Chapter 12

THE FOLLOWING MORNING

Jessica was already at work when Tina walked in. Tinas mood was far better than the previous days and Jessica didnt let it go without commenting. She waited for Tina to get settled in before her attack. Like someone got lucky last night?

Better than that. Im in love with a beautiful woman and I am not afraid to admit it. Jessica kept looking at Tina in disbelief. She was not sure if what she heard was really what was said so she waited for clarification. Remember on Saturday when you asked me about Bette and I denied it? Tina continued to look at Jessica then Jessica finally got it.

Oh my God! You and Bette are sle.

Tina quickly placed her hand over Jessicas mouth, Shhhhhhh. Are you trying to get us in trouble?

What? I think its cool. And shes hot. ***** Ill do her and Im into men.

Yeah she is isnt she? But its more than that. I mean I have never felt like this, not even with Mandy

You mean you and Mandy..?

Yeah.

Wow.

I cant explain it. I mean when Im with her its like its just the two of us. And when we make love, shes so attentive, its like she was made to love me. I miss her when shes not around and I think about her all the time. I am so excited and I love her so much and sometimes it scares me, but then I look at her and Im not that scared anymore because I feel safe and loved with her. Tina became distracted by thoughts of Bette and when she first fell in love with Bette. I think she is the one. I know she is the only one for me.

Tina, I dont know what to say. I mean. Wow..

Yeah.

But I gotta tell ya you two have mucho self control. If I were seeing someone and working that close to them.

Believe me, its not easy.

Just then Jessica started laughing. And to think you didnt even like her.

LATER THAT MORNING

It was long after eleven and Tina only now realised that Bette hadnt made her usual morning visit. She went to Bettes office but she was not there and it also looked as though she hadnt been in at all. Tina became worried because its the first time since they were together that she had no idea where Bette was. She called at her house but the phone rang till it went into voice mail. She called her cell but it was turned off. They didnt make any plans last night when she came by so where could she be? She waited till lunch break and ran away to visit Shane at her school. Shane told her that Bette was at home. She was not feeling that well and decided to take the day off. Tina decided that she would pick up a few things for Bette and spend the rest of the day with her. She called work. She told Jessica the truth, and Emmett that she had a family emergency. Bette had called in sick earlier that day but Tina was not in when she tried her extension so she left it for later. As time went by she became worse and didnt have the strength to try again. She slept for most of, if not the entire morning. When Tina arrived she rang the bell a few times with no response. She got the spare key from the secret place Shane told her about and let herself in. When she got to the room Bette was sound asleep. Initially Tina was not going to wake Bette but the heat that was emitting from Bettes body scared her. She woke Bette. Bette stayed awake long enough for Tina to take her temperature. It was a little above 104 degrees. Bette, although awake was oblivious to what was going on. Tina struggled to get Bette to the shower. Her main goal at that time was to cool Bette down. She had a lot of experience with Amanda to know that a temperature of 105 can be very dangerous and Bette was close to that. She got Bette into the bathroom and stripped her down to just her underwear. She opened the shower on lukewarm and gradually lowered the temperature. The water startled Bette at first but the cool water on her skin felt good and she relaxed into the tub. After a few minutes, she guided Bette back to the room. She dried her off and got something light for her to wear. She gave her some medication and turned the air conditioning down a little to make the room cooler. When she was sure that Bette was comfortable and the fever had gone down, she went to watch some television. She left the room door open so she could hear any sound from the room. Just after six Shane walked in, Hey, youre still here?

Hi, how was your day?

It was good, practice was great too. Hows the patient?

Shes resting. She gave me a scare though. Her temperature was 104.

Yeah she gets really bad. She does not get sick often but when she does. Last time Alice and I had to take her emergency she got so hot.

Why didnt she call me? I would have come over.

She told me that she was going to, which is why I was surprised when you told me that you hadnt heard from her.

So what plans do you have for tonight?

No plans. Dana would usually hang out here, but she has to visit her grandparents this weekend.

Ok, well its just you and me kid.

And the sick.

Hey you know how to play poker?

No.

Then Ill teach you.

Shane and Tina spent the rest of the night playing poker, gin rummy and watching movies till they both got sleepy and went to bed. When Tina laid down next to Bette, Bette still asleep snuggled next to her and said, I love you, Tina. Tina smiled and fell asleep in her arms. During the night Bettes temperature rose again and the heat from her body made Tina warm and uncomfortable. She woke Bette to take some more medication and got a damp rag and placed it on her forehead. When the fever broke and Bette was asleep again, Tina then fell asleep moments later. Morning came. Bette was the first to awake. She stayed a while watching Tina as she slept. She caressed Tinas face and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. She got up with what little energy she had to surprise Tina with breakfast in bed. She went to the kitchen and got the coffee and toast started while she did the eggs and sausages.

Tina woke up moments later and between wake and sleep without opening her eyes, stretched out her hand to feel Bettes forehead but when she didnt feel her next to her she jumped up, Bette? She went to the bathroom but she was not there, but from the smell of sausages through the house, she guessed that she was in the kitchen. Bette had everything under control but began to feel dizzy after a while. Tina who was sneaking up on her saw her sway a bit and grabbed her around the waist, I got ya. Bette smiled sheepishly and allowed Tina to sit her down on the chair. What are you doing? I could have done breakfast for us.

Bette feeling disappointed and embarrassed said, I wanted to surprise you.

Awwww sweetie. Tina said as she kissed her. You just relax and let me take care of you. Ill finish up here.

Bette watched Tina as she prepared breakfast. She smiled to herself as she thought about what it would be like if she woke up next to Tina every morning.

Mmmmmm something smells good. Whats for breakfast? Shane asked through a yawn as she entered the kitchen. How are you feeling?

Much better. Wheres Dana?

At her grandparents. Then Shane got excited, Hey Tina taught me poker and gin rummy.

Seems like you two had fun last night. Bette looked at Tina, Shes hard to keep entertained for long. She has energy for all of us.

She reminds me of myself at sixteen.

Hey Tina, Shane interrupted in trying to change the subject from her, Think maybe we could go skating later? She looked at Bette, I mean if its ok with you.

Shane, I dont think we should leave Bette

Thats ok Ill be fine. You two go ahead. Bette was just glad that Shane and Tina were getting along well. Shane is very wary of people. But with Tina, she liked her instantly. Bette remembered something Shane told her, I like Tina. She is real and I can tell that she loves you. She has a good heart. And you dont get much people like that anymore.