Previously:

“You’ll probably think is stupid,” Bette started.  She shrugged, even though Tina couldn’t see her.  She started picking through the items in the box.  “But I’ve kind of been hoarding things. It might not make any sense to you,” she said, studying a small piece of paper.

“There’s more,” Bette said, looking down into the box.  “I just… This is all new for me, you know?  I’ve become the type of person who saves receipts for their sentimental value.  I’ve never done that before.”

There was a reflective silence.  Finally, Tina spoke.

“Why, Bette?”

“Because I’m falling in love with you, Tina.” 

“…I know it’s selfish but I wanted to keep you near me.  I would have rather lived with you as a friend than risk telling you how I feel and have you move out.  And my life has been harder.  But it’s been harder because every day I have to think of new ways to not hold you, or kiss you, or touch you.  And I have to pretend to you and everyone else that I’m fine, but I’m not fine.  And I have to listen to the girls talk about hooking you up and stay silent, even though it’s killing me.  It’s just hard, being one bedroom away from you but feeling like it’s miles.”

 ###

As Bette knelt in front of the door contemplating her next words, she heard the knob being slowly turned.  She looked up as Tina appeared in the now open doorway.  Her face was wet with tears and she looked exhausted.  For a moment neither woman said anything.  Tina rested her head against the frame and looked down at Bette, whose eyes were pleading.

“Do you mean all that?” Tina asked, after what felt like an eternity.

“More than you know,” Bette answered.

“I’m still mad at you,” Tina added.

“I know.”  Bette rocked back onto her heels.  “And is it… at all possible that you feel something for me too?”

Tina stared at the ground and spoke hesitantly.  “I don’t know what I feel for you, Bette.  I thought I knew but…”

“But what?”

“But I’ve never seen you act like you have in the last 24 hours.  And that leads to me to believe that maybe I don’t know you as well as I thought I did.”

“That’s not true,” Bette said.  “You know me.  Look, you and I both know I was an asshole.  I was out of line, and it wasn’t fair to you, and maybe that’s unforgivable.  I don’t know why I didn’t just come out and tell you how I was feeling.  I’m a coward, I don’t know.  I have no excuse for my behavior.  I’m just so sorry.”

“This isn’t kindergarten, Bette.  You don’t let a person know you like them by treating them like shit.”

Bette didn’t say a word, just nodded her head in agreement. 

“I just… I don’t know if I can be around you right now,” Tina said, still gripping the doorknob.  She said this sadly.  It didn’t come out of anger but rather with the sudden depressing knowledge that something that you want just cannot be.

“Okay,” Bette whispered, looking down at her own clasped hands.  “Okay.”  She started gathering up the stray items from her box and putting them back in their rightful place.  With one final glance up at Tina, Bette tucked the box under her arm and stood up. 

Standing at eye level with Bette made Tina start to crumble again.  Seeing Bette’s tearful eyes made Tina’s start to tear again as well. 

Bette slowly moved in placed a gentle kiss on Tina’s cheek.  She lingered there for a few seconds, taking in her scent and the salty taste of her tears. 

“I’m sorry,” Bette repeated softly.  She took a step back and, with a final glance at Tina, walked down the hallway and out the door of Shane’s house.

TBC