Chapter 20

Tina was had finished teaching her last class and was packing up when her phone rang. When she saw that it was Bette a smile came across her face. Its been a tough first year for her at Delano. With working extra hours and commuting, giving one hundred percent to herself and her relationship with Bette was a very trying task. It was almost the end of the first year and the summer courses were not as demanding as the other courses. Tina was also starting at NIT in the next year. Most days she was home before Bette and Bette welcomed this and took as much advantage as she could. Tina answered her phone on the first ring. Hi baby.

Hi there. How was your day?

Better now. I tried calling earlier.

Yeah, I had a meeting.

Oh ok.

Youre done for the day right?

Yep, so I should be home early.

Great, because I have something I need to discuss with you. I was thinking about this for some time now and I would like your opinion on it.

Ok. Something I should worry about?

No no, nothing to worry about it. But when you get home ok?

Ok. Sure.

Well, I have some things to finish up here before I can leave, so Ill see you when I get home.

Ok hon. I love you.

I love you too.

Tina hung up but Bettes tone bothered her. As far as she knew everything was going well in the relationship despite of her demands of her job. She tried not to let it bother her but that effort proved to be futile. Tina arrived home before three in the afternoon. She set her bags down and went out to the pool. Shane and Dana were home on summer break from college and were just lazing around. Hey you two.

Hey, youre home early.

Yeah, I had an early class.

Cool.

So were you lucky with finding a job?

Yeah. Actually I start tomorrow.

And Alice got me a job working with her. Well in the mail room where she works.

At least you wont be home bored all summer. Tina sat down on the lounge chair, So Shane where will you be working?

Oh, the new caf a few blocks down, the Planet, and my boss is really hot.

Oh really.

Yeah. And she has an accent too. I think shes Italian or French or something.

DING DONG

Tina looked at Shane, You expecting anyone?

No, you?

Ill be back. Tina opened the door, Oh hey Al. Tina greeted Alice with a hug and kiss. What brings you here at three in the afternoon?

Dana actually. Is she here?

Yeah, out by the pool. The two women walked out to the pool. They were all talking when the bell rang again. Shane went to answer the door. Kit came by to visit. She and Bette had resolved their differences and were on the path of mending their relationship. Although Bette was not at home she decided to spend time with Tina and the girls. The conversation was flowing amongst the group. They were catching up on lost time due to the hectic school term for Tina, Shane and Dana and Alice and Kits career. It was almost five when Tina decided to start dinner. As she was about to start the doorbell rang again. Today is the day for visitors. Tina said to herself as she opened the door. When she opened the door, Hazel and Timmy were at the door. They were in the neighbourhood and decided to visit Tina and Bette. Hey mom. Timmy was now seven so jumping into Tinas arms was a thing of the past. He started grade school and thought that he was as he quoted Im a big boy now Tina so you have to treat me like a grown up. Tina put her hand out to Timmy, Hey little man. And Timmy gave her high five.

How is my girl?

I am good. Tina paused, I think.

Everything ok?

Can we talk for a sec?

Sure honey.

Hey little man, why dont you go out to the pool. Shanes there.

Tina and her mom stayed in the kitchen. Tina waited till Timmy was out the door. Bette called me today. At work. But there was something in her voice.

What do you mean?

She said she has something she wants to discuss with me but she was so serious on the phone.

Maybe its nothing. Maybe she had some stuff on her mind at work. Are things ok with you two?

Yeah, great.

Touching Tinas cheek Hazel reassured Tina, I wouldnt worry about it. Hazel looked around and realised that Tina was about to start dinner. You need any help?

Nah, Im good. You go relax. You could stay for dinner if you like. Tina had a thought. Everyone was there except for Bettes parents. She decided to call them and invite them for dinner. Know what?

Whats that honey.

Ill call Melvin and Kathy. We can have an impromptu mini pool party, what do you think?

Sounds like a plan. Sure Bette wont mind?

I doubt it. Tina called Bettes parents and they were more than happy to accept. They arrived before Bette was home and Tina had the bar-b-que going by the time Bette arrived. Bette got home from and unusually hard and long day at the office. She was home later than usual and was very surprised to see so many cars parked in her drive way. She made her way through the house and out to the pool. Everyone was so involved with whatever it was they were doing that they didnt notice Bette come through the back door. Bette snuck up behind Tina and wrapped her arms around Tinas waste. Tina turned her head so their lips met. Hi baby.

Hey. Whats all this?

We had and unusual influx of visitors today so I called your parents and asked them if they can join us for dinner. I hope you dont mind.

No, I dont mind. Just surprised thats all. But then I thought we could be alone tonight. Bette dipped her finger in the sauce, Mmmm good. Let me say good night and go change into something more comfortable. Before Tina could respond Bette was over at the pool and proceeded to the bedroom to change and was back out within minutes. Everyone had a great time. The food was delicious and the company of family and close friends was even better. The hours went by fairly quickly and soon enough it was almost ten. The guests said their good byes and Shane, Tina and Bette cleaned up and locked up after they were all gone. Shane went to bed soon after. She wanted to be well rested before her first day on the job. Bette and Tina retreated to bed. Bette didnt get a chance to talk to Tina about what was on her mind and Tina didnt push her. After all the climate of the evening was not conducive for serious conversation. Tina and Bette laid in each other arms. Tinas head was resting on Bettes shoulder with Bettes arms locked around Tina. They laid in silence until Bette finally spoke. T?

Yeah babe?

I was talking to Will the other day

Will?

Yeah, my cousin, Graces friend from New York? The lawyer? We met them last year for thanksgiving?

Oh. That Will.

Yeah. Well I needed some legal advice about us.

Tina sat up and was looking at Bette in the eyes. What are you talking about?

Its nothing to worry about really. I mean we bought this house together, Bette leased the house she had been living in for five years. The lease period was almost up when the owners made an offer to sell the house to Bette. Bette and Tina jumped at the opportunity and decided to buy the house together. and weve been living together for what almost three years now. Bette breathed a sigh, I guess after seeing that movie whats the name of it. If These Walls Could Talk 2 it got me thinking, and I would hate if we end up like that first couple. I mean after spending more than thirty years together and then when she died, even in her grief she had to think about where she would live because the law didnt cater for same ***** union back then.

Bette what are you saying?

What I am saying, or what I am asking is if we make this legal. You and me. We could find out more about the legal aspects and we could have the ceremony and stuff what do you think? I mean I would love more than anything to have our love sanctioned by the Government and God and have those we love witness that union and celebration. You dont have to answer now Tina stopped Bette in mid sentence with a passionate kiss. Hummm is that a yes?

Tina nodded, Yes. Yes. More than anything.