Tina continues. “I’m so sorry for the pain you’re feeling.  Bette you never had a mother to teach you to value and respect yourself.  You never learned to say ‘No,’ you couldn’t help it.  I understand it Bette.  I get it!  I’ll help you  …  Now Come here.  Let me be your mommy tonight.  …   It’s all right Baby  …  Let me hold you  …  don’t worry about anything.  We’ll get you help.  Alice will get us the name of that therapist for you; if you want I’ll go with you too, okay?”  As Tina kisses Bette’s forehead again she says, “Don’t worry Honey, I won’t let go  …  I’ve got you. … We’ll take care of everything in the morning, and Bette…  I just want you to know that I don’t hate you Baby.  I could never hate you.”  Tina gently pats Bette’s face then continues in a melodious voice  … “ I know what will cheer you up. Bette how about after we finish all the things we have to do later this morning, how about if I take you to the beach hideaway this afternoon. At least this way we’ll be able to enjoy it for a day and a half.  It will be your day just as I originally planned it.   Okay Baby.  Would you like that? …  Now go to sleep and don’t worry. ”  Bette smiles and kisses Tina’s cheek and puts her arm around Tina’s neck like a child would do to her mommy, and soon Bette is fast asleep. 

***

7:00AM.

Tina awakens when the first rays of sunlight stream through the open shudders.  Bette is still asleep.  She has her leg across Tina’s thigh, her hand on Tina’s breast, and her face nuzzled in Tina’s neck.  Tina thinks to herself. “ This is a good sign.  At least she’s not behaving like a child.”

Tina wiggles out from under Bette’s leg and heads for the shower.  Tina looks in the mirror and says, “Yuk!  I look terrible.  I’ve had three hours of sleep.  I need a Tylenol.  Tina starts the shower while brushing her teeth.  When she finishes rinsing her mouth she gets in the shower, and lets the water cascade over the top of her head.  She hopes the water will cleanse her mind so she can think clearly about her situation with Bette.  While Tina is thinking with her eyes closed, she suddenly feels a pair of breasts up against hers and an open mouth on her lips. Bette is about to smother Tina’s lips with an exhilarating kiss.  Bette takes Tina into her arms and bends her back in a sweeping move as she smashes their lips together. When Bette finishes with the interlude, she leaves the shower without saying a word and grabs a towel and goes back to bed.  Tina is left standing in the shower, blushing with a look on her face that says ‘what the f*ck just happen?  That kiss was so…. Animal!  …. Whew!!!  Tina smiles and says to herself, “Alpha Bette is back.  Yippee!!!”