Previously….

Tina smiled in response and their moment of bonding was interrupted by Bettes cell phone vibrating on the bed. Tina looked up at her and said, Its for you.

Bette looked a little puzzled, wondering who could be calling. Hello?, she asked tentatively. Slowly, a smile spread across her face and she said, Sidney, hi. Iuh, didnt think youd call me tonight.

Sidney: Sidneys voice came out low and enticing. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Youre a special young lady Bette Porter. Im not leaving anything to chance with you.

For the second time that evening, Bette felt her body respond to Sidneys advances. Oh, come on now. How can just listening to her voice make me wet? This is getting out of hand. This girl has too much control over me., Bette thought.

She remembered that Tina was in the room and smiled at her, mouthing her gratitude.

Tina, realizing how distracted Bette was at the moment, operated on auto pilot. She reached for Bettes free hand, brought it to her lips and kissed it gently. She mouthed Youre welcome and retreated to her side of the room.

Bette stared after her, wondering what the ***** had just happened.

Tina made it over to her desk and started searching for a sheet of paper that she knew did not exist. This action served to mask the flush in her cheeks as her mind pondered the damn same question.

***

*****, *****, *****, Tina thought. She was still searching for that elusive piece of imaginary paper and berating herself for that brief display of affection towards her roommate. Ive got to get out of here.

Resolving to do just that, Tina gathered her things for a shower and headed for the door. She could still hear Bette talking softly on the phone and she rolled her eyes at their conversation as her hand met the door *****.

Tina, she heard Bette say.

When Tina turned around, Bette was holding the phone at her side, her eyes focused intently on Tinas gaze. Bette smiled weakly, unsure of what to say to make things right between them. There was a cloud of uncomfortableness hanging in the air and Bette wanted to find some way to get rid of it.

And being all of 18 years old, Bette did what any emotionally challenged college freshman would do. She asked Tina, Are we okay?

Tina couldnt bring herself to return Bettes smile and was still intent on making a quick exit. She also couldnt bring herself to meet Bettes expectant eyes. Yeah, were fine. Im gonna go take a shower. Its getting pretty late.

Oh, okay., said Bette. And with that, Tina was gone with Bette left staring after her.

Later that night, Bette was in bed, pretending to be asleep when Tina made it back from the bathroom. Bette lay there with her hands clasped behind her head thinking about the feel of Tinas lips on her skin. Why did she do that? I know Tinas straight. At least, I think shes straight. But why was she hinting that Ill regret it if I deny my sexuality? Why did she kiss my hand?

Most importantly, Bette didnt understand why she cared. Sure Tina was her friend, but why was she laying here in the dark trying to decipher the esoteric behavior of her heterosexual roommate when she should be thinking about Sidneys blue eyes, soft pink lips, and wonderful strawberry scented blond hair? Bette opened her eyes and watched Tinas silhouette as her roommate tried to quietly replace her bath items and then apply lotion to her lean legs. Bette knew she was attracted to Tina. Shed been attracted to Tina since the first day they met. But today was the first day that she really thought there was a possibility that Tina was attracted to her too. Bettes eyes followed Tinas hands and she longed to feel Tinas smooth skin. Bette was again aroused and thoughts of kissing Tina and holding her in the night flashed in her mind.

Finally, Tina was ready for bed and she slipped under her tie-dyed bedspread and sheets. Bette tried to just keep pretending that she was asleep, but she there was something she had to know. Tina?, she said quietly.

Bette, I thought you were asleep.

No, Im not. Im just lying here thinking.

Tina swallowed hard and asked the question she didnt want to but knew she had to. What are you thinking about?

You. Im thinking all about you, Bette thought. But, she knew she couldnt say that. Im thinking about when you told me Id regret it if I denied my sexuality. You sounded so sure of it. Like youd been through it before.

Tina was silent for a moment. Tina was choosing her words carefully. How much should I say? How much should I tell her?, she thought. I dont know. I just think you should be true to yourself. Its worked for you in the past, hasnt it?

Very good evasive technique, Tina. Answer a question with a question., thought Bette. But, she didnt want to embarrass Tina or force her into a discussion she didnt want to have. Well, youre right. It has worked for me in the past. Thank you for listening to me.

Youre welcome. So, are things okay with Sidney?

Yeah. Were going to check out this exhibit on Friday afternoon. I guess you could call it a date.

Tina forced some enthusiasm into her voice. Thats great, Bette. Im sure youll have a great time.

Yeah, I cant wait. Well, goodnight Tina.

Goodnight Bette. Sweet dreams.

Bette smiled to herself. They will be if youre there to meet me.


Friday afternoon rolled around faster than either of them had expected and at 2:30, Tina breezed into their room and found Bettes normally organized side of the room very much in disarray. There were clothes everywhere and Bette was just standing in the midst of the chaos in a white tank top and a pair of sky blue boy cut panties. Tina closed the door behind her and said Bette, what is going on?

Bette turned to face Tina, a look of panic in her eyes. Tina, Sidney is going to be here in 15 minutes and I have absolutely nothing to wear. What am I going to do?

This was the second time in a week that Tina had seen Bette come undone. It was really out of character for her. Tina placed her backpack on her bed and walked over the destruction on Bettes side of the room.

Bette, calm down. Ive never seen you upset about picking out an outfit.

T, this is different. This is a date. My first official date with a woman. I just dont want to mess this up.

T? When did I become T?, asked Tina.

Bette smiled. Just now. You just now became T. It just popped in my head. You like?

Tina thought a second and said, Yeah. I like. No ones ever called me that before.

Well good. Ive christened you with a new name. Now please, help me find something to wear. Tina smiled at her and looked at the garments strewn about the room.

Ten minutes later, Bette had slipped on a pair of hip-hugging jeans and a pink, silken tee-shirt with a dark-colored rose on the front. Shed slipped on her leather, heeled boots and was in front her mirror trying to apply her makeup and keep her hands from shaking. Tina noticed her struggles and stilled Bettes hand with her own. Tina calmly took Bettes mascara and lengthened her roommates lashes with a few strokes.

Thank you. Once again, Im a mess. Thanks, T.

Tina smiled. Yeah, yeah. Im just glad I could help. Youll be fine, just relax.

That seems kinda hard right now. But you know what, Tina? Tina had moved to Bettes right eye.

What?

T, did you ever know that youre my hero? And youre everything I would like to be. I can fly, Bette began.

Wait, let me guess. You can fly higher than an eagle and I am the wind beneath your wings. Said Tina with a smile.

Yes, T. You are the wind beneath my wings. Bettes smile brightened in return.
Tinas tone softened and she said, And you are beautiful. Im all done.

Bette looked at her reflection and then back at Tina. Im sorry Ive been such a ditz this week. I have never acted like such an idiot before.

Bette, its okay. You seem so together all the time. Most of the time I feel like I cant even keep up with you. Being able to help you out makes you seem more human.

Bettes brow creased. Really? You know, T, Im not as together as I seem. You can attest to that.

Well, you seem pretty solid most of the time.

Bette was quiet for a moment. She looked deep into Tinas brown eyes and said, Yeah, I see weve still got a lot to learn about each other.

There was a knock at the door and Bette was flustered once again. Thats her. Thats got to be her.

Tina was finding this all too comical. Bette, calm down. Just relax.

Bette nodded her head, grabbed her purse, and walked slowly to the door. I really dont want her to see this room. My ***** is all over the place.

Good point, said Tina.

So, wish me luck and I guess Ill see you later., said Bette, as she turned the *****, preparing to exit the room.

Yeah, Ill see you later. Good luck, Baby. I mean, Bette. Good luck Bette. Tina cringed at her Freudian slip and her face turned crimson red. Bettes eyes opened wide and she looked back at Tina in surprise. Bette didnt have long to process the situation, but she didnt miss the embarrassment in Tinas eyes. Bette heard Sidney call her name and gave Tina one last confused look before embarking on her first date, leaving her roommate to stew in her own mortification.