In the Middle of the Night – by Querida

Tina woke up suddenly in the middle of the night.  It was black as pitch, but the light from a passing car illuminated her bedside clock:  3:10.  She had been dreaming of the days when she and Bette had fallen in love; how happy they had been, how they had been so sure they would be together forever. She was overcome by a longing for Bette so strong – her mind, her body, her very soul craved Bette.

“I’m going over,” she said out loud, and threw off the covers.  She pulled her jeans over her pajamas, grabbed her car keys, and set off on her mission, barefoot.  Angie was spending this weekend with Bette, so it was unlikely Jodi would be there.  She drove slowly through the dark, quiet streets.  If Jodi’s car is there I’ll have to go back home, she thought.  She said a little prayer.

“Thank you,” she smiled as she saw the blue Saab standing alone in the driveway.  There were no lights showing. She parked on the street, a few doors down from Bette’s house, just in case, she grinned, Jodi turned up and she had to make a fast getaway. She got out of her car and zapped it closed.  The sidewalk felt cold under her bare feet, and the grass was soft and damp.  Approaching Bette’s house she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Their parting had been less than amicable; she wondered if the locks had been changed, but her key turned easily and the door swung open. She entered quietly.

She inhaled the familiar smell of the house, unforgotten even after all these months.  She moved carefully but surely through the rooms, not turning on any lights.

On her way to the master bedroom she looked in on Angie, who was splayed out on her bed in her usual abandon. Tina drew the blanket over her gently and dropped a soft kiss on her head, and continued on her journey.

Bette too was asleep, curled up on her side, facing away from Tina.  Tina shed her jeans quickly on the floor and gently insinuated herself  behind Bette.  She moved as close as she could, spooning her.  Carefully she wrapped one arm around her waist and buried her face in Bette’s curly hair.  She caught the lingering fragrance of shampoo, body lotion, then the unique scent of Bette’s skin.  There was something else; yes, she detected a whiff of the perfume she had always loved.  It had been her birthday gift to Bette the first year they had been together.  Tina was so happy to know she still wore it.