Tina advances towards the hot tub with such a haste Bette cant catch up to her. Shane has now become painfully aware of what had been happening literally right under her nose shes shocked as she watches on as does Alice, Dana, and Kit.

Tina doesnt utter another word as she slaps Janice across the face with so much force Janice stumbles and leans on Shane for support. Shane now realizing the gravity of the moment moves her shoulder”Janices sole support, and she falls onto her knees in the hot tub. Janice stands up as quickly as she had fallen only to be greeted by another powerful slap across her face. Now both of her cheeks are branded with Tinas handprint, one palm print, and the other a powerful backhand print. Tinas anger didnt dissipate.
She balls her beautiful but volatile hand into a fist, she pulls back making sure of her aim; Bettes hand attaches itself to her wrist milliseconds before contact.

Bette: Babe”T, she isnt worth it. I think youve firmly put her in her place without causing any major damage.

Tina turns and looks at Bette she suddenly feels exposed, hurt, and of course still angry. She looks deep into Bettes eyes with a pained expression and walks away. Bette had never seen Tina that angry with the exception of THAT night, after the premier of Provocations. The thought of that night always makes Bettes hair stand on end. Bette shook her mind to clear her thoughts as she looked at Tina again. Tinas expression of pain and disappointment made Bettes heart ache she wanted to comfort Tina. As she reached out towards Tina she noticed a shocked and dispirited Shane. She was torn. She literally didnt know which way to turn. The love of her life was both pissed and hurting but Shane, Shanes been through ***** how could she take another disappointment without coming completely undone? Would this be the thing to drive her completely over the edge? Kit had stood close by watching the entire scene unfold. She noticed this torn expression in her sisters eyes and as if she read her mind she went and sat with Tina whispering calming words to her in hopes that she would calm down. Bette proceeded to not so kindly escort Janice from their property.

Bette: Jackass Im sure this goes without saying but you arent welcome here. You may want to obtain some social skills and learn how to respect peoples marriages.

Alice and Dana were still standing and watching Janices back as she walked towards the front of the house. They both then turned to Kit and watched as she consoled Tina. The scene had gone from festive to volatile in no time. These two had learned their lesson about laughing at things too soon but they both wore huge grins that wouldnt stop as the image of Tina ***** slapping Janice still played in their minds.

Shane tried to follow Janice out”not together, but she suddenly felt unwanted and ashamed for bringing that jackass to their home. She obviously didnt know Janice well and what she did know was all suspect”she knew Janice could be a jerk and way too much to deal with but she had no idea the evening would turn out like it did. How could she? Bette gently pulled Shane back towards her. She quietly asked, Shane whats going on? I hate that you look so sad, please talk to me, tell me what youre feeling? Shane sat quietly looking away from Bette”towards the pool, at the garden, and finally up towards the sky. Bette gently pivoted her chin towards her so now they had eye contact. Shane sat there held her gaze and felt tears brimming in her eyes. Bette Im so sorry. This was would have been a perfect evening but I had to bring her”the only reason I brought her was because Im so tired of being alone. I keep making stupid mistakes with women. Cherie, falling for you, spending anytime with that socially retarded jackass and for what, at the end of the day Im alone, and it hurts. God Bette when will it be my turn? Bette felt her heart breaking for Shane. Sweetie your time will come and this will all be a distant memory. God before I met Tina I hit that point too. Where going out with different women just felt so empty. I realized being with the wrong person was worse than being alone”it was a sense of false intimacy and I never gave anything of myself or got the love I needed from anyone else. Shane youve got to love yourself first though. Youve got to realize how much you have to offer. You have such a tender heart and you understand things and feel things so deeply but you never show that side of yourself”Shane thats what makes you beautiful, your heart. You have to guard it by not giving yourself and your time to jackasses like Janice who are so COMPLETELY undeserving. I dont know what I ever did to deserve Tina. ***** I have to admit that I know I dont deserve her more often than I do; but I need her, so Im more than grateful shes a part of my life and Ill do my best to let her know everyday that shes the best of what I am. Shane if I have her and Im not deserving of her just think, the love that you will find or better yet, that will find you will be so special because I cant think of anyone more deserving. You cant forget that Shane. Bette its just so hard. Shane replied.

Tina: (overhearing their entire conversation) Well when it gets too hard thats when youll come to us and when you think its too hard or lonely and you forget why you should love yourself”well be right here to remind you.

Shane felt a huge smile curling her lips. Bette and Tina always knew what to say she felt like she was home. She knew her heart stopped for a second or two too long when Bette was around but this—what shes doing right now sharing her feelings, opening up to people who love her for who she is; she wouldnt trade this for the world. With time maybe her pulse wouldnt quicken when Bette was around”instead of harping on what she didnt have with Bette she would cherish the friendship she did have, with Bette, and with Bette and Tina.

Shane: Thank you Tina thats sweet both of you are so good to me. You will never know how good it feels to have you two in my life.

Shane opens her arms and pulls Bette into a tight embrace and then she pulls Tina into Bette. Thanks guys. Shane loosens her grip and goes over to rejoin Kit, Alice, and Dana as they talk about how they couldnt tell if Janice was stupid or just really bold.

Bette looks at Tina and holds her hand. Babe Im sorry about tonight. I thought I had it under control. She made a pass at me in the kitchen and I promise I was going to tell you after everyone left but I didnt want to make a big deal about it because Shanes already been through so much. Bette I understand that and Im not proud of by behavior tonight”I hate to lose control and to get that angry. Its justnever mind.

Bette: Are you censoring yourself with me? We agreed we would share everything and this shouldnt be any different. Please T, tell me whats bothering you. I could understand your anger but you look so hurt babe. Whats wrong?

Tina: Okay uhhh I hate feeling so insecure. I mean Candace, then Shane, now a complete stranger. You are absolutely beautiful Bette its the first thing that drew me to you. I know there is so much more to you but as first impressions or looks go lets just say You had me at hello. I dont want to be the jealous wife or partner”its not who I am but sometimes I feel I have to fight for you, for us. I guess I feel threatened.

Bette: Oh Tina what are you saying? I know my actions with Candace didnt help but babe there is no one on this planet that I would rather be with. NO ONE is a threat to you or to our relationship. I hear what youre saying but Tina you have to believe me when I say we are strong enough and I love you too much to give Janice or anyone else a second thought. I love you and you only. As far as being beautiful is concerned, Tina you take my breath away. You are the most beautiful woman I know inside and out and whats refreshing about it is you dont know how beautiful you are. I say a prayer of gratitude every night that Ive been blessed with the most beautiful woman in the worlds love thats so strong and pure and I pray that Im able to return that love in way that she feels it every second of everyday.

Bette pulling Tinas hand Come here I want to show you something.

Tina: Bette that was so sweet what you just said. Thank you I need to hear that baby.

Bette: I needed to tell you. Im sorry I dont express my feelings; as much as I should T. Ill get better.

Tina: Oh no Bette youre doing just fine. If you did it anymore often it you wouldnt be you. When you do open up I feel your sincerity and babe its more than enough”its perfect and I love it. I love you.

Bette had escorted Tina back into the house and into the bathroom”her makeshift darkroom she showed Tina the photos she took of her the night they made love. The night that Bette felt like she was to small to contain and to show Tina all the love she felt for her. These photos showed Tina for the first time how Bette sees her, in a word they beautiful.

Tina: Oh my God Bette thats me?
Bette: Tina who else would it be?
Tina: Its just I never look like thisI look beautiful in these, I dont even look like myself.
Bette: Says who”babe this is how I see you all the time. You will always be beautiful to me.

Tina: Come here Bette. If Im beautiful its because you make me beautiful.

Bette: T I cant take credit for that but if you let me Id like to show you how beautiful you are.

Tina: You never have to ask for something thats already yours and baby Im all yours.


TBC