Chapter 3

“It says to turn at the next street.” Tina says looking at the printed instructions while Bette drove the rental car.  They had just left the Rental office that manages the ocean front property in the area.  There they got the keys, linen, instructions and any other pertinent information about the house.  For the next 7 days Bette had rented a five bedroom bungalow. 

All three of them had started out yesterday flying from Los Angles to Charlotte.  Once arriving they went straight away to the Art Camp.  It didn’t take long for Angelica to make instant friends with the other girls who would be her room mates for the duration of her stay.  Angelica was thrilled with every aspect of the camp, taking in all the sights and sounds.  Counselors took the three of them for a tour of the facility showing them the different projects that would be attempted.  Even Tina had to admit it looked like Angelica should have a great time. 

While other parents were beginning to thin out Bette softly nudged Tina, “I think its time for us to go.”  Turning to Angelica, “Well kiddo have a great time … remember we’re only a call away.” Bending down Bette gave Angelica a hug goodbye. 

Angelica still wound up with her initial excitement at finally being at camp could barely stand still for Bette’s hug.  “Yep I have my cell.  It’s going to be great.”

Tina just shakes her head.  Now that the time has come to finally let Angelica go she is hit with pangs of anxiety.  Seeing her daughter so excited and carefree before her didn’t help her growing need to grab her in her arms and run away with her.  At the same time Tina realizes that to take her away and not let her do this would be so selfish.  It’s just that Angelica has never really been away from her other than her visits with Bette.  It was time to let her experience life on her own and Tina knows by looking at her that Angelica is up for this challenge.  Pulling Angelica in tight for one last hug Tina closes her eyes remembering her little girl.

“Mom you’re crushing me.”

“Sorry.  I just don’t want to let you go.” Tina says loosening her grip allowing Angelica to pull back.  “Now we will only be two hours away.  If you get scared or anything just call I’ll come right back.  Understand?” Tina tells Angelica for the hundredth time.

“Yes MOM.  I’ve got it.  But I’ll be fine.” Angelica informs her Mom.  Just then the dinner bell rings for the campers.  “Bye Moms.” Angelica waves turning with her new friends to head off for dinner leaving her two Moms behind.

***

Pulling up to the house Bette is happy with what she was able to rent.  It was a house built on stilts with a natural wood siding.  This had been the only thing that Bette could get that was right on the ocean with such short notice.  So it was with relief that Bette let out a sigh that the house appeared so nice and not a dump.  It was a five bedroom two story house complete with all the amenities, covered front porch, large wrap around deck with steps leading straight to a semi-private beach, hot tub, full kitchen, laundry and a view of the ocean that was second to none. 

Bette was hoping this time together could allow them the time alone to sort out any remaining issues blocking their way to being together.  At first Bette really only wanted to make Tina comfortable with Angelica’s being away at camp thinking that being close would ease her fear of having Angelica away.  But Bette couldn’t deny a certain pleasure at the aspect of having Tina to herself, no interruptions, no work, no girls just the two of them … together.

“This place looks fabulous.  How were you able to get this great of a place on such short notice?” Tina asks while walking through the front door.  She walks into a handsome room, large with a cathedral ceiling and windows that go from the heights above to the floor below.  From here it looks like the kitchen is off to the right and a hall leading to what Tina assumes are bedrooms to the left.  The windows give an incredible view of the ocean which is sparkling in the sun.  Tina walks straight through the room to stand in front of the window, mesmerized with the view.

“Well it was the only place I could get actually.  If you haven’t noticed yet there are five bedrooms here. If I had my way there would only be one.” Bette says walking up behind Tina.

Tina turns around, “Really five?  Wow which one are you sleeping in?”  Tina asks teasing Bette.

Bette raises an eyebrow running her eyes over Tina.  She could see the teasing expression, the playfulness in Tina’s eyes and a relaxed sense of ease about her all boding well for the kind of reconnection Bette hoped this trip would lead to.

“Well that’s a question that has yet to be answered.” Bette says as she moves forward placing both hands on Tina’s shoulders.  Her voice taking the same light hearted tone as Tina’s.

In the time that they had reunited they have yet to share the same bed other than last night in the hotel and then it was just the two of them falling into bed exhausted from the days activities.  Yes they had both felt the unbridled passion that was the hallmark of their previous relationship but something or someone always prevented them from waking together in each other’s arms.  Bette had thought about this, while their love making was everything Bette remembered she felt Tina holding something back.  Bette couldn’t see Tina’s soul anymore, and this bothered her.  It was something that only Tina had the answer for.  Bette’s fervent wish was this week together could help uncover the roadblock to their unrestrained happiness. 

Tina smiles “Don’t you think we need to check them each out before we make any decisions?”

“Well I guess that would be the only prudent thing to do.  I mean how else can we make an informed decision?” Bette agrees but really implying that they need to do more than just look at each room.

“Why Miss Porter are you propositioning me?” Tina asks in her most innocent voice.

Bette was enjoying every aspect of this fun and playful Tina.  It had been so long since they each were free enough to joke around.  “Well that depends.  If propositioning you will get me lucky in each and every room then YES!!!  God Yes!” Bette says emphatically all the while running her hands up and down Tina’s arms in excitement.

Tina loved bantering with Bette part of her knew where this exchange would lead the two of them.  It both thrilled and frightened her.  Loving Bette seemed so natural like she was born to do it.   Loving and cherishing her was one thing like riding a bike you never forget how.  But truly being IN love was a whole different emotion it called for so much more of herself.  Showing this much of her soul scared her senseless.  It became so much more complicated being in love.  Exposing her inner self to Bette once again was one sure fire way of ending her life as she knew it.  The friction of Bette’s hands on her upper arms was warming more than her skin.  Sensing the situation might become more fire than Tina was ready for at this moment she backs away from Bette.

“I’m not making any promises just yet besides the days still young we have plenty of time.” Tina says turning to go get her bag from the car.

Bette just looks at the back of Tina while she leaves the room.  Once again telling herself she needs to pace herself, Tina was the one setting this pace.  Bette just had to believe her patience would be rewarded.