Tina kept walking staring lovingly at Bette and before she even realized, the distance between her and Bette was now gone. Bette enveloped Tina in a warm hug and opened the car door for Tina to enter. They were making a quick stop at the hotel so Bette could change clothes, courtesy of a little accident by Tinas 4 year old cousin, then they were headed back to The Kennard home for the after service.

Nancy wanted to head straight home, so her sister Kathy had offered her a lift, which she gratefully accepted. She knew she had given Tina some thing she had to talk over with Bette. Hopefully it will work, Nancy thought.

Bette and Tina arrived back at the hotel a short time later.

Bette: You can just stay here in the car, if you want Tee? Ill be really quick, I know you need to get back to your mum.

Tina: Its Ok babe, I want to come up with you. I actually need to talk to you about something.

Bette: (hesitantly) O..kay is everything alright baby??

Tina: Mum just asked me something and I want to talk to you first about it before I decide anything. Getting out of the car.

Bette didnt know why but she began to feel a twinge of nervousness. She had a feeling, whatever Nancy asked of Tina, probably wasnt fair to Tina and definitely wouldnt be good for Tina and her. Tina walked around and took Bettes hand, sensing the nervousness in the change of Bettes demeanor.

The two women arrived at their room a short time later. Tina entered first followed by a slightly on edge Bette.

Tina sat on the bed while Bette busied herself, initially, with changing clothes. Tina just watched, unsure of how her mums question would be received, and thinking how incredibly lucky she was. Bette changed, in almost record time, and sat down on the bed next to Tina, taking Tinas hands in her own.

Bette: Ok baby. Tell me whats going on? giving Tina her undivided attention.

Tina looked into Bettes eyes and began, Im just going to tell you babe what my mum asked of me and what Im thinking in relation to her request; I sure as ***** havent decided anything yet. I want us to decide together because my life isnt just mine any more (tears started welling in Tinas eyes) I want you to be completely honest with me about what you think too Bette and I am confident we can work this outtogether. Ok babe??

Bette was thinking to herself, by the sounds of that, this isnt going to be good Bette smiled at Tina, Of course I will baby, now what is it?? Come on youre killing me here.

Tina took a deep breath, Mum asked me to move back homehere to San Francisco, to stay with her. She said, she feels Im all she has left, babe and she would never come to L.A. I couldnt even really ask at a time like this. This is where dad and her made their life together. I cant move back in with her Bette, I dont think I could stand living with my mum again, not after all these years. But I dont know if I could just leave her here either and go back to L.A. She is my mum and I love her very much. Id feel like I was turning my back on her. She even arranged to get me a job at the San Francisco fire department. Tears spilled down Tinas cheeks; Bette gently wiped them away with her thumb.

Bette determinedly kept an even expression trying to support Tina and let her talk through what she was thinking.

Tina continued, looking into Bettes eyes, If I were to move back to San Francisco, I would have to leave our home behind. and my heart. Your whole life is in L.A. baby and I would never ask you to sacrifice any of it for me. And I certainly couldnt do the long distance thing with you, I dont even want to go one day without you. that was the whole point of us moving in togethersharing our lives together. There is no way on earth that I am letting you go eithermy heart would never recover, but Bette I honestly dont know what to do about mum. I am at a complete loss. I dont really want her to be a part of OUR lives either, unless she can accept and respect our relationship. Shes my mum, I have to deal with her ***** but you dont babe, and I dont want you to. So what the ***** do I do??? wrapping her arms tightly around Bettes neck, pulling her in for an impassioned hug.

Bette loosened Tinas grip and took a long look, into the depths of Tinas soul, the soul of the woman who had captured her heart the first time she saw her. (determinedly) Tee, we will work this out!! I am not loosing you. That is not one of our options Kennard ok; let me make that perfectly clear! (Bette took a deep breath) Lets get back to your mums house and well both think about it and talk about it tonight. I just need some time to contemplate all our other options.. Besides your relatives will be waiting for you baby.

Tina: (relieved) Ok babe, thank you for listening and not getting upset. I do want us to work this out.. together.

Bette: (smiling) I know baby, we will!

Bette and Tina headed to Nancys house. There was a comfortable silence between them on the ride over; each one deep in thought about a practical solution to their impending dilemma.
Bette held Tinas hand the whole way, letting her know in a small subtle way, that there was no way she was letting Tina go. ever..

Tina and Bette mingled with the Kennard relatives. Bette met a lot of Tinas family members that Tina herself hadnt seen for years.

While Tina and Nancy were talking to Stephens brother Ted, Bette slipped out onto the back porch for some fresh air and hopefully a bit of peace and quiet. The smell of the cool sea breeze and the view of the bay inspired Bette into thinkingShe didnt want this decision hanging over their heads, some sort of compromise had to be reached. She came up with one, a compromise, that is.making a decision, which could possibly work for all 3 of them.

Bette was just standing on the porch, thinking; weighing up the pros and cons of her decision when Tina wandered out looking for her. She saw Bette leaning over the railing deep in thought and approached her from behind wrapping her arms around Bettes slender frame, whispering into Bettes ear, Hey babe, I missed you in there. Are you ok?

Bette turned around and bought Tina into a loving embrace. Of course, thats what I should be asking you Tee. Are youok I mean???

Tina still had tear streaks on her cheeks from earlier, As ok as I can be. Thank you so much Bette for sticking with me through this whole thing. I love you babe

Bette: (genuinely smiling) Tee theres no where else I would want to be!! And I happen to love you too.

Bette: (seriously) Baby do you think we could go for a walk, somewhere quiet. I think I got a solution to your mums request. I’ve kind of made a decision

Tina: (thoughtfully) Really babeGod youre good. Lets go out in the yard, no one will disturb us there. Tina took Bettes hand and led her to a small wooden bench in the backyard.

Bette turned her body so she was facing Tina, running her fingers up and down Tinas arms, Tee, I cant imagine my life without you. I want to make this easy for you. If you do decide to move out here it wouldnt be forever right?

Tina: (sadly) NoOnly until mum got her life back on track. why babe?

Bette: (half smiling) Well lets do it then. Lets move out here. We can do this. together. I will manage out my gallery until ‘we’ return and ‘we’ can stay here in San Francisco indefinitely until your mum is better. I will just need more of a time frame after we have been here a couple of months.. I love you Tina Kennard, more than anything and I would travel to the ends of the earth for you. so San Francisco isnt that far, and I can visit Kit and the gang on weekends and holidays and before we know it well be back in L.A. looking for our own home, planning our own future. Thats if, that is still what you want, baby?? . but this is where you need to be right now Tee, and where I need to be, is with you.. so we can do this, lets do this.

Tina heard Bettes words and broke into tears, she couldn’t believe her ears; giving Bette a passionate kiss and running inside. Bette was a little confused; Tina didnt say a word. What the ***** was that all about, Bette thought.

Tina ran straight to her mum, who was immersed in a conversation with Kathy, Mum I really need to talk to you, right now please!! Could you excuse us Aunty Kathy??

Tina grabbed her mum by the arm and practically dragged her into a spare room.

Tina: (calmly, taking a deep breath) Mum, Bette and I have reached a decision.

Nancy: (expectantly)And what is that sweetheart?

Tina: Mum. Bette and I are moving here to San Francisco, so I can be close to you and help you through this, Bette is willing to Tinas voice trailed off.
While Tina was talking to her mum it suddenly dawned on her what Bette was actually sacrificing. Tina couldnt let Bette do this.

Nancys face fell at the words Bette and I. Tina noticed the change in her mums facial expression and in confusion, she couldnt quite work it out. It was like her mum was disappointed, but this is what SHE wanted.

Tina wanted to hear what her mum had to say. She stared intently into her mums eyes.

Nancy: (putting on a fake smile, starting to actually realize Bette and her daughter must be in love) Wow, Tina.. thats huge. Is all Nancy could say. Tina was watching her mums face, trying to read what she was thinking..She knew something wasnt quite right.

Nancy gazed back at her daughter and began thinking. Its as if the totally selfless act Bette was willing to perform for Tina, proved to Nancy that Bette was worthy of Tinas affection.

Nancy finally realized, she finally go it. Nancy Kennard resigned herself to the sad fact that her daughter Tina had found the love of her life, her soul mate. There was no use in denying it any longer.

Tina saw all the emotion play across her mums face, waiting for her to continue talking, trying to process what was going on.

Nancy: Sweetheart, your life is in L.A and so is Bettes. You two would be giving up everything for. well me; that wasnt my intention when I asked you to move back here. I realize now Bette must really love youWowto move all the way out here just for you, well I never expected thatWow. Anyway Im going to stay with Aunty Kathy for a while, so you can head back to L.A. sweetheart, Ill be ok. I was going to tell you..

Tina just got what her mum had done. It instantaneously dawned on her what her mother had wanted to do all along.

Tina cut her mum off (curiously) How long have you had staying at Aunty Kathys organized mum?

Tina looked anxiously at her mum; Nancy just lowered her head. Ahhhh, God damn it, you even played the guilt trip on me!! I get it now mum, you were testing us, you still didnt believe that Bette and I are meant to be, did you? Tina stared profusely into her mothers eyes, ensuring to keep a calm, even tone, Well she certainly proved you wrong mum, and didnt even know it. And now that she was willing to do this incredible thing for me. what you think shes somehow worthy of your acceptance now. well forget it mum, Bette has always been worthy. And dads passing has nothing to do with this, so dont even start there we will be going back to L.A.; Bette and I, and mum I do love you, I know loosing dad was hard, but dont call me until you get over yourself. I have had enough. I cannot believe you subjected us to thatfor no good reason… Goodbye mum.

Bette was still sitting on the wooden seat, figuring Tina would return sooner or later and they could discuss this decision further. She looked up and saw Tina approaching, seeming to be a little upset. Bette immediately rose out of the seat, raising her arms to envelop Tina in a heart felt embrace. Tina had walked out of her childhood home, into the backyard, and into the awaiting arms of her future home.

Tina: (teary eyed, but surprisingly calm) I love you so much babe. I cant believe that you would pack up your whole life, leave your home, and move to a whole new city, just for me.

Bette placed her hand over Tinas heart, Tee this is where my home is, wherever you are We can do thistogether.

Tina hugged Bette as tight as she could.

Tina: (smiling) Babe, I was telling my mum what you decided and I realized I couldnt let you do it; I couldnt let us, do it.. Anyway it turns out we dont have to go anywhere. We never didonly I did.

Bette was confused, Huh.

Tina: Mum thought Id come without you. She still has no idea (Tina rolled her eyes). You sure did ‘wow’ her with your decision though babeAt least now she gets it. Anyway Ive had enough; mums going to Aunty Kathys for a while, turns out she was going to do that all alongI am not speaking to her, until she gets over it and I told her so. I actually feel. liberated and I know now mum has got all the support she needs, right here. So its time for us to head back to L.A.!!!

Bette: (smiling) I love you Tee. Are you sure youre ok with all of this?

Tina was so grateful for Bette. She had stood by her through everything that had happened, never once pushing or questioning; Tina felt trulyloved!!!!

Tina: (whispering in Bettes ear) Yes I really amI love you too babe (grabbing Bettes hand). Come on, lets go back to the hotel, and let me show you just how much. I havent made love with you for nearly a week; my body is yearning for you baby. Its been such an emotionally draining couple of day and I just want to feel our love. . Then tomorrow morning lets go home..

Bette winked playfully at Tina, Sounds good to me Tee!

Bette and Tina walked arm in arm out of the Kennards back yard towards Bettes car; Tina whispered quietly, thoughtfully, Goodbye Dad as they passed by the back porch.