“I know you do, but I don’t. I’m still shaking, actually. That was amazing!”

“Shhh,” Tina smiled, slipping past Bette to walk back to the shore. “We’re never doing that again.”

And in fact, they made out later that evening, while Tina insisted she’d gone temporarily insane. She continued with that claim for another week, until it was deemed completely illogical, and so she declared she had absolutely lost her mind. And Bette was to blame.

Bette liked that, always laughing and admitting she was glad to be the reason for such exciting and maddening love. But they were an obviously perfect match at their graduation, where others were confused but also envious of the pairing. They were beautiful together, and they were sweet. They were obviously in love.

It was still complicated for a while after graduation, between Bette and Tina, and especially with their parents. Bette’s father was no angel – especially around Tina.

When Bette insisted he either accept them together or learn to live without her, he opted for the latter. He was as stubborn as ever, and Bette as sad.

“He’ll come around,” Tina insisted, always comforting Bette when she needed it most, because they had become incredible friends. Their love was strong, and built for companionship, as well as more passionate days. “He’ll see his mistake. I promise you that.”

“Maybe I don’t want him to come around,” Bette mumbled back, resting her head on Tina’s shoulder. Even in her sadness, Tina kept her happy, so she could breathe a little easier.

“Don’t say that. You don’t mean it.” Tina said that because she believed it, having been finally re-united with her father after his recovery. He was much more understanding, and helpful as well. He wasn’t often one to lend an ear to anyone, but for Tina he would.

“What am I gonna do with no one to tutor now? And what’s this about graduation? I was trying to hold you back.”

They both turned to Shane and smiled, knowing her true opinion of their move – she was happy for them.

“You have Molly. Surely that’s enough nagging forever,” Bette teased, getting up from the large rock to give her a hug. “I’ve kinda grown attached to it up here.”