Tina found herself torn between her own fear and relief that Bette had finally started to talk about what was happening. It would have been so easy for both of them to ignore it, to sweep it aside but now it was out there, now they could face it. Getting to her feet Tina walked over to where Bette paced in front of the patio door. Decisively she reached out placing a hand on Bette’s shoulder, feeling Bette resist her touch she increased her effort until she felt Bette’s resistance crumble and she turned her so that Bette was facing her.

"Bette WE are in this together. I love YOU not your job. No matter what happens I always will. Come sit down tell me what happened today." that said Tina turned and walked toward the couch once more with a confidence that Bette would follow that she did not necessarily feel.

Slowly, Bette left the patio door and followed Tina to the couch. Time continued to pass but neither woman paid attention to its passing as Bette began to talk about her meeting with Phyliss, the decision of her suspension and the devastation that she felt removing her things from her office and then her meeting with Monique. Tina sat silently not wanting to interrupt Bette but knowing that if she spoke it could derail her lover. As Bette spoke about Monique Tina was surprised to feel tinges of jealousy surface. They were over years ago. This is purely business Tina she told herself. Finally, Bette leaned back against the plush contours of the couch, feeling drained but somehow lighter. Tina taking the opportunity spoke,

"How long did Monique say it would take for her to do what she needs to?"

"She was sort of vague about it babe. I think it depends on what she finds out but no more than a week or so. There should be lots of time before the hearing. I told her that I didn’t care what she needed to do to get results and trust me Monique can be ruthless so I would put my money on sooner rather than later"

"Good the sooner this is done the better" came Tina’s response.

As she spoke Bette thought she saw a strange emotion flicker within the blonde’s eyes. She told herself that it was only a trick of the candlelight. Yet…