Bette’s heart swelled at everything Tina was saying, her eyes softening with each passing second. “That sounds absolutely wonderful. I’ve always wanted a family” bette spoke softly, her eyes moving to her fingertips which were now playing with each other in order to keep her emotions at bay. She could remember the first time her and Jodi went to the doctor’s appointment, how hopeful they both were. She was going to be the one to carry their baby but with each unsuccessful attempt, Jodi got more and more distant to the idea of them starting a family. Bette felt like a failure, she couldn’t do what she wanted so desperately. The brunette never failed, she always achieved everything she desired but this was out of her control and the reason for the start of her spiral.

The woman soon snapped out of her thoughts as soon as Tina pulled her phone out proudly. Bette quick to find her smile again as soon as Tina switched her phone on to show her lock screen of the little baby. Bette’s smile soon turned into a big Cheshire Cat, beaming down at the little one with her cute curls. The brunette already starting to get ideas, Angelica could easily pass as hers more than she could as Tina’s. They could easily pass as a family. Together. “Shes adorable, right? My little love” Tina said fondly, biting down on her bottom lip with a smile plastered across her lips. “You have a beautiful family, Tina” Bette complimented but meant all of it.

Tina found the woman more and more infatuating as time went on. Bette was ticking every box, she just worried about her mental state. She couldn’t have someone drunk around her child but Tina knew that was jumping into the future, no one could meet Angelica until she trusted them. She needed to get to know Bette a lot more and find out who she really was. “Do you have children? Do you want any?” Tina questioned, Bette’s smile soon faded at the blondes questions. “I- no, no- I don’t have children. I always wanted them but it’s not possible for me” the brunette whispered, eyes dropping to her hands. Tina closed her eyes, gulping a little since she knew she messed up by asking. “I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t upset you- that’s not my intention” she spoke softly, her hand moving to Bette’s arm, rubbing it softly.

Tina was dreading this move to LA, she knew the actors were only going to be worse than previous actors she had worked with just because they were ‘LA actors’. The blonde had heard horror stories but this was going to be her big break, she couldn’t let it go just because it would be a tougher working environment. She was also nervous about moving her eight month old baby to a new state, not wanting to unsettle her but she had to do this for both of their futures. Tina thrived being a single parent, she had always wanted a family. Doing it alone was terrifying but she knew she was born to be a mother once Angie settled down.

After a long weekend of settling in, Tina had her first day on the job. She had left Angelica with her new nanny, heading to the train station to catch her train. She didn’t expect the most gorgeous brunette to catch her eye that day but she wasn’t about to complain. However, as soon as Tina sat down and started a conversation with the brunette, she soon smelt the strong scent of alcohol coming from Bette. Clearly, Bette was going through some troubles which almost shocked the woman. Even in Bette’s state, she looked immaculate. Though, she wouldn’t bring it up- it wasn’t any of her business.

As soon as her stop approached, Tina was standing on the platform, walking away from the most sweetest encounter. The blonde smiled to herself, walking outside of the station and towards her new work space. Even as her day progressed, Tina’s mind kept absentmindedly wondering about Bette, the woman who made her morning a little less stressful. She couldn’t understand it, Tina had met her for only a short period of time and yet she had made such an impact that the blonde was counting down the hours to see Bette again.

As soon as the clock turned to 6:45pm, Tina was the first employee out of the door and rushed her way through the crowds of people to get the 7pm train. She breathed out hard once she reached the correct platform, watching as the train pulled in, a smile on her face. Tina stepped onto it as soon as the doors opened, her eyes scanning to find the seat Bette was previously sat on.

Her heart fluttered, the brunette sat nearest to the window, looking out as if she was trying to find someone in the crowd, that someone being Tina. The blonde quickly walked down the aisle, stopping and sliding into the seat next to Bette, making the brunette turn quickly. “Tina-“ she breathed out, that big beautiful smile forming on her lips. “I made it!” Tina said enthusiastically, cursing herself after since she felt like she sounded ridiculous. “I’m so glad you did” Bette replied, her eyes staring deeply into the blonde’s.

Bette quickly cleared her throat “so, how was your day? How was work?” She said, the smile never faltering. Tina nodded, a hum leaving her lips “yeah, no – it was great. I mean, it was pretty overwhelming but I’m excited to get started and actually get to filming the project” Tina said softly, offering the same smile in return. “Good, I’m glad. At least you can relax tonight, put your feet up” Bette said with a chuckle.

Tina shook her head almost instantly “oh I wish, I have a baby to look after as soon as I get home. The nanny will need a good evening off” she stated and chuckled. As soon as Tina mentioned a baby, Bette’s heart raced. “A baby?” She stuttered almost immediately, Bette wanting to know all about the little one and their mother. “Yeah- I have a daughter. She just has me and I just have her. We made a beautiful little family and it’s more than I could ask for. She’s called Angelica, she’s honestly perfect” Tina said, her eyes full of love as she spoke about her. Bette’s smile only grew wider, leaning in more since she was swooning over Tina gush about her little girl.

Bette’s past always haunted her, the thought of a baby was almost too perfect. Tina had caught her eye and now she was even more certain that she needed to win Tina over. She just needed to figure out how to get closer.

It was always the same route for Bette, she could count every stop sign, remember every detail on each house and she could pin point the house that she used to call home. Even with the liquor flowing through her veins, she was always aware of /that/ house. It tormented her, yet she couldn’t help but crave the need to see it every day. After losing her job a few months ago, Bette had nothing better to do than to sit on the train in her usual place and watch. Just watch.

She now lived with Alice, her best friend who thought that every day she was going to work when in actual fact, she was looking at her past self from a distance. Bette was slowly running out of money but that was the least of her worries, even the alcohol couldn’t silence the self-hatred and pity she felt. The brunette was just glad that every stranger that walked onto the train, kept their distance, the smell of alcohol was enough to put them off.

It was early Monday morning, Bette always hated these mornings. The train would fill full of workaholics which would only remind her of the life she once lived. As the woman sat peacefully in her usual spot, she kept her eyes out of the window, holding her bag close to her chest as if she was frightened that someone would take it. Her water bottle which was filled with vodka stayed zipped up inside. Her eyebrows furrowed as soon as she felt a presence next to her, a strong wave of amber hit her nose. Bette slowly looked to her side, eyebrows raising when she was met with a blonde woman who was utterly flawless, causing Bette to take a moment to gather her thoughts. The brunette was taken aback, confused on why such a woman would want to sit with someone like her. Maybe the old Bette Porter but not this one.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind – I need to rest my feet as I’ll be up on them all day today” the blonde spoke lightly, breaking the silence between two of them. Bette felt her throat tighten, she used to be so in control, so commanding and now she felt nothing but out of control. “No, of course not- you can sit where you like” Bette stated. Her eyes dragged over the woman’s body, admiring every little detail before she forced half a smile towards the blonde. “I’m Tina, sorry – I hope I’m not annoying you, I’m new to town so I don’t really know anyone. This is my first day at my new job” she spoke, the smile still plastered on her lips. Tina obviously just needing someone to talk to as it was clear to Bette that she was anxious.