Bette couldnt believe her ears. What did she mean she never had it? Had there been some mix up in the testing of Candaces blood? How could they do that to someone? When had Candace found out? Why hadnt she told her?

Bette. Bette! Are you all right? Are you listening to me?

Yes. Sorry, I um, just spaced out for a minute. Im listening. Go on.

No, Im the one who is sorry. I was falling in love with you; at least I thought I was. When you told me that Tina had left you, I was hoping that you would turn to me. That eventually, you would come to love me. I was so hurt when you cut off all contact with me. Every time I tried to call or see you, you made me feel like I was a dirty little secret that you just wanted to stuff in the back of a closet and then burn the whole damn building down to get rid of it.

You told me repeatedly that it was over, that you never wanted to see me again. You wouldnt take my calls or return my messages. First I got hurt and then I got angry. I decided I had to hurt you as much as you had hurt me. I considered talking to Tina, but she had already left you. Anyway, it was you I wanted to hurt.

And then I read the article about that kid who was hit by the car and needed blood. I decided to give blood since I had the type she needed. When they took my donation, they said they would run the standard tests and maybe I could donate again since there was such a shortage on my blood type. I asked them what standard tests they ran. Thats when I found out they test all donor blood for diseases, especially HIV since donated blood had been discovered to be a significant method of transmission.

I suddenly knew how to get back at you. I could put the fear of HIV on you. I did some research and realized that there was some risk involved since we did not use any protection. It took me a week to get my courage up to walk into your office and tell you my news.

I started to have second thoughts after seeing you, but you were so cold to me. Even after I told you that I had HIV and you might have gotten it from me, you showed absolutely no emotion. I hated you at that moment. It took every bit of willpower I had to not confess that it was all a lie and just scream at you for how you were acting toward me. Instead I just turned around and walked out of your office.

Once I left your office, I knew I needed an answer for you. I knew once you had thought about it, you would confront me. You would want to know why I hadnt told you or used protection. When you did call, I considered telling you it was all a lie, but you were still so cold to me that instead I gave you the answer I had prepared. When you again told me you never wanted to see me, I considered my actions justified.

Bette couldnt quite believe this. It hadnt been a mistake. Candace had deliberately made up a lie about having HIV?

I told Yolonda about our affair and how it had ended. I never told her how I lied to you. I just told her that when Tina had found out, you dropped me like a hot potato. She was furious at you. You know how Yolonda gets. She wanted to confront you but I didnt want her to find out what I had told you, so I made her let it go.

Then I started dating Mikela. She was just a friend, but I needed to get out and get my mind together and she seemed to know I needed friendship. Only the more I saw her, the more I liked her. It seemed our relationship changed overnight. You were right Bette. It was just lust between us. I did not love you, I just didnt know it until I fell in love with Mikela.

Last week Mikela moved in with me and I knew I had to tell you. I had to come clean with you so I could invest my total self to my relationship with Mikela. Then I thought that maybe I wouldnt have to tell you since it would only be another couple of months and you would find out that you did not get the virus. But then I would only be compounding the lie. I needed to resolve this with you.

Several times in the last week, I almost called you. But I couldnt work up the courage. Then fate stepped in and I knew it was time to confess. Please say you dont hate me. I already know you cant forgive me.

Candace fell quiet. She had tears running down her face.

Bette couldnt believe what she had just heard. It was quite a shock. She should be angry. She should tear Candace a new *****. But how could she? Everything that had happened had been because of her. It was she, Bette, who was too weak to control her actions. She had contacted Candace about the job at the museum because of the attraction she had felt towards Candace the night they had first met. Who was she to condemn Candace for acting on the rage and humiliation that Bette had heaped on her? Besides, there was no HIV to contract. Neither Candace nor Bette had it. That in itself was a great relief. No! She was not the one to pass judgement.

Candace had watched Bettes face as a whole range of emotions had crossed her features. She was in shock when Bette looked her in the face and there was no anger in her eyes.

Well, Bette said, I guess it is true. Life is just one big lesson. I think we have learned ours. I shouldnt cheat and you shouldnt lie!

Thats it? You arent angry? Im not going to have to hire body guards to protect my life?

Am I qualified to cast stones? This all started because of me. Maybe I am finally learning that I cant control every situation. Besides, I have Tina back and I know I will never do anything to risk losing her again. I am also very thankful that neither you nor I have the virus, even if there never was a possibility. This has been a real wakeup call for me, in more ways than one.

Bette put out her hand. What do you say we start over. Im Bette Porter.

Candace took Bette’s offer of forgiveness. Pleased to meet you Bette. You can call me Candy. Not everyone gets to do that.”

They were holding hands and smiling at each other when Tina and Mikela walked in.