Christine looked at the floor, “Tina, I don’t know Bette and won’t pretend to but, I think that she does hurt as much as you. That she realizes she’s hurt you and knows she can do nothing to fix it.”

            Tina’s mind raced with memories of the time since the night at CAC. The constant pain in Bette’s eyes, the hurt behind her voice, the pleading in her touch. Bette was sorry. She really was. Tina could see it all so clearly now and she was hating herself for not seeing it all before. She loved Bette more then anyone and she had given up everything for her. Why had she been so stupid? Bette had made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Tina had made her share of them but Bette kept on love her, despite the flaw that accompanied being human.

Tina stood, “Christine, I have to go. Thank you, thank you so much. I really appreciate all that you’ve done. You’re an amazing woman but I’m afraid I can’t ever see you again.”

Christine stood and bowed her head sadly, “I understand Tina. I wish you all the best of luck.” Tina hugged her and hurried away.

It started raining on her drive home. Bette would be home from work by now. By the time she got to the house, it was pouring outside. She ran to the house, quickly unlocked the door and flung it open, “Bette!” She cried into the house. There was no answer. Tina ran through the house. Bette wasn’t there. She went into the kitchen and there was a message on the answering machine. She quickly pressed the button,

“Hello, beautiful,” Bette’s voice echoed through the kitchen, “It seems a few of us are going to have to work late tonight. I love you. I’ll see you when I get home.” Bette’s voice made Tina’s heart ache.

Tina ran back outside and dove into her car, her only thought was getting to Bette. She had to tell Bette she forgave her, that she loved her and always would. She dove 15 over the whole way, even though it was now dark and the roads we covered in rain. As soon as she got to CAC, she jumped out of the car and ran to the door, which was locked.