Tina regained consciousness almost immediately after she fell. Bette was close enough that she instinctively caught Tina as she was falling and gently laid her on the carpet, yelling out for a doctor. There were none, but practically all Tinas colleagues ran to her aid; they were all trained first aiders.

Bette kneeled on the floor next to Tina, holding her hand, (concerned) Tee. Tina. are you ok, talk to me baby?

Tina slowly opened her eyes and Bette came into focus. She had such a worried look on her face that it made Tina smile, (groggily) Im Ok babe. You always seem to catch me when I fall, dont you?

Bette whispered in Tinas ear, I always will Tee.

Bette and Tina just gazed into each others eyes for a moment, having a silent conversation no one else was privy to.

A crowd had gathered around Tina, all with extremely concerned looks on their faces.

The crowd dwindled when they realized Tina was ok. Bette helped Tina to her feet, Do you need anything baby?

Tina then realized why she had fainted, frantically scanning the room. Where is my mum babe?

Bette: (looking around too) I dont know Tee, she should be here somewhere. She said she was coming.

Tina: (edgy) Didnt you see her when we walked in babe? Didnt you see the woman that was next to her?

Bette looked deep into Tinas eyes, placing her palm on Tinas forehead, Tee.. Are you sure youre ok?

Tina kept scanning the room for her mum and the guest. They were no where to be found

Tina shook her head, bringing herself back to reality, (thoughtfully) Yeah babeMaybe it was just a dream??!?.

Tina: (looking lovingly at Bette) I think Id better sit and get some food and water into me. Im feeling really weak We havent eaten all day babe. Bette gave Tina a cheeky grin; Tina knew exactly what Bette was thinking. Ok we havent eaten any food all day, babe!!! I wouldnt want you to faint too!!

Bette and Tina took a seat at their table, accompanying Captain Barnes, the commissioner and their partners.

The two women enjoyed the 3-course meal and savored a few glasses of champagne. Bette was idly conversing with the captain and the commissioner, holding Tinas hand, looking over at Tina, from time to time, with underlying concern still etched in her eyes.

Tina was relatively quiet; she just couldnt seem to get the image of the woman, standing next to her mother, out of her head.

Tina did her best to be polite, attempting to listen to the conversation being thrust upon her by the captains wife. Tina kept one ear to the conversation but her mind was clearly elsewhere. She scanned the room constantly, with her eyes, trying to catch sight of either her mum or the woman. It appeared that, if the two women were in fact there earlier, (which Tina became more confident about as the evening progressed) they may have already left, after seeing Tinas reaction

The formal part of the evening commenced and Tina graciously accepted her award. After a ceremonious speech from the commissioner, Melissa and little Christina appeared on the podium delightfully handing Tina the plaque. Tina happily accepted hugging Melissa and giving little Chrissie a big kiss.

Tina made a short speech; recognition and praise for merely doing her job, was not really her thing. Standing on the podium, her eyes still kept scanning the room in the hope that her mum mayve still been around.

Tina: (formally) Thank you. This award is for the recognized achievements of all my colleagues, all the L.A. fire fighters who go to work everyday, trying to make this great city a safer place to live. I accept this on behalf of us all.. And on a personal note, I thank the woman who completes this (pointing to her heart) and makes my life worthwhile. I love you babe. Tina smiled and stared directly at Bette.

Unbeknown to Tina her mum was in fact still in the room, (with her guest) watching the ceremony from the back of the room. In the dim lighting, brimming with pride, she wouldnt have missed it for the world, Stephen wouldve been so proud, Nancy thought sadly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She had taken her guest and disappeared when she observed her daughters reaction, she knew her guest would shock Tina but she didnt calculate to what extent.

Tina concluded the formalities and made her way over to Alice, Shane and Dana apologizing to Alice for her behavior earlier in the week, Sorry I was a ***** Alice Do you realize you actually kept a secret, hey? Someone may just be growing up. Tina teased.

Alice: (smiling thoughtfully) Well maybe I might be? But I tell you, Tina I was really close to spilling the beans. thank god you just walked off.

Tina gave Alice a hug, Well Im glad you didnt spill. I would never have agreed to this whole awards thing if I had have known, but Im glad I came!!!Hey wheres your woman?

Alice: (thoughtfully) Nah. that didnt work out. she was too..needy.Im on the prowl!!!

Tina rolled her eyes, Ok Alice.

Bette and Tina spent the rest of the evening chatting to Tinas friends and colleagues; thoughts of her mother and the woman temporarily gone from her mind.

A few hours later almost all the guest had left and Bette and Tina remained, with a few stragglers. Alice, Dana and Shane had all came and said their goodnights about hour earlier.

Tina: (sexily whispering in Bettes ear) Come on babe, lets get you homeI have been thinking about what I want to do to you, all night!!??!!? licking Bettes ear lobe.

The touch sent a shiver down Bettes spine: (seductively) Baby, were not going home. I booked us a room here tonight, so we didnt have to wait until we got all the way home.. I wanted you all to myself with NO interruptions!!

Tina took Bettes hand grinning, Good thinking babe, what are we waiting for?

Tina and Bette walked out of the conference room staring intensely into each others eyes. As they opened the door to leave, Tina heard her mothers unmistakable voice call out to her, Christina, Sweetheart.

Tina froze and gripped Bettes hand so tightly that her knuckles turned white. They turned around and saw Tinas mum standing in the conference room with the woman guest by her side. Bette took one look at the woman and was rendered speechless. Tina just stood there, staring, with a look of horror and confusion on her face.

Standing next to Tinas mum, was a woman who was the spitting image of Tina. From the golden blonde curly locks to the mesmerizing brown eyes, the fair complexion, even the height and the build. The resemblance was uncanny. Bette looked back and forth from Tina to this woman; trying to decipher Tinas reaction, concerned how this would affect Tina, placing her arm around Tinas waist making sure to hold her up.

There were a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, both Tina and this mystery woman intently staring at each other, before Bette broke the ice.

Bette: (shocked) Tee, I thought you were an only child?

Tina looked at her mum dumbfounded, I am..was. as far as I knew anyway?

Nancy looked at Bette, Could you give us a minute dear. This is a family matter?

Bette: Sure. Starting to pull away from Tina.

Tina: (intently) No mum. Bette is my family. shes not going anywhere. Not letting go of Bettes hand, holding it like it was her lifeline.


Nancy: (nervously) Ok. Tina sweetie. this is Sarah. She is your.. sister. She is 5 years older than you

Tina looked at Sarah, in total bewilderment and Sarah just smiled shyly. Bette continued to just stare back and forth at her Tee and the sister that bore a striking resemblance to her..

Tina turned to her mother in disbelief, What???How can that be??!!!?? (Something became prominent in Tinas thoughts) 5 years older??..you and dad werent even married then.were you even together???..Whats going on here mum? I really need you to tell me the truth??

Nancy grabbed Tinas arm and pulled her over to a table. What she was about to tell Tina didnt need to be versed in front of Sarah. Nancy took Tinas hand, looking into her daughters eyes, I had Sarah before dad and me got married sweetie. I was seeing this man; he was a rebel, very exciting for a young teenage woman.. the total opposite of your dad and. I did something stupid. I was too young and I had to give Sarah away.. Your dad was the love of my life, but he was brought up very traditionally. He never wouldve married me if I already had a child to someone else. and in my heart I knew I couldnt terminate the pregnancy, so I gave the little girl up for adoption.

Nancy continued, Ive been feeling lost and sentimental since your dad passed on Tina and I decided to look for Sarah. I didnt tell you because I didnt even know if I would find her.

Tina just stared intently at her mum. She was almost afraid of what would come out of her mothers mouth next. Tina had so many conflicting emotions running through her body.

Nancy: (hesitantly) I found Sarah last month sweetie, she grew up in Australia, and still resides there. I contacted her and after numerous discussions she agreed to come out and meet memeet us Nancy looked at Tina in anticipation for some kind of response.

Tina finally composed herself enough to speak, Mum I have to say, I kind of feel like you betrayed dad, and after all the ***** you put me through god mother, will it ever stop?did dad even know???

———————————————-

Bette was left with Sarah and couldnt help but look at the woman in front of her; it was like she was Tinas twin, yet so different when Bette saw into her eyes. Bette calmed down enough to extend her hand and introduce herself, Sarah, Im BetteBette Porter, Tinasyour sisters girlfriend.

Sarah: (cautiously shaking Bettes hand) Gday Bette, nice to meet you.

Bette wasnt sure what sort of conversation to start with Sarah for fear of saying the wrong thing..so she didnt.

The two women stood in awkward silence waiting for Tina and Nancy to return.

———————————————-

Nancy: (regretfully) Your dad wouldnt have understood sweetie, Im sorry.so sorryI will leave, with Sarah if you wish, and never mention it to you again. I just though, you mightve wanted to get to know her, she is your sister. Shes been here in the states for 2 days and I think shes already getting bored with me!!

Tina: (confused) I can see shes my sister mum, its very obvious, she practically looks like my twin. None of this is her fault and although Im upset with you right nowGod mum you never cease to amaze me. I would still really like to get to know her. This was very unfair to both of us mother!!! Looking across the room seeing the awkward silence between Bette and the woman who was her sister, Tina had to smile.

Tina: (composed) Come on mum, lets go and let me properly meet this sister of minehow in the ***** did she manage to look just like me???

Nancy: You both look like your great grandma, on my mums sideits uncanny isnt it???

Tina: (looking at Sarah in disbelief) You can say that again.

Bette observed Tina and her mum approaching them, Thank god she thought, realizing what seemed like hours of uncomfortable silence was only mere minutes.

Bette immediately stood up and went to Tina, whispering in her ear, Is everything Ok Tee? Are you Ok?

Tina nodded her head, smiling and placing one arm around Bettes waist she walked over and introduced herself to Sarah in a friendly manner, Hi Sarah, Im Tina. Im sorry for the way I behaved before. It was just a shock..and you look so much like me!!

Sarah could see the genuine warmth in Tinas eyes and immediately felt more relaxed, (smiling) I know I couldnt believe it, when Nancy showed me pictures of you. It was like I was looking at myself. Its so good to meet you Tina.

Both women just looked at each other for a moment, taking in all that had just happened.

Tina turned away and looked over at Bette, who was just standing there grinning at Tina.
Bette knew how important family was to Tina, and she knew that although Tina was shocked right now, once that wore off, she would be overjoyed to have a big sister.

Tina was beginning to feel the effects of the long day, and just wanted to snuggle up in Bettes warm, loving arms for the night.

Tina: (genuinely) Listen. Sarah. I am so glad to meet you Im sorry, I really need to retire for the night .It has been a ***** of a long day (looking at Bette and smiling weakly) but I would really love it if you could meet Bette and I tomorrow, say at noon?? looking at Bette. Bette nodded. And we could get to know each other?

Tina: Where are you staying??

Sarah: (looking at Nancy) At the.. where???

Nancy: Hyatt Regency, I think??

Tina: Great, Thats not too far away. We can meet at a little caf called the PlanetIll give you directions… We will meet you there at noon? . Or would you rather I come and get you??

Sarah: No, no. Tina, that will be fine. Ill find it; I want to do the tourist thing anyway!! I havent been to the states before.

Tina scribbled down the directions for Sarah, handing her the piece of paper. Ok great, (taking Bettes hand smiling) we will see you tomorrow thenGood night Sarah.It was nice to meet you! Mum, giving her mum a kiss on the cheek.

Nancy: (proudly) Tina sweetheart, dad.wouldve been so proud of you, with the award and all!! And I am too

Tina: (a little nostalgic) Thanks mum tears welling in Tinas eyes.

Tina and Bette walked hand in hand up to their room. Bette knew Tina had had a really long day and although she was a bit disappointed, as she had the whole night planned, Bette was content to just snuggle up with Tina in her arms and drift off to sleep, if that is what Tina needed.

Bette undressed out of her suit, leaving on her bra and panties and jumped into bed, Ok Tee, I guess you want to get some rest, it has been a long day. Come here baby and let me hold you!!

Tina had an abundance of different emotions travel through her thoughts for the day, at different times, but one thing remained constant and unchanged. her love and desire for Bette!

Tina looked over at Bette, scantily clad in bed, and with a cheeky grin, you are kidding babe? I just wanted some alone time with yousleep is definitely overrated and taking just one look at that body of yours, gives me a second wind. But if you want

Bette jumped out of bed and cut Tina off with a passionate kiss, (excitedly)Ok well I did have the night all planned for us Tee. Bette walked over to the overnight bag she had arranged to be taken up to their room, out of the car. (looking lustfully at Tina) Are you sure youre up for it Tee??

Tina: (sexily) ***** yeah babe!!! Im definitely up for it!!!!

tbc