To see the picture this story is based on check out the link in Author notes.
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Girl… Ive been meaning to tell you how much I love that hair cut on you!

Oh… thank you, Kit, said Jenny, she brought her hand up to the back of her head. It still feels… different, but in a good way, the weight is gone.

It does look really good, Jenny… it makes your eyes stand out. Bette said with a small smile and wink.

The girls were sitting around The Planet enjoying a few tall glasses of water to deal with the heat.

Carmen leaned her arm over to the back of Jennys head, where her own hand had just been, I think it looks really *****..

Alice and Dana looked at each other, Alice rolled her eyes, Yeah, yeah we get it… two people at this table are having *****.

Bette laughed, More than two people, Alice, Dana how *are * the wedding plans coming along?

Theyre coming along, Tonya is handling most of it, but it is going to be beautiful, Im sure. Dana glanced at Alice.

You should give more input, Dana, it is going to be your day too.

Alice squinted at Bette, the look clearly read Dont encourage her.

Out of the corner of her eye Bette caught a glimpse of blonde hair on a woman walking through the open doors to The Planet. It was Tina. Her heart skipped a beat with a small feeling hope, but that feeling turned sour when she noticed a tall brunette following her. Helena.

Kit saw the couple as well and looked at Bette. You gonna be okay?
Yeah, Im fine Kit, Ive seen them out before…

Noticing the conversation, the girls turned to see who Bette and Kit were talking about.

Hi guys! said Tina. Helena quickly joined Tina next to the table, everyone greeted the couple.

Hi Tina… said Bette, You look amazing… youre glowing.

Thank you…

Doesnt she? Helena interjected, I just told her this morning, while we were getting dressed, I dont think I have ever seen a more beautiful pregnant woman. Helena finished her comment with a gentle rub to Tinas belly, causing Bette to look away.

Come on… sit down, Alice said, glancing towards Bette, trying to break the conversation. We dont need Mama on her feet.

Oh no kidding, this heat is really getting to me. Tina waddled around the circular table, past Kit and Bette , sitting in the empty chair next to Bette.

Tina could feel Bettes eyes follow her tummy. Helena scooted behind the two of them to sit between Tina and Jenny.

Do you want to touch her? Tina asked Bette.

Can I? Bette raised her eyebrows.

Of course, she may even kick for you… Tina reached out and took Bettes hand, she placed it right under her right breast on the swell of her tummy. Her legs are usually hanging out up here, she pressed Bettes fingers into her flesh. Come on little girl, kick for your Mommies. Bette just stared at their joined hands on Tinas pregnant belly, she could feel tears stinging the back of her eyes.

The other girls at the table looked around, pretending they werent staring.

Tina maybe you should drink something cold, she always kicks after that… well that and *****. Helena laughed, looking at the girls. But I guess we cant really do that right now, although, the way Tina has been lately I dont think she would mind.

Tina looked at Bette and then turned to Helena, Hel… stop.

What? I am just saying… she is unsatiable Helena turned her attention to Jenny. It is because of the hormones and the extra blood coursing through her veins… but I cant say I mind.

Yeah, Ive heard that happens. Bette said. She knew even though Helena was talking to the other girls this conversation was really meant for her. She slowly pulled her hand out from underneath Tinas and reached for her purse. I really need to get going, I have a meeting at 2:30. Ill see you girls later, she gave a small wave, and Tina… you really do look beautiful.

Bette stood up and headed for The Planet doors.

Why did you do that? Tina looked at Helena.

Do what?

You know what I am talking about, you were rubbing it in her face.

Im sorry if that is what you think Tina, but I was just stating a fact.

Ill be right back, Tina got up and went after Bette.

When Tina reached the front door she stepped out, looking both ways down the sidewalk that stretched out on either side. It didnt take her long to find Bette, walking slowly, holding the strap to her purse in her hand so it dangled next to her legs.

Bette! Wait… Tina started after her.

Bette turned at the sound of Tinas voice, when they made eye contact, Tina could tell Bettes were a little wet.

Im sorry… Tina said.

No… you dont have to be sorry, this is how things are, I know that… Bette sighed, its just… I… Bette couldnt hold back her emotions anymore. I should be the one bragging that you always want to have ***** and *I* should be the one who knows when our baby kicks most… it should be me! She took a deep breath, I just couldnt sit there and listen to her. You look so beautiful and our baby is beautiful and I just wish so bad that it was me. It isnt, and I know that is my fault and I am sorry… it feels like the only emotion I ever have these days is sorry…

Tina didnt really know what to say.

Im sorry, Tina, I didnt mean to unload that on you… thats why I just wanted to leave.

No, Bette, its okay, I understand. She reached out and took Bettes hand. Youre right, this is your baby too and you should be more involved. Part of the problem last time was that you felt left out, I dont want to do that to you again.

Bette looked down at their joined hands again.

Bette, why dont you meet me here tomorrow? Just me and you. We can talk and you can spend some time with the baby. I will drink orange juice before I get here… Helena doesnt know this but that is what makes her jump around the most.

Really? Bette smiled, I would really like that Tina, just you and me.

Yeah, Tina reached out for Bettes other hand and place both on either side of her tummy.

Is she going to be mad that you followed me out here?

I dont care… said Tina, We have agreed it is okay for us to see other people.

Is that what you want? To see me? Bette asked. She really hoped she wasnt reading Tina wrong.

Yes, Bette… I want to see you. Maybe just a few lunch dates to start out with if you are interested. Take things slow.

Interested? Yes, I am interested… I want nothing more than to take things slow with the woman giving birth to our baby. Bette smiled at Tina and looked down where her hands touched Tinas belly.

Did you just feel that? Tina asked and looked down.

Yes! Is that her? Did she kick?

Yep, thats her… shes saying Hi Mama.

She wants us to have lunch together. Bette laughed.

She does… I am sure she does. Tina looked at Bette and smiled.

I have to go back to work… what time do you want to meet? Its Saturday so I am free the whole day, anytime you want… Bette was babbling.

Ill give you a call tonight and we can decide on a time, okay?

Okay, bye Tina, Bette reluctantly slid her hands off of Tinas belly and started to turn away.

Bette, Tina reached out, Come here. Tina pulled Bette into a hug, after a moment she pulled back and gave Bette a small kiss on the lips.

Ill call you tonight, have a good day.

Okay, Bette nudged her forehead into Tinas for a second, then turned and walked away.