Tina wasn’t sure if it was because she was naturally an early riser or if it was because she just enjoyed waking up first so she could watch Bette sleep but in either case she was usually up before the brunette and this morning was no different.

She lay awake for a while thinking about the past few months. It was great to have Bette in Los Angeles with her but truth be told they hadn’t had much time alone together. During the preparation and trial Tina was constantly in meetings with Joyce, with the prosecutors, with the police, with Phyllis, with Sam, with Tasha, with Emma talking about strategies or in court listening to testimony for the criminal case against Jodi Lerner and Kelly Wentworth.

If she wasn’t dealing with trial stuff then she was with Gina and Donna planning her premier art exhibit at the Hammer Museum. It didn’t leave her much leisure time and though Bette had been a constant presence she’d taken a backseat to the events that were going on in Tina’s life. Ever since she’d grabbed her from behind and held her while Jodi was being Mirandized and handcuffed Bette had been taking care of the blonde and putting her needs first. Now that the trial was over and the show was hung it was Tina’s turn to reciprocate. She’d planned their date for later in the day but upon rising she decided she’d make the entire day about her lovely doctor; starting with breakfast in bed.

Although they were staying in a condo which offered them much more room and privacy than a hotel suite they still had all the amenities you’d find at a luxury resort property. Tina got dressed and went to the florist in the lobby and purchased a rose bouquet for Bette that she’d arranged basing the color choices on the sentiments she wanted to convey. The florist helped her by defining the various colors; deep pink to say ‘thank you’; regular pink to say ‘I’m very happy with our relationship’; lavender to say ‘I have fallen in love with you and am enchanted by you’; and orange to say ‘I desire you’ or ‘I desire to know you better’. The dozen long stem red roses with the single white one would be delivered later signifying unity, purity, and love.

It had been six months since Bette turned up at the Malibu house to take care of Tina and she’d been by her side ever since. She’d taken time away from work to be with Tina throughout the entire Jodi and Kelly ordeal; constantly showing love, and giving strength, and support as needed. Tina had known that she loved Bette before she left Tahaa which made the necessary separation almost unbearable but it also made her appreciate Bette all the more now that they were together.

The difficult period in her life was balanced with a growing love, a strengthening bond and developing trust and commitment to one another. There was no doubt that two wandering souls had found their mate and neither could ask for more in a partner, lover or friend. The trial was over. Kelly and Jodi had been convicted. Tina and Jodi’s union had been dissolved. Now Bette and Tina could finally start their lives together.

***

With Tasha Williams’ involvement they’d been successful in getting the Australian authorities to give over the case to be tried in the US by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. It was most prudent since all the parties were US citizens and California residents. It would have been costly and drawn out to extradite the prisoners to Australia since they were already incarcerated in the Los Angeles County jail awaiting trial.

Tasha provided testimony as to everything that took place from the time she received the call reporting the accident to the time Tina’s identify was discovered. She’d gotten written statements from Joe and his crew as well as photographic and video representations of the crime scene. With Sam Makavehja’s expertise and Tina’s descriptions they were able to recreate a realistic 3D version of the accident. Through realistic visual and sound effects the jury was able to experience the horror that Tina had endured.

Dr. Bette Porter testified regarding Tina’s physical condition when she arrived at the Porter Clinic. She showed photos and videos of Tina Kennard’s transformation from the horribly disfigured victim of one of the most horrific crimes anyone could imagine to the beautiful survivor that stood before the court.

Dr. Emma Rothman and Dr. Angus Partridge were called in to testify on Tina’s mental state and the results of her memory recollection through hypnosis. Emma stayed in Los Angeles for the duration of the trial and continued her sessions with Tina to make sure that she was managing well.

Jodi walked into the house and found Joyce and Kelly seated in the den talking quietly. Joyce stood up to greet Jodi with a hand-shake which was most uncharacteristic between them. She loathed the woman and couldn’t stand to be in her presence but she had to do this for Tina’s sake.

“Hello Jodi”

“Joyce what’s going on? Kelly said you had new information about Tina. Please tell me they’ve found the body.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you.”

“It’s what we’ve been hoping for isn’t it. You said it yourself that you wanted to give her a proper funeral. We all need closure from this nightmare so we can get on with our lives.”

“You seem to be getting on pretty well in spite of it all, but I hate to disappoint you Jodi. There will be no funeral. Tina isn’t dead.”

“Joyce you’ve been saying that for almost two years now. I can appreciate your loyalty to Tina but you’re being unrealistic. Kelly and I witnessed the attack. There is no way she could have survived it. I know the only reason you’re dragging this out is to make me suffer but you can save yourself the trouble. I’m not waiting around for seven years to get the inheritance. Besides that I think I might have met someone that I want to marry.”

“You’re getting remarried?” Joyce astonishment was real.

“It’s early days yet. We have some things to work out but if she’ll have me I think she could be the one. I want to give it a chance so as far as I’m concerned you can start annulment or divorce proceedings or whatever it’s going to take to get me out of this marriage. I don’t care if I never see a penny of Tina’s money.”

“You’ve certainly changed your tune. You’re choosing love over money? That’s hard to believe … who is this woman?”

“The bitch’s name is Tabitha Wells.” Kelly interjected.

“Kelly I’m warning you … stay out of this.” Jodi threatened.

“Why should I?”

“Because it’s none of your fucking business that’s why.”

“Fuck you Jodi.”

“You’re drunk.”

“What if I am?”

“You need to just shut up Kelly.”

“Or what … you’ll kill me too?

Kelly backed down after Jodi’s death threat knowing full well that she was capable of following through and possibly getting away with it. After all who would miss her if she were to disappear? Jodi watched Kelly’s every move for the next two days and didn’t let off until she booked the flight to London. Kelly was happy to leave Los Angeles. She had no reason to stay anyway. Matthew had started the divorce proceedings, Jodi didn’t want her, she didn’t have any friends or any place else to go. She’d lost so much in the past two years and all for nothing.

She loved Jodi. She really thought they would have a life together but now she despised her. The magnitude of the betrayal of Tina’s lifelong friendship, love and kinship finally hit home. She couldn’t get away fast enough. At least in London she wouldn’t have the constant reminders of Tina. Even Tabitha reminded her of Tina. They were alike in so many ways yet different. She wondered if Jodi noticed it, maybe that was the attraction.

***

Jodi wasn’t worried about Kelly going to the police. They both knew it was an empty threat but she couldn’t be too careful. She’d stayed at the house to keep an eye on Kelly and to watch for Tabitha’s return. There was still no sign of the blonde. “Where the fuck was she?” became a mantra that played over and over in Jodi’s head.

Jodi’s biggest fear was that Kelly might see Tabitha first. She didn’t want Kelly talking to Tabitha because although Jodi had managed only guarded discussions about Tina with Tabitha she didn’t expect the same of Kelly especially if she was deliberately trying to hurt Jodi out of anger.

Other than the threats there wasn’t much Jodi could do to control Kelly except conveying equal culpability. She harped on the fact that even if Kelly was only convicted as an accessory after the fact it still meant jail time. Kelly was just as guilty. Even if she hadn’t known Jodi’s intent before the crime she’d witnessed it and covered up a murder to protect her lover.

The jury wouldn’t care which one of them did the deed; they were in it together. The conspiracy against Tina Kennard began the first time she and Kelly acted on their sexual attraction towards one another and continued to this day. Regardless of how it transpired the affair was a result of their callous disregard for the sanctity of marriage, love, friendship and family. The murder motivated by greed, lust, and immorality. If either one broke their silence they would both suffer the consequences in equal measures.

Jodi spent two hours at She-Bar drinking and eyeing the women with the intent of picking up a one-night stand; a few women showed interest but no one appealed to her. She couldn’t get her mind off the blonde that had captured her heart. She’d never felt like this about anyone before. The feeling was so foreign to her; could she possibly be falling in love? She left the bar and headed home. No matter what she was feeling for Tabitha she had to deal with Kelly first.

When she got home the house was dark. Kelly was asleep on the living room couch or more likely passed out. Jodi went into the master bedroom/bath to take a shower. She changed into comfortable yoga pants and a tank top then went into the kitchen looking for food. It was slim pickings but she found enough for a sandwich and salad. She sat at the kitchen table with her food and bottled water lost in thought when she heard Kelly come into the kitchen. She looked really wasted but when she spoke she was on the verge of hysteria.

“Jodi, I’m so glad you’re home. We have to get out of here.”

“What are you talking about Kelly?”

“We need to leave this house. Tina is here. I saw her in the garage.”

“You’re drunk Kelly.”

“You know damn well I’m not you lousy bitch. You hid all the liquor and flattened my car tires so I couldn’t get more.”

“Now I know you’re hallucinating. What the fuck are you talking about? I didn’t hide the liquor and I certainly didn’t flatten your car tires. Are you on something … you know you shouldn’t be mixing pills with liquor?”

“I’m not on drugs and I’m not drunk Jodi. If you didn’t do it then it must have been Tina. She’s trying to drive me crazy. We have to get out of here Jodi.”

“Come with me Kelly.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m going to show you that the liquor is exactly where it’s always been and your car doesn’t have any flat tires. I just parked mine next to yours. I would have noticed it.”

“Did you bring me inside?”

“Now what are you talking about?”