Bette and Tina were seated at the table that Alice had prepared for them and they were enjoying the good food and the even better company. Their conversation had been light and Bette was really happy just being here with Tina. Tina looked into Bettes eyes and she felt the love that she had been missing for the past few years come rushing back. This was Bette, the love of her life. This was the one person who made Tina complete and the only person she wanted to grow old with. Tina knew that her mind had been made up about Bette a long time ago, she was just now finally letting herself admit it. The time she had spent with Melanie had been great but Tina knew that in the end her and Bette belonged together. Tina smiled as Bette fed her a small piece of chicken and Tina reached out and took Bettes hand in hers. She had been waiting for this for so long and she knew she would never let Bette go again. Bette felt a warmth spread throughout her body and she looked down at Tinas hand entwined with hers.

Bette, theres something I wanted to talk to you about.

Bette looked up but didnt say anything. She had a good feeling as to what Tina wanted to talk about but she wasnt going to rush things. Bette knew that Tina still loved her and she knew that Tina wanted to work it out. Bette had just been waiting for the situation to present itself and now was as good a time as any for them to talk about everything that happened over the last few weeks.

Okay.

Bette I miss you. I miss being able to call and talk to you or see your face. I miss our Sunday night dinners and the long conversations we had about nothing. And I miss being with you and coming home to you at the end of a hard day. I miss your arms around me at night and the sight of you first thing in the morning. I guess what Im trying to sayand I dont know how youd feel about thisbut I would really love another chance with youI think we can make this work.

Bette sat there looking at Tina with love and happiness in her eyes. Bette had been waiting for so long for this and now that its finally happening she felt like her head might explode. Well either her head or her heart, Bette wasnt sure which. Bette leaned forward and pulled Tina in for a gentle kiss. Bette felt the sparks run through her system when her lips touched Tinas and she knew that she would have tears in her eyes soon but she didnt care. Tina wanted her back and that was all that mattered. Bette sat there looking at Tina for a little while longer before continuing.

I think we can make this work too. Tina Ive missed you so much over these past few months I cant even begin to tell you. But I would love nothing more than another chance also.

Bette Im sorry for everything. Im sorry for everything Ive put you through and I know how hard everything must have been for you.

No Tina, Im sorry, for everything. Really, I am. And Im sorry about Melanieyou have to believe I didnt do anything or say anything to her to try and get her to break up with youI wouldnt do that.

I know Bette, I know. I think she just kind of understood somehow that we would end up back here and didnt want to stick around and drag out the inevitable. But Im glad it was her and not someone else.

Bette smiled at Tina and they quickly finished eating. Bette cleared the table while Tina went over and put a movie in Alices DVD player. Tina smiled at Bette as she pulled her down on the couch and snuggled into her arms. Bette played with Tinas hair as the movie started and soon they were just sitting there in comfortable silence enjoying their time together. Tina shifted carefully and when she looked at Bette she saw how happy and content Bette was. Tina ran her fingers along Bettes jaw line and slowly lifted her head for a kiss. Tina gave Bette a soft kiss that told her exactly how much she missed her and loved her. When Tina pulled away Bettes eyes were still closed and she ran her tongue along her lips before opening her eyes.

Bette, I have to ask you a question.

What baby?

How did we let it get to this point?

What do you mean?

I mean how did we let it get so far? What went so wrong in our relationship that resulted in you sleeping with Candace?

Bette tensed up a little at the mention of Candaces name and she knew that Tina wasnt trying to pick a fight, but nonetheless she still wanted answers. If they were going to move forward they needed to be able to talk about these kinds of things and Bette mustered up all her courage before continuing.

I think it was a lot of things Tina. I think we werent communicating well and we were both so busy. Then when we couldnt conceive I think we just let the stress get to usor at least I know I did.

I cant believe that after everything weve been through we couldnt just talk to each other. We cant let that happen again Bette.

I know. I would never let that happen again.

Bette leaned in and gave Tina another kiss. This time Tina let Bette part her lips with her tongue and welcomed it into her mouth. Tina smiled into the kiss and broke away before things got too heated.

This has been a crazy couple of months hasnt it?

Yeah it has. Between you and Melanie and me trying to straighten things out with Candace its been a little overwhelming.

Trying to straighten things out with Candace? I thought you werent seeing her anymore.

Im not. At least Im not sleeping with her anymore. I saw her a couple of times but we just talked.

After you said you needed time alone?

Bette was worried that Tina was going to pick another fight with her but Tinas voice was calm and soft. Bette knew that Tina just wanted to get everything out in the open now, but she still had a bad feeling about this. This conversation had never gone well in the past and Bette hoped that this time around things would be different.

It was by accident. I went to get coffee at a Starbucks near the CAC and I ran into her there. I saw her a couple of times after that but we both came to the realization that it wasnt going to work. And then we started spending time together again and I knew you were the only person I wanted to be with.

Tina looked up at Bette with quizzical eyes. She was searching Bettes soul trying to find the answer to the question she didnt want to have to ask. When she didnt come up with anything she lowered her eyes and asked Bette her question in a soft voice. She wasnt looking for a fight but she had to know if Bette had fully dealt with everything before even thinking about getting back into a relationship with her.

Is that why you needed time Bette? Were you trying to decide between me and her?

Bette felt a tear run down her cheek. She would never have to even think about choosing between Tina and Candace because her answer would always be Tina. She reached out and lifted Tinas chin so that they were looking into each others eyes. When she spoke her voice was low and full of love.

No baby, thats not why I needed time. I just needed to get my head clear before trying to make things better between us. I would never have to choose between you and her because my answer would always be you.

Tina smiled lovingly at Bette and she knew that once and for all Bette had truly made amends with herself for everything she did. Tina knew that Bette had changed and this time she didnt have to hold back with Bette. This time she didnt have to put her guard up and worry that Bette would change her mind again. Tina kissed Bette again moaned when she felt Bettes hand caress her ***** gently. Tina realized that what she missed most about Bette was making love to her. Bette always knew how to make Tina feel so loved and so secure when they were intimate and it was something that Tina never forgot. Tina pulled back and asked Bette another question that she had been dying to know.

Bette, were you ever jealous of Melanie?

What?

Were you?

Why?

Just curious.

Well, yeah I was. I didnt like the fact that someone else was kissing you and holding you when you fell asleep at night but what choice did I have? I was the one who said I needed time and I couldnt control who you dated.

My god she really has changed, thought Tina as she looked into Bettes eyes again. The old Bette would have held that against her and made her feel bad for moving on, but not this Bette. This Bette understood what she did and why she had to do it and she was okay with it. Tina was proud that Bette was able to change and didnt try and control every situation.

Tina, since were being so honest with each other, can I ask you a question?

Sure babe.

Did you sleep with her?

Um Bette we were dating for like three months.

I know, but did you?

Tina saw the jealousy in Bettes eyes and she shook her head a little. Well she changed for the most part but I guess there are some things about her that will never change. Tina leaned in and nibbled on Bettes bottom lip while she whispered her answer.

Yeah Bette, we did.

Bette pulled back a little and looked at her. Tina saw the anger rising in Bette at the thought of her with another woman, but she also saw Bette fighting it back with every ounce of restraint she had. Even though they werent together Tina knew it was killing Bette to think about someone else making love to her. Bettes jaw was set in anger and she had to look away for a second to control herself. We werent together, and its a normal part of a relationship. Besides, you did the same thing with Candace, Bette had to remind herself before looking back down at Tina. She saw the understanding in Bettes eyes and Tina playfully kissed Bettes nose trying to lighten the mood.

That was all in the past babe. Lets just focus on the present okay?

Bette smiled as Tina batted her eyes at her and Bette felt the anger disappear. After all she knew she had no right to get upset with Tina for sleeping with Melanie, they were dating and Bette had been the one to break things off with Tina in the first place. They stayed up all night watching movies and talking and when they finally fell asleep they were still holding each other. Alice came home and found them asleep on her couch and she smiled to herself while she quietly went to her room to change. Its about damn time those two worked it out, she thought and when she emerged from her room Tina was awake and just watching Bette sleep. She turned her head when she heard Alice come out of the room and Alice gave her a big smile and a wink. Tina started laughing quietly and Alice looked at her like she was crazy. Alice walked over to where Tina and Bette were and whispered to Tina so that she wouldnt wake Bette up.

What Tina?

When Bette wakes up you are in so much trouble.