Bette lay there for a moment digesting the words that Tina had just said. Bette had wanted Tina to fall in love with her again but she really didnt expect to hear those words so soon. She should have known it would be that way because it had been that way with them from the start.

T Bette said softly. I have no doubt that you are feeling something for me but maybe it is just a sense of security and gratitude. I dont mean to sound like a broken record

Bette Tina interrupted. I do feel those things but there is just something about being with you and around you that makes me feel something special. You make me feel cherished, loved and secure. I knew I was feeling something and then when I kissed you it was like bam! I was overwhelmed by what I was feeling and how much I wanted that kiss to continue. In fact, I want to

Tina shifted so that she could place her lips on Bettes. Within seconds of the start of the kiss Tinas tongue was demanding entry into Bettes mouth and Bette complied by opening her mouth and entwining her tongue with Tinas. Tina shifted so that she was practically lying on Bette and they were devouring each other mouths and licking at each others lips. Bette now had her hands on Tinas back and was rubbing up and down her back while one of Tinas hands found its way down to Bettes chest close to her breast. Tina wasnt sure of what she was doing but she wanted to touch Bette intimately. She wanted to know what it would feel like for Bette to make love to her so she bravely let her hand caress Bettes breast. When Tina touched Bettes breast she nearly came undone. Tina got braver and then started to knead Bettes breast. She wanted to look into Bettes face to see what she was feeling so she broke off the kiss and looked at Bette. When she looked at Bette she saw the desire in her eyes and it gave her the courage to ask Bette for what she wanted.

Bette, will you make love to me? Tina asked. I want to know what it was like between us.

Bette lay there looking at Tina and fighting a huge battle within her self. She desperately wanted to finish what they had just started. It was as if she had a devil on one shoulder saying Go ahead and make love to her. You want her and she wants you. She wants to know what it was like between the two of you. What if her memory comes back and you never get the chance to make love to her again? and on the other shoulder there was an angel saying Bette, dont do it! You love her and if you do this she will never forgive you. You want a chance at forever not just one more time with her. You have to be strong for both of you. Bette knew within her self that she just could not do this. No matter how much she wanted to, because she wanted forever and wouldnt settle for less.

Im sorry but I cant do that Bette said.

I dont understand Tina said. You dont want to be with me?

T, I would like nothing more than to make love to you but I cant. I would feel as if I was taking advantage of the situation.

Even if it is what I want? Tina asked.

Yes Bette said softly. Baby I dont want to hurt you. I dont want to say no, but please believe me when I say I have to. I love you and we will be together again but I have to feel that it is right for both of us.

Tina was disappointed but she could tell that Bette had struggled with her decision. She had seen the desire in Bettes eyes so she knew that she wanted to be with her. She decided she would wait until Bette felt it was right. She lightly kissed Bette and shifted so she was once again lying with her head on Bettes shoulder and Bettes arm was around her.

Okay Tina said. But what if my memory never returns?

We will cross that bridge when and if we get to it Bette said. It will happen when everything feels right. Now I dont know about you but I am hungry and I am sure that Julie probably is too. We should probably go see what we can have for dinner.

Bette, Tina and Julie spent the evening cooking dinner, cleaning up and talking. Bette told them that she really needed to turn in early because she needed to be to work early in the morning. Before she went to bed she made sure that Julie and Tina had her cell phone number and her work number in case they needed to get hold of her. Bette went and took a shower and then went to tell Julie and Tina goodnight and that she would see them tomorrow evening, before she headed to her room and crawled into bed. She didnt realize just how tired she was until she got comfortable under the covers and sleep overtook her. . She was dreaming that she had Tina in her arms and they were snuggling together under the covers when her alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. When she woke up she realized that it wasnt a dream. Some time in the night Tina had once again come and gotten in bed with her. She gingerly got out of bed so she wouldnt wake Tina but she could not resist gently touching her lips to Tinas cheek. She got dressed and headed to the office so she could get some work done because she needed to take a couple of hours off today. Today was her first appointment with the therapist and she was going to ask Alice, Dana, Shane and Kit to meet her at the Planet this morning to let them know that Tina was back in town.As she walked into the office James looked up from his desk and was surprised to see Bette.

Youre here early James said.

I am going to need you to clear part of my calendar this morning Bette said. I will let you know what time after I make a few calls.

Bette walked into her office and called first Alice, Dana, Shane and then Kit. She asked them if they could meet her at the Planet at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast. She told them it was important but wouldnt go into any details. She told James that she would be leaving and around 8:15 a.m. and to clear her calendar for the rest of the morning. She left the gallery on time but she got stuck in traffic which made her about 10 minutes late to meet the gang. When she walked in they were all discussing why they had been invited.

Hey Bette Alice said giving Bette a hard time about being late. Glad you decided to join us.

Sorry. I got caught in traffic Bette said. Morning everyone

Good morning they all replied.

So Bette, you want to tell us why we are here? Shane said.

Bette could tell from Shanes voice that she was still a little upset with her over everything that happened. Kit picked up on the slight anger in Shanes voice. She looked at her as to say what is your problem?

I need a favor from all of you Bette said. It has to do with Tina.

Alice, Dana and Shane all looked at each other as if to say why is she asking us? We dont want to be in the middle of this. Kit on the other hand was supportive of Bette.

What do you need baby sister? Kit asked.

I need for you to come over to the house for dinner tomorrow night Bette said. Tina and Julie showed up at the house over the weekend. She still doesnt remember anything and I want her to meet all of you to see if she can remember anything.

I thought the doctor said it wasnt a good idea to overwhelm her with meeting us all at once Alice said.

I know he said that but she has been driving her self crazy trying to remember her past so I can’t see it making it worse for her Bette said. That is why Julie brought her here. She wanted to be here.

Ill be there Shane said. Just tell me what time.

Me too Dana said.

You know I will be there Kit said.

Alice? Bette said

Ill be there Alice said. But we need to talk privately.

Okay Bette said. Is seven okay for everyone?

Yeah they all replied.

Why dont you guys order breakfast while Alice and I go talk over there? Bette said. Im buying. I just want a bagel and cream cheese.

You guys know what I like Alice said. Just order me something.

Bette and Alice walked over where they could have some privacy and talk. Bette thought that Alice was probably going to be angry about Tina being at the house but she didnt care. She was doing what she thought was right.

Bette Alice said.

Alice, please dont question me about Tina being at the house Bette said sternly. She needs to be there and I need her there.

I wasnt going to question you about Tina being there. You did the right thing in letting her go to Denver but it apparently was her choice to come back. Alice said. I was going to ask you how you were handling everything.

I will be honest it has been tough Bette said. Being with Tina is not tough but fighting to do the right thing is.

What about Candace? Alice asked. Is that done?

I called her the day we got back from Las Vegas and broke things off with her Bette said. I havent seen or heard from her since and I dont intend to.

Good move Porter Alice said. What about figuring out what went wrong?

Ive done some serious thinking and figured some things out Bette said. I have even made an appointment to see a therapist to talk about things.

Bette Porter going to see a therapist on her own without Tina pushing her in to it Alice said. This I have to see.

Its true Bette said. If I hadnt been so blind I would have seen that Tina knew something was wrong and she was trying to make sure we were okay.

She loves you Bette Alice said. Sounds like you are doing the right things for you and for her.

Bette and Alice joined the rest of the group to eat breakfast. Despite the tension early on when the met they relaxed and enjoyed their breakfast. Bette left and told them all she would seem them tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.

Alice do you think everything is going to be okay? Shane asked. I mean between Bette and Tina.

“I cant say for sure but yeah I do Alice said.

Bette went back to work and worked through lunch and before she realized it the time had come for her to leave for her appointment with the therapist. When she walked in to the therapists office she was greeted pleasantly by woman sitting at the reception desk.

Ill be right with you the woman said as she was shuffling through some papers. This day has been crazy.

Thats okay Bette said. I understand what crazy days can be like.

Are you Bette Porter? the woman asked.

Yes I am Bette said.

Hi! Im Lily Standridge the woman said. Are you ready to come back? My receptionist had a family emergency so I am playing receptionist and doctor this afternoon. Do you think I should get funny hats to wear so the patients can tell the difference?”

Bette laughed and she instantly felt at ease with the woman standing in front of her. She didnt know if it was because she was a woman or if she just knew that she needed help dealing with her problems.

Yes Bette said. You dont know how ready I am. I want me back and I want my life back and with your help maybe I can get that.

TBC