As they entered the bedroom, Tina looked over at the unmade bed that they had been in not but a couple of hours ago. It felt though, that it had been an eternity since they had both lain there together.

So much had happened in just the short time that they had been out of this room. The feelings that were coursing through Tinas body were definitely different than the ones that had been charging through when she walked out of this room.

She walked towards the bathroom, after stopping by her duffle bag to retrieve her dopkit. Bette followed behind her, getting a fresh towel out of the closet and then turned to Tina and said, So, do you have everything that you need?

I think so she said, looking around the bathroom.

Well, theres shampoo, conditioner and all of that other stuff in there, but just yell if you need anything else, ok?

Ok came Tinas reply.

Bette turned to walk out and gently closed the door behind her. Tina watched this and knew that Bette was trying to offer her some privacy, even though Tina did not find it necessary. She sighed, and began to undress.

God she thought, How long have I had these clothes on?

She happily peeled them off of her body and threw them onto the floor, landing in a heap. As she walked over to the shower, she couldnt help but stop and look at all of the cosmetics and perfumes that lived on top of the counter. She picked up one of the perfume bottles, took the top off and inhaled deeply. This fragrance was just so Bette and with the scent, a flood of memories invaded Tinas brain. How she loved this smell. She placed the top back onto the bottle, setting it down in exactly the same spot that she had picked it up from. She then continued her path to the shower, turned the water on, waiting for it to reach just the right temperature, stepped in and allowed the water to do what her body so needed at this moment. She felt her shoulders drop, relax in the soft but direct spray from the showerhead. She just stood there and felt the water run over her body, taking the anxiousness, stress, and fear that had been with her for the last 36 hours.

She adjusted the nozzle, making the water a little hotter and again, just stood there. As she reached for the shampoo, she could not help the smile that came to her lips. It was really quite difficult to believe that here she was, standing in Bettes shower in New York. My my she thought. I guess its true. What a difference a day can make.

Bette surveyed the bedroom, trying to figure out what she should do next. She looked down at what she was wearing and figured that since they were going out, should probably change her clothes. She walked into her closet, grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt, came back into the bedroom and quickly changed, wanting to be finished before Tina came out of the bathroom. She had heard the shower turn off, and figured that she was just about done.

Bette had absolutely no idea as to how they were going to figure everything out in terms of things like sleeping arrangements and changing in front of each other, just to name a few. All of the things that an intimate couple do in front of each other was not something that she and Tina had experienced in almost 8 months, and she did not think that either of them were in a place yet to even approach the topic.

She walked over to Tinas duffle bag and brought it over to the bed. She emptied the contents to be sure that she had something to wear, putting the rest of it away. As she did so, she realized that Tina had enough clothes for only a couple of days. It looked like she had packed only one pair of jeans, a pair of khakis and a couple of tops. Bette shook her and said, Well, were either going to have to go shopping, or this trip is gonna be a lot shorter than either of us thought.

Just at that time, the bathroom door opened and Tina emerged in a cloud of steam, clad only in a towel.

Bette looked at her and smiled. Feel better?

Oh, you have no idea said Tina with a smile. Dear God, that is one amazing shower. I had to force myself out of it.

I know, it is pretty awesome smiled Bette.

T Bette said, I was unpacking the stuff that you brought with you, and uh, I dont know how long you were planning on staying, but from the looks of it, I would guess not for long.

Ugh, that bad, huh? asked Tina.

Yep said Bette.

Well, I always heard that the shopping is pretty amazing in this town smiled Tina. What do ya say? You up for a little power shopping with me?

I dont think that we have much of a choice said Bette, looking at the items that she had brought.

Well, let me just get some clothes on and we can get out of here.

Tina brushed by Bette in order to put on what she had set aside. Bette stood there until she realized that Tina was going to change right there in front of her. She saw Tinas hand reach for the little knot that she had made to keep the towel around her, and quickly started to walk towards the door.

Bette? Tina asked, where are you going?

UhI just realized that I need to check in with James to make sure that everything is going ok at the gallery she responded nervously.

Tina immediately picked up on the nervousness and knew that it was directly related to the fact that she was about to become naked in front of Bette.

Uhok she said in a tone that conveyed her lack of belief in what Bette was saying.

With that, Bette turned and walked out the door, closing it behind her. Tina turned back to her task at hand, and just thought about how far they had to go. They had made tremendous progress in just only one day, but the fact that Bette could not even be around her while she was changing, belied only the realization of the distance yet to go.

She finished getting dressed and walked out to the living room. Bette had finished her phone call and was sitting there waiting for her. The nervousness appeared to be gone, Tina gratefully noticed. Bette stood and said, Ready to go?

Yep came Tinas reply.

They walked to the front door together, as Bette grabbed her keys, and opened it. They both seemed to hesitate, just slightly, as they knew that they were leaving the relative safety of the cocoon that had been this apartment. Almost simultaneously, they reached for each others hand, gaining strength in the simple touch. As they walked towards the elevator, they continued to hold onto each other, both afraid to lose the contact. They stood there and waited for the elevator to arrive, both lost in their own thoughts. The bell, signaling the arrival of the car, brought them out of their reverie. They looked at each other, smiled, squeezed the others hand and entered the elevator. As the doors closed behind them, they realized that they were safe in the others presence, even though they were going into that world below. It was simply a matter of preserving that safety and if they were able to do so, they had a chance. A very good chance to make all of the wrong, right.