Love, huh? Mandy took her shoes off and joined Tina on the floor.

Tina laughed. Im just being dramatic.

Mandy raised her eyebrows and asked, Are you?

Tell me about your weekend! I want to hear all about it. Tina changed the subject, hoping the divert Mandys attention.

Well… it was fun. Definitely fun. It was a wild time, and Liz didnt hold anything back.

What did you guys do?

Lets see… consumed an obscene amount of alcohol, flirted mercilessly, danced til we dropped, barely slept, and in Lizs case, got some action.

She didnt! Tinas jaw dropped and laughed open mouthed.

Oh yes she did. It was really a great time. I wish you couldve been there.

Me too.

Mandy looked around and saw take out cartons and an empty six pack on the counter. Tinas hair was disheveled, and she had her pajamas on. So… did you leave the apartment this weekend? Cuz by the looks of things, youve been living out of a take out menu.

Hardly. But I did stay here almost all weekend. Ive been in my own world, taking time for myself. I thought Id feel alone this weekend without you guys and Eric, but I needed this.

Holding back a sudden urge to say I told you so, Mandy said, So whats all this love talk?

Tina responded by shaking her head, glancing at the wooden floor.

Ok, then how was Friday night? With Bette?

I cant lie. It was great.

Why would you lie?

Because maybe if I said it was horrible, a disaster, then it would come true and this nightmare would be over.

I should call up Bette Porter right now and tell her how you are so completely head over heels in love with her. Mandy stood up, grabbing the phone from the wall.

Mandy! Did you hear what I just said? I never said that. Put the phone down. Standing up next to Mandy, Tina grabbed at the phone, but Mandy jumped back.

I will not put this phone down until you tell me the truth.

I always tell the truth with you, you know that. Now dont threaten me, its not very friendly. Tina dove at Mandy, grabbing her arm and shoving her on the couch in the process. Wrestling on the cushions, Mandy finally pinned her down, dangling the phone over her head, taunting.

Say it.

Say what? Tina blew a piece of hair out of her face, hands pinned to the couch.

Say, I am completely head over heels in love with Bette Porter.

Im not saying that.

Why not? Its the truth, right. Come on, itll feel good to admit it. Get it off your chest. Say it, and Ill get off your chest, too. Mandy grinned. She loved having the upper hand with Tina.

God, ok, ok… I am completely head over heels in love with Bette Porter.

Yay! Letting Tina go, she threw the phone on the floor. Tina sat up and pushed Mandy, causing her to fall face first back into the couch. Ouch.

You can be so immature sometimes. Frustrated, Tina scowled.

You love me.

Sure do make it hard sometimes. Why are you so damn persistent about all this?

Tina, why have you never asked me how I feel about you dating a woman… possibly being a *****?

I dont know.

I know. Youre afraid that I might leave you because I wouldnt accept you. But by not telling me things or not giving me the benefit of the doubt, youre shutting a door in my face. It hurts.

Im sorry. I just assumed you didnt want to tell me what you really thought.

Tina, ask me what I think about what youre going through.

Ok, Mandy… what do you think about all this? Tina shifted uncomfortably on the couch.

I think its about time you let go. Ive seen you go through man after man, and its always the same old story. Tina, its obvious why this is happening, and its no surprise. Not for me. Ive questioned many times before if you were a *****. Tina gave her a shocked look. I never could tell you, of course because then youd be paranoid and I didnt want to influence your life like that. I knew if my guesses were true that you needed to come to terms with who you are on your own time, in your own way. Now is that time. You have my love and support and help all along the way.

Tina started to cry. Mandy reached over and wrapped her arms around Tina, holding her until Tina stirred.

Wiping the tears away on her sleeve, Tina said, You thought I was *****? For how long?

Lets see… since the eleventh grade.

High school? Why? What did I do?

Its more like what you didnt do, honey. Boys loved you, still do. Ive never seen anyone less interested in all the guys that followed you and asked you out. You were so distant. And when you finally did date one, it never lasted. Any time it would get remotely serious, youd end it saying he was suffocating you.

Oh my god… my best friend knew I was ***** before I did.

So now you know I know and you know how I feel. And now I must go home and sleep. I didnt do much of that over the weekend.

Youre just going to leave me? After all you said? Tina stood in front of the door, as if blocking it from Mandy.

Theres no better time to leave. Im giving you space to think about what I said. She hugged Tina, moving her out of the way. Good night. She left.

Tina pushed her back against the door and slid to the ground, head in hands as she stopped her mind from swimming. She reached over to the key stand for a notebook and pen, not moving from the ground. Placing the pen against her temple, she thought for a moment, gathering her thoughts and wits. She scribbled…

Dear Bette…