck, I just signed to be in two shows one in New York and the other here in LA. Bette begins to explain about her shows.
Tina caught Bettes comment and smiled to herself, maybe Bettes beginning to come around she thought.

Well the New York show will be in five weeks and you guys can all come if you want. Tina has already agreed to come. Bette said throwing Tina a questioning look to see if that was still the case.
Wow that great Bette, if sounds like a great opportunity are you nervous? Alice asks.
Yeah maybe a little. Bette confesses.
Shes going to be great, but I think going to NY to support her is going to be an exciting trip. Tina tells them all, but also confirming to Bette that she was there for her.

Man let me check my schedule because a road trip to NY could be a great time. Dana agrees with Tina. What do you think Alice can you break away from your tree swinging to go?
Its Tree Top Gliding, but yeah I definitely could fit a girls trip to New York City into my schedule. Alice responded. You know let me have the exact dates because I bet I could come up with a few extra curricular activities we could all be involved in. Wow, I have a lot to arrange. This has potential. Alice is now fully embracing the role as organizer.
Bette sighed to herself not fully prepared for a full blown road trip but what the *****, these girls where her friends and family, it can only be good.
From there they all had a refill or two and Sunday morning was coming to a close. On the way out Bette called out to Tina: Hey could you hold up a moment?
Tina turned and waited for Bette.
Hey Tina responded.
Uh I was wondering if you have a lot going on today? I mean uh .. do you want to go for a walk with me? I wanted to go to the park. What do you think? Bette was nervously asking Tina.
Tina seeing the nervousness in Bettes posture and her down cast eyes, wanted to alleviate Bettes discomfort as she realized Bette was trying. A walk would be great, it might help me work off all those calories from the lattes.
Great you want to ride with me, I recently got the Saab out of storage and the tops down. Bette said leading the way to her car.
So you got your car out, whats the occasion? Tina showing her surprise asked.
Well Im beginning to feel better about myself and thought it was just time, come on. Bette was excited that Tina agreed so quickly.
Hopping in the care, that familiar roar as it came to life, to Tina was a sound for sore ears. Riding in the passenger seat next to Bette with the wind blowing through her hair was an eerie feeling of deja vu, bringing all these happy memories for Tina. Bette wound through traffic with efficiency and soon they were parking the car.
As Bette turned the car off she turned to Tina, Thanks so much for coming, I probably should have called earlier. I guess I well thanks. Bette finally gives up trying to explain herself as Tinas smiling and just chuckling at Bettes attempts anyway. Bette just smiled back and got out of the car coming around to Tinas door just as Tina was getting out herself. Closing the door for Tina, Bette smiles at Tina and reaches for her left hand. With Tinas hand securely captured Bette starts leading the way towards one of the trails.

The feel of Tinas hand in hers was such a satisfying feeling. Bette wanted to savor this sense of rightness with the two of them walking side by side before she started their talk. As they walked along Bette pulled Tinas hand closer, tracing her knuckles with the index finger of her left hand. She traces the space where Tinas commitment ring use to residue. Enough time has past that if you didnt know it had been there you wouldnt be able to tell as all traces were now gone. Bettes thoughts are wrapped around what she wants to talk to Tina about but this observation brought home the message that if something isnt nurtured and cared for it maybe gone before you know it. Right now Bette knew she was going to start nurturing this relationship.

Tina I think we have a lot to talk about. I want you to know that I heard you last week. Bette begins talking. As Bette talked Tina stopped walking which brought Bette face to face with Tina. Tina wanted to look into Bettes face as she talked. Tina could tell that Bette was nervous, she had been rubbing her palm against her thigh while she drove. Now that they were walking Tina could tell that she had made a decision.

You know I love you. I need to start with that because I have never stopped loving you. It has been something that has motivated me to do many things, some good and some not as good. Bette hesitates with this as she considers her next words.
Bette you know I could say the same thing, I love you. Tina begins but gets stopped by Bette as she simply brings Tinas hand to her lips and begins to place soft, tender kisses across the back of Tinas hand.
Yes I know you love me. It is something I have been trying to keep my distance from but now I think Im taking steps towards your love instead of running from it. Bette looks directly into Tinas eyes hoping Tina can see the sincerity and honesty which is within Bette as she speaks from the heart.
Whats changed for you Bette? Why have you decided to stop running? Tina asked trying to help Bette express herself.
I guess its you. Im taking your advice and trying to forgive myself. Its not easy. Im not there entirely but Im trying everyday to get closer. I guess there are a couple of messages I have for you. I want you to know I am trying to get where you need meNO where I need me to be. I heard you and I want you to know Im fighting to get there. Its going to take me some time I mean I know you said to come to you when Im there I guess I want you to wait for me. Bette finally gets the words out as now she is looking down feeling exposed to Tina.
Now it was Tinas chance to reassure Bette. Taking Bettes chin with her free hand, Tina slowly brings Bettes chin up so Bettes eyes are looking into Tinas. Bette Ill wait forever for you. I believe what we can have together is better than anything else in the world. As Tina sees the acknowledgement and understanding in Bettes eyes she slowly closes in on Bettes lips wanting to seal this promise with a kiss. Tina tenderly kisses Bette. Soft, tender and lingering for only a moment, this kiss was full of hope for both of them. As Tina pulls back she sees that Bettes eyes are closed but a look of contentment has replaced the uneasy look from before. After what seemed forever, Bette finally opens her eyes to see Tina who is smiling from ear to ear as if to say there is much more where that came from.