Bette’s car
Bette cursed herself for her rash speech earlier. From that one careless statement, shed caused a domino effect of actions, and she now sat on eggshells as she waited for Tina to speak again.

Bette, I think we need to stay apart for now, Tina stated.

Wha? What? Why? Bette struggled for words. I know I went too far when I made that statement Tee, and Im so sorry for that, Bette sat upright in her seat. I was desperate and I wanted a reaction from you. I know now that I was being selfish and inconsiderate, Bette paused, Tina, please work with me on this, Bette pleaded.

Tina digested what Bette said. Shed already anticipated Bettes response and it was true to form, the apology, the pleading, and the wanting. And it was the latter that Tina couldnt handle. The wanting was Bette wanting things her. That was a part of their problems that had gotten them to this point. It was Bette wanting what she wanted, Tina forgetting what she wanted, and conceding when she shouldnt have. It had to stop.

Bette, I understand what you want and youre partially right for feeling the way you do, but its not going to work with me at home with you. We need space Bette. You still havent given me one good reason why you slept with her, Tina said, without missing a beat. She could hear Bette let out a heavy sigh on the other end, and while it broke the remaining pieces of her heart, she knew she couldnt get weak now. Bette, please understand that I know I contributed to the many problems weve had, but never once, and I mean never once had I considered stepping out

But, but, Tee, I Bette interrupted.

Let me finish Bette, Tina hid her annoyance. Okay, Bette replied. I know were two different people and we handle things very differently, but we made a vow Bette. A vow! A commitment that we made to each other in front of our dearest friends and now its broken. Broken to the point where Im not sure how we can fix it. Had you just kissed her, I could probably let it go. I could probably say you got caught up, but realized you were making a mistake and stopped before it got out of hand. But dammit Bette, you had ***** with her. You gave your body, which is my body, to someone else. She touched the most intimate part of you. She went to place with you that is supposed to be reserved for only me, Tina paused to gather herself and her thoughts, and then it occurred to her that Bette was on her cell phone. She cursed herself for a minute, realizing it was a little insensitive to upset someone in motion. Listen Bette, Im sorry. Not for what I said, but for not realizing youre probably driving. I dont want you driving in an emotional state. Im supposed to meet Alice this afternoon and Im way late. If youre not too busy, call me later okay? Tinas voice was soft and compassionate.

Bette wiped the tears that streamed from her eyes while Tina spoke. In her mind she cursed Candace, but knew she had control over the incident and chose to relinquish it. Maybe it was easier for her to give in because shed always been attracted to woman, where Tina had not. Maybe that was why Tina couldnt imagine herself with another woman or anyone else for that matter. Shed given herself completely, having altered her entire life as a heterosexual woman to be with Bette. As the thoughts ran rampant in Bettes head, the tears intensified, but she forced them back long enough to end the call.

Okay, I can do that, Bette forced the words out. Im on my way to Kits and am already late, so I better get this food before she has a Bob Marley fit on me, Bette joked.

Bob Marley fit? Tina questioned, not understanding.

Yeah, Bob Marley has a song, and theres a line that says, belly full, but we hungry, a hungry man, is a angry man. Its a longstanding joke between us, Bette wanted to end the conversation on a good note even though she was deeply moved and troubled by it.

Tina chuckled. Oh, I get it now. Cute! Ive seen Kit when shes hungry, not a pretty sight. Actually, neither is Alice, so I better go. Take care, Tina ended the call.

You too, Bette replied, not sure if Tina heard or not, but it didnt really matter.

Bette went in and got the food and headed to Kits.

At Kits
About damn time you got here lil girl, Kit scolded. Ill be damned if I ever wait on you to eat again. Girl like me gots to eat, Kit continued, as she took the bags from Bettes arms and placed them on the counter.

Okay Bob Marley! Bette teased and they both began to laugh.

You remembered! Kit was dumping heaps of food on the plates and handed one to Bette. She poured the chai and took a long swig. Ahh! Now thats what Im talking about, Kit grinned. Wanna sit here or in front of the tube?

Counters fine. Can you put some music on?

Yeah, sure. Whatcha in the mood for? Kit began fumbling with the CD racks.

Anything without lyrics. Cant take another song with a subliminal message in it, Bette said softly, trying to mask her emotions.

Kit ignored what Bette said and continued looking. Uhm got some Monk, some Davis, Bette shook her head.

Okay, how about some Kenny G, Norman Brown, uhm? Youre killing me here and Im freakin starved gurl, Kit fussed, still looking for a CD.

You know what? Just pick anything you like. But nothing with lyrics, Bette sipped her chai.

Kit found an Alfonzo Blackwell CD and let it play. Soon the soothing saxophone began to seep into the air and into Bettes weary mind. Kit was devouring the food on her plate like it was her last meal before she stopped and saw Bette not eating and poorly fighting her tears.

Okay BG, spill it! Kit spoke between bites. Bette looked at her like what? Nothings wrong. Dont gimme that look. I know you better than that. Spill it I said, Kit commanded.

Its Tina! Bette blurted out. Im not sure if were going to make it, Bette looked down, not wanting to make eye contact.

Kit put her fork down and took a deep breath. She knew it wasnt easy for Bette to open up emotionally and it was even worse now that it was about Tina. Kit had been careful not to interfere, but Bette was coming to her, so she felt more comfortable speaking her piece.

Talk to be baby gurl. Im not a mind reader and I dont want to make assumptions either. Help me to help you, Kit sounded like a counselor she once had in rehab.

Bette ate a bite of food to settle her growling stomach. She looked at Kit who was wearing the most sincere of expressions and it relaxed her. Bette sighed and began.

Well, you already know that Tina and I are separated. You know that I feel like ***** about it, but there are some things that you dont know, Bette waited for Kit to acknowledge her words.

Okay, go on, Kit reached for Bettes hand.

Bette detailed the times shed seen Candace again, the fight that ensued between Candace and Tina at the house, and then the incident at the restaurant. She filled her in with Tina being distant and Bette trying to reach out to her, and then about the ultimatum shed given Tina in an effort to force her hand. Kit said nothing, but shook her head disapprovingly. She waited a while before responding. Bette was already feeling fragile and she didnt want to make her feel worse, but she did need a thorough verbal whooping.

Bette, Kit started, making Bette cringe at the sound of her own name over being called baby girl. She knew Kit was serious. Only you know why you cheated, so only you can fix that. Tina left you as a result of it, and instead of trying to make amends you still creep with that girl? Chile, did you bump your head? Bette looked at her wide-eyed. Dont gimme that look. You know what I mean. Ive never seen Tina hurt a soul in all the years Ive know her, so something in her must be hurting really bad. Thats the part of her you need to fix Bette and fix it fast. Giving her an ultimatum isnt gonna to make her wanna to come back to you. It might push her further away. Now, I aint sayin she aint got some ***** wit her too, but she didnt cheat Bette. You did!

Hearing Kit say she cheated really drove the nail into the already tightening coffin. Something had to give and it looked like it would have to be her.