Bette panicked as she opened her eyes to view the empty bed next to her. Had her words last night meant nothing? Shed opened her heart to Tina and now shed run for the third time. She didnt know how much more she could take of this. Her heart had been pushed and pulled, and now it just felt like it was bruised. Her feelings for Tina were like none shed ever had before, so why did she have to feel so hurt by them? What more could sheher thoughts were interrupted as she noticed the note left on the pillow.

Bette,
I know you think Ive run again but I havent. I had an early start at work this morning and I just completely forgot. I wish I could be lying in your arms right now because thats the only place I truly want to be. I hope I will be back there soon. Wait for me because I wont let you down.
T x

Bette sighed with relief, and smiled as she read the double meaning of the last line. She picked up the phone and called Tinas number.

Hello?

Morning gorgeous Bettes voice was in that I-just-woke-up husky stage.

Bette! Tina exclaimed.

The one and only. I missed you this morning Bette wound the phone cord round her finger.

Im really sorry about that. My mind was kind of on other things last night Tina explained.

Ill take it thats a good thing

A very good thing Tina smiled.

God I love hearing your voice. I want to wake up to it every morning

I want you to too Tina whispered.

Well Im glad we agree on something! Bette broke the intensity with her light hearted comment.

I wanted to thank you for last night. For being there, for understanding, for everything

Its what Im here for

Well thank you all the same

I want to be the person you turn to for everything Bette hoped Tina would understand what she meant.

Soif my friends were to ask whats going on between us, what would I say? Tina needed confirmation of what she hoped Bette was trying to say.

Well I hope youd tell them how much you love being with me

Mmm hmm Tina wanted more.

being with your girlfriend Bette held her breath.

That was what Tina had been waiting to hear. Bette Porter, this amazing woman, hadnt just wanted to sleep with her, she wanted to be with her. And now she was referring to her as her girlfriend. She felt herself starting to cry again.

Thank you she whispered.

Not the response I was expecting Bette pointed out.

Im sorry, I guess Im a little overwhelmed. I..Id be honoured to call you my girlfriend, Bette

So what time are you coming over tonight, then?

You dont hold back, do you? Tina laughed.

Not when it comes to you Bettes voice was serious.

Then Ill be over at seven

I cant wait to see you

Miss me while youre at work

Ill miss you with all my heart

Bye Bette

Bye T

They hung up and both had smiles on their faces as they thought about spending the evening together.

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Bette and Tinas relationship had finally begun. They spoke everyday on the phone, both just wanting to hear the sound of each others voices. Most evenings were spent together, either at a restaurant or sharing a bottle of wine at Bettes house. On the evenings that Tina stayed over they just held each other. Their bodies seemed to morph together and Bette was contented just to feel Tinas warm body lying against hers. Tina felt safe when she was with Bette. It was like nothing in the world could hurt her as long as they were together. On those nights it seemed like the house could come crashing down around them and still theyd be lying there in each others arms. Every day brought new discovery for both of them, and Tina grew more and more confident with her new found sexuality.

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One night, about two weeks after theyd started dating, Bette and Tina sat on Bettes couch having enjoyed a bottle of wine of Tinas choosing. Their legs were wrapped around each other as they sat face to face. Bette kissed Tina on the nose and looked into her eyes.

I wanted to ask you something T she started.

Anything

Okay you have to hear me out before you answer. Im falling in love with you T. I need to know if youre feeling the same, or if Im just setting myself up to get hurt

I could never hurt you Tina kissed her lightly and now its my turn to speak

Bette looked at Tina. She really was falling in love with her. She used to be so cool, so smooth, with women regularly throwing themselves at her and declaring their undying love, but this was different. She was the one who stood to get hurt if this all went wrong. She was the one whod put her heart on the line.

Bette theres something I need to say