Ohh, ohh.*****! Im sorry Bette.

Bette knew that voice and it wasnt Tinas voice. When Bette opened her eyes she had mixed emotions. She was relieved that it wasnt Tina and that she hadnt seen a thing but she was upset that it was Alice. The fact that Alice had seen her in a lip lock with another woman was disheartening to her. ***** Im going to have to do some heavy begging just to get her to keep her mouth shut.

Alice what are you doing here? Bette asked quickly moving away from Layla.

Well, uhh, Tina said she was coming over to swim and I decided I would join her. I just happened to beat her over here. I bet youre glad it was me and not her opening your door, huh Bette.

Shut up Alice. Have you forgotten how to knock? Bette said starting to get pissed off.

Well no, but I didnt expect to walk in on you and whats her face. I do know you dont I. You look very familiar, Alice said directing her attention to Layla.

Alice, her name is Layla. You met her last night at the club. Dont you remember?

Thats it, I knew I had seen you before, but I was fucked up last night. Dont take it personally, I still dont remember how I got home last night, Alice said shaking her head.

No problem, Layla said. Nice to see you again.

Nice to see you again to Layla, of course not under these circumstances, but nice to see you anyway.

Alice, go get changed. Ill be out there in a little while.

Okay, okay, you dont have to be so damn bossy, Alice said throwing her hands up and walking past Bette. Dont be mad at me because I caught your hand in the cookie jar, Ms. Porter.

Shut up Alice, Bette said sternly.

Alice made her way to the bathroom to get changed while Layla and Bette continued to talk.

See, Im going to have to apologize again. I keep getting myself in trouble. Sorry about that.

No that was my fault Bette. I should have never kissed you, I just couldnt help myself, Layla said trying to make Bette feel better.

But I returned the kiss. I could have easily left it at a hug. I just find it hard to resist you, Bette said trying to turn the blame back on herself.

Bette, I think its best I go before Tina gets here. I hope I hear from you tonight. If I dont its okay. Remember no expectations.

I remember Layla. I do plan on calling you though. Please have a safe trip.

I will. Goodbye Bette.

Goodbye Layla.

Layla walked out the door and Bette watched her pull off. She just stood out on the porch until Layla was no longer in view. The reality of everything finally hit her. She really did feel like a relationship with Layla was a possibility if her and Tina didnt work out, but the truth of the matter was, she did want things to work with Tina. Just as her mind was about to wonder even further, Tina pulled into the driveway. Bette smiled at her and waved. She stepped off the porch and went to the car. She opened the door so Tina could get out.

Hey T, Bette said.

Hey.

Tina went to the trunk to get out her bag with her swimsuit.

Is Alice here yet Bette? Tina asked closing the trunk.

Yeah, she got here a few minutes ago. Where did you stop at?

I had to stop at drugstore to get me some more sunscreen, Tina said nonchalantly.

You know I have sunscreen you can use Tina, Bette offered.

And you know I need a stronger sunscreen than you use Bette. Its not a big deal, Tina said giving Bette a light peck on the lips. Now lets go swim.

Bette smiled at Tina and followed her in the house. All she could think about was how much of a disaster it would have been if Tina came in the door instead of Alice. But then again, you never know with Alice.

>>

After 30 minutes Tina, Bette, and Alice were all soaking up some sun.

Wow, I never knew how much I missed this, Tina said totally relaxed.

*****, me neither. You guys really need to get back together so I can start taking advantage of your pool again, Alice jumped in.

Alice, you can swim over here anytime, you know that already. Bette said.

I know. It just would have been a little awkward Bette. It would look crazy for me to support Tina and them come swim in your pool. I mean, what kind of person do you think I am.

I think youre crazy, Bette said quickly.

Well thats subject to opinion. I would say youre crazy, judging from your actions earlier, Alice said opening one of her closed eyes to look at Bette.

If looks could kill, Alice would have been dead and stinking in their backyard at that moment.

Shut the ***** up Alice, Bette said loudly.

Whoa, I must be missing something here, Tina said. Whats going on?

Nothing Tina, Bette said quickly. Alice is just being an ***** thats all.

Ah, ah, ah, Ms. Porter. I would be careful with all the name calling. Alice said taunting Bette. It could come back to bite you in the *****.

Okay, okay Alice. Im sorry. Bette said.

Whew, you know what would be nice right now? Alice spoke.

Whats that? Bette and Tina said at the same time.

A nice tall glass of lemonade. Wouldnt that be nice Bette? Alice said.

Yeah that would be wonderful.

Why dont you go get me a glass? And get Tina a glass too?

Alice go get your own lemonade.

Nooo, Bette. I would like for youuu to get me some lemonade. Is that going to be a problem Bette? Alice said sarcastically.

Bette knew what was going on. Alice was going to hang that kiss over her head for as long as she could and milk it for all it was worth.

No, it wont be a problem Alice, Bette conceded. Tina would you like some lemonade while Im up?

Yeah, that would be great, Tina said never opening her eyes.

Okay Ill be right back.

Bette went in the house cussing under her breath the whole time. I cant believe I let myself be weak and get caught by Alice of all people. Well I guess it could have been worse, Bette thought to herself. Bette gathered all three glasses and turned to go back outside. Thats when she heard the knock on the door. Who the ***** could this be? All I know is that it better not be Layla, Bette thought. She sat the glasses back down and went to the door. When she looked through the peep hole all she could do was smile. It was the rest of the gang, Dana, Shane, and Kit.

Bette opened the door and greeted them all with hugs.

Are Alice and Tina by the pool? Shane asked.

Yep, we were all just relaxing. How did you all know to come over here? Bette asked.

Well thank god for Tina, or we wouldnt have known. She called and invited us all over like old times, Kit said making her way through the house. Cause its obvious my baby sis wasnt going to invite us over anytime soon, Kit shot at Bette.

Thats not true. I would have invited you if I knew Tina wanted this to be a group thing. I thought it was going to be just me and her, but Im glad you are all here. It feels like I got my family back.

Awww, thats so sweet Bette, Dana said finally speaking.

I had just made us some lemonade. Would you all like a glass too?

They all answered together, Yeah, that would be great.

Well go on outside and Ill bring all the glasses out there.

Cool, Shane said.

After several hours of shooting the ***** and getting reacquainted with each other Shane decided she was ready to go.

Im going to get out of here guys. Its been nice hanging out as a family again. I hope Bette and Tina can work out all of their differences so we can continue doing this.

I hope so too, Bette said grabbing Tinas hand.

Okay lets not get mushy here ladies, Im going to cry, Dana said.

Shut up Dana, Alice said.

You shut up Alice, Dana retorted.

Ladies, Ladies, stop it. I think its best we all go, Kit jumped in.

Alice are you ready to leave? Tina asked. I think I left your spare key at the house. I dont have a way to get in if you dont leave with me.

***** Tina, Im still having a good time, but if youre ready to go well leave.

Bette looked at Tina. Youre going to leave with them?

Yeah, its getting late and I have to work tomorrow.

Why dont you stay a little while longer? I need to talk to you about something.

What is it Bette? Tina asked getting concerned.

I want to talk to you alone. Can you just go home later? Please. Bette begged.

Okay, but Im not staying all night.

Thats fine.

Alice, Ill be home in a little while. Please leave the key under the mat so I can get in the house if you go to bed before I get there.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know the routine Tina.

Everyone said their goodbyes and headed out the door. Before Alice got by Bette she stopped.

You know, lunch would be great tomorrow, Bette. How about you take me out around 12:00? Your treat. Alice said smiling.

Alice, Im not buying lunch for you tomorrow or ever, so just stop it, Bette demanded.

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. That sure is a shame. I guess I have some decisions to make about what to do with this little pearl of information I have, Alice said raising her eyebrows.

Do whatever you feel you have to do Alice?

Oh I will Porter, I will, Alice said stepping off the porch.

Bye everybody, Tina said.

Bye, all of them said in return.

After they all pulled off Bette and Tina went in the house.

What was all that between you and Alice today? Tina asked. Seems like shes holding something over your head.

Bette just looked at the floor. Well, she does know something Tina. Thats why I asked you to stay. I want to tell you something.

What is it Bette?

Sit down Tina.

Tina went to sit on the couch.

No, No. Sit in the chair. Ill sit on the couch. Bette said thinking about her night with Layla.

Okayy.

Bette looked directly at Tina.

Now what I have to say might piss you off. Matter of fact I know its going to piss you off, but for me I have to be honest with you. If we are going to start to mend our relationship, I think I have to do this.

What is it Bette, youre scaring me? Tina asked growing more worried.

Bette took a long breath in and exhaled.

Tina before you got here Layla came by today.

Layla. For what? Tina said frowning.

Well she was leaving to go back to San Diego today and she wanted to tell me goodbye.

Okay. I must admit that I dont like the fact that she was back over here, but I cant control that. Thanks for telling me though.

Tina, thats not all.

Tina knew this was going to be bad. I know she didnt sleep with Layla today after I stayed here with her last night. Tina said to herself trying not to get upset.

Bette was trying to gather all her strength to tell Tina about what happened.

Well what happened Bette? Tina asked growing impatient.

Before she left I asked her for a hug,

Uh huh and, Tina broke in.

Well it kind of escalated.

Escalated to what Bette? Quit beating around the bush and just say it, Tina demanded.

We kissed. Bette looked up at Tina to gauge her reaction.

What kind of kiss Bette? An okay see you soon bud or an Im going to miss you so much kiss, Tina asked looking dead serious.

Well it was kind of a mixture of them both. It never got too far though.

Ohhh, I see, And thats when Alice came in. She broke up your little going away party, huh. Thats why it seemed like she has been bleeding you dry all day long. She knew you wouldnt want her to tell me. Is that it Bette?

Well yes and no. But it wasnt going to go any further. You have to believe me Tina.

Why should I believe you Bette? We shared last night together and this morning and you still kissed her. What is it Bette? Do you want Layla? Be honest.

Tina, like I said, Im not going to lie to you. I am attracted to Layla. And it seems like every time you said you didnt want me, she would show up. But it was never intentional. It would just happen. I dont know what to tell you Tina. She has gone back to San Diego and I dont know if Ill ever see her again, but she helped me try to get back in touch with myself. I appreciate her for that, and that goes beyond anything physical. I hope you can understand that Tee.

Tina just dropped her head. She didnt know what to think. She realized she had been giving Bette mixed signals. This could very well be just as much her fault as it is Bettes.

Bette, I do love you and I want to work on our problems. But like I said I dont know if Im ready for anything serious with you yet. How do I know every time a beautiful lady comes around, you wont want to give her a chance, while Im deciding what to do?

Tina, I already told you Im willing to wait for you. We can take it slow and Ill be patient. I just have to know there is some kind of hope for us. At least a chance.

Of course theres a chance Bette. We both have too much invested in each other. Even though I want to be mad at you Bette, I know I have no right to be.

You do have a right to be mad. I shouldnt have done it and I knew I was wrong the whole time. I just became weak thats all. But I can promise, it wont happen again as long as I know you are giving me a chance. Do you forgive me T?

Tina took her turn taking in a long breath and exhaling.

Yes, I forgive you Bette. For this anyway. We still have to work on our other problems.

Bette breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you Tina.

Well I think I better go, Tina said getting up and grabbing her bag.

Tina, I want to thank you for letting me help you last night and for making me breakfast and for inviting all our friends over. It has been a dream day for me.

Tina smiled acknowledging Bettes appreciation.

You are welcome Bette.

Can I call you tomorrow? Bette asked.

Sure. Ill be in meetings until 11:00 but I should be at my desk after that, Tina answered.

Okay, Ill call you then.

Okay.

Before Tina got to the door she turned again to face Bette.

Thanks for being honest with me. I know you didnt have to tell me, but you did. That says a lot about how far youre willing to go for us.

Im willing to lay it all on the line for us Tina. I hope you know that.

I think Im beginning to see that Bette. But I know you would have given up soon anyway Bette. This has got to be better than having Alice blackmail you for weeks on out, Tina said smiling.

Bette grinned. Youre right about that Tina.

Goodnight Bette.

Goodnight Tee.

Tina opened the door and let herself out.

Bette flopped down on the couch and finally allowed herself to relax. It had been another long day. She was kind of glad it was over and she was relieved to have dodged another bullet. But now her mission was set. She knew there was hope for her and Tina and it was her job to keep it that way.