Bette looked up at Tina. What? she asked, confused.

Tina looked back at Bette. I asked if you were willing to do ANYTHING, like you just said, or were they only empty words you were spewing?

No Tee, I meant everything I said. Just ask and I will do everything in my power to do anything you ask of me.

Youd better be sure Bette. I have been very unhappy with your actions of late, and if you back out on another promise to me, I will never, ever give you the opportunity to do so again. Tina stated with resolve.

Wait Tina. I want to be sure I completely understand what you are saying. What opportunity exactly are you offering to give me?

Tina sighed. Im not exactly sure Bette. I think I am giving you the opportunity to show me that you are truly sorry for your actions. I am not talking about jumping back into a relationship with you. I dont know if I would ever be able to trust you enough to go through that again. I am talking about trying to work past the pain and anger and get back to being friends. That is something we stopped being, and I really miss having you as my friend. I also really hate knowing that you have been avoiding me.

Bettes brain was on overload by this time. Tina missed her, at least as a friend, if not as a lover. At this point she would take whatever Tina offered. Ok Tina, I accept any opportunity you are willing to give me. What do you want me to do?

Tina couldnt believe she had actually made this offer to Bette. She knew that she still loved Bette and missed being with her. She missed their closeness and was tired of feeling that she meant nothing to Bette. And that was how she was feeling since she had heard that Bette had made her name a taboo subject. But she wasnt willing to go back to the way they had been. The controlling attitude was not going to continue. This whole thing, whatever this thing was, would be played out according to Tinas rules. And rule #1 was to see what effect she had on Bette. And to do that, she had to be around Bette, to watch and gauge her reactions. Being friends seemed the easiest way to accomplish that. Although, this might prove to be the most difficult for Tina, but she needed to work through the uncertainties and fears she had as to Bettes feelings for her. Bette could say she loved her and wanted the relationship until she turned blue in the face, but unless Tina could feel the truth in those statements, then there was nothing left for them.

Tina started, The first thing I want you to do is get back to your normal routine. Stop avoiding the places that you know your friends or I will be. You always stopped for breakfast at the Planet, but you have not done that for weeks. Start meeting with your friends again, just to talk, or to go to Milk. Stop playing the martyr and start living life again.

Thats not as easy as it sounds Tina. I have let everyone down. I tried to get back out there with my friends. They came and helped me move, and I went to Milk last night. But I still dont feel comfortable with everyone. I dont feel as though I should be there. I feel more like I am a hindrance on the group. Bette said.

Tough. You will never feel like you are part of the group if you keep ducking the situation. Put yourself out there Bette. Take chances. Dont expect the world to come begging to you. Sometimes you have to give up the control and trust in your friends to take over. You know they all love you and things will return to normal if you just meet them half way.

God, Tina was so matter of fact about things. Bette said, Ok, fine. What else?

Tina flashed those eyes again. I mean it Bette! Dont just say what you think I want to hear. Because if you are just trying to appease me, this truce will be stopped faster than it can be started.

No Tina. I mean it. I will put myself out there. I love my friends and want them back. What else would you like me to do?

Tina took a deep breath and then said the one thing she knew would get the most resistance. I want you to consider therapy.

Bette actually smiled. You mean with you? Like couples therapy?

No! I told you! Friends, not a couple. Tina said as she watched Bettes smile disappear. I mean like individual therapy to figure out why this whole situation came to be. All you can say is you felt totally out of control. Until you figure out why you lost your control and gave into your weaknesses, you will not have the knowledge to prevent this self-destructive behavior from being repeated in the future. No matter whom you end up with, it would be a huge benefit to understand what motivates you. You can only improve yourself and your relationships by gaining knowledge of your inner self.

Are you in therapy Tina? Bette asked.

Not at the moment, but I have considered getting help with my feelings. I feel like all my emotions have dried up. For the first couple of weeks at Alices, all I did was cry. Now I either feel nothing, or anger. Although I am holding myself together, I dont think it is a healthy way to deal with my life. Tina said, although she didnt mean to divulge that much of herself to Bette.

And as far as you are concerned, Tina quickly continued, I dont think I have ever seen you more despondent. You have never been a defeatist. Therapy would benefit your whole emotional being.

Bette couldnt deny anything that Tina had said. That was exactly how she felt. Defeated! Maybe if she found someone she liked and really opened up to her, she could figure things out and feel better about herself.

Ok Tina, I see your point. I will make an appointment with a therapist, but I dont want to see Foxworthy. I think I would be more comfortable with a woman therapist.

Who you see is entirely up to you Bette. I am really glad that you will consider doing this. I think it will help you with a lot of aspects of your life. Tina said.

Bette asked, I am going to do more than consider it Tina, I am going to do it. What about you, are you going to see Foxworthy?

Yes, I think I will. He already knows me, and some of our history. And I trust him. I know you didnt like him, but he really seemed to understand what was going on in our relationship, and I think he will know how to help me get a handle on my feelings and emotions. Tina said.

I hope so Tina. I really want to see you smile again. I cant stand the fact that you are as miserable as you are. I want you to be the happy, loving person you were before I stomped all over your trust, and your heart. Bette said with tears in her eyes.

I would love to be that person again. But at this time it doesnt seem like a possibility. Maybe Dan can help me achieve that.

For a second, Bette thought she saw a tear in Tinas eye, but when she looked up, Tina was still as much in control as ever.

Ok, Tina said. I think we accomplished a lot today. I will take you to your apartment now.

They got up, gathered their purses and made their way to Tinas car. Bette gave directions to the apartment and the rest of the ride was made in silence, while both thought over the events of the day.

As they pulled up to Bettes apartment, Tina said, I think I will move back to the house. I have the urge to be around my things.

Bette replied, Im glad. I hate the house to sit empty. It just felt so desolate without you there, and I know your garden is in desperate need of your nurturing.

Tina actually gave a small smile. I saw that you had tried to kill off my garden. It is going to take some work to get it back to the way it was.

Bettes mind screamed, Will anything ever be the way it was before I fucked it all up? She quickly got out of the car and said goodbye to Tina.

Tina replied back, Goodbye Bette. Ill see you at the Planet tomorrow morning, before work, for breakfast.

Ok. Bette said.

As Tina slowly pulled away, Bette almost fell to the ground as she heard Tinas parting remark.

And well ask the girls to help get you moved back into the house by next weekend.