Chapter 27

“Evening ladies. We have a special guest singing with us tonight for a very worthy cause. Ladies, I believe you know Ms. Tina Kennard.”

As the cat calls and cheering started, at the mention of Tina’s name, Bette’s head shot up and she stared on stage.

“Um hi.” Tina greeted, causing more catcalls and applause. “Among all of you special women, there are two women who are very special to me. Alice who is celebrating her birthday. Happy Birthday Alice. “

This prompted a round of cheers and happy birthdays from the crowd. When it died down, Tina took a drink to try to swallow her nervousness.

“The other is a woman who I spent the best years of my life with until we made some mistakes.” Tina paused and looked to where she knew Bette to be. “I once told her that if she wanted to win someone back, you couldn’t do something generic for a person who wasn’t generic. Bette is many things but generic is not one of them. So if you’ll bear with me, I’d like to take this opportunity to not only embarrass myself but to show the woman I love just how much I love her.”

Bette’s mouth was agape. She barely blinked for watching Tina - not noticing the people watching for her reaction or the people entering the bar. She was mesmerized as she watched and listened as the band started and Tina began to sing, beautifully.

You packed your last two bags your taxi’s round the bend.

You used to laugh out loud but you can’t remember when.

You lost your lines

Its like your moving out of time

and the whole world crumbles right beneath your

So I might have made a few mistakes but that was back when you would smile

And we would go everywhere but we ain’t been there for a while

and this I know, there’s a place where we can go, a place where I could finally let you know

‘cause I’m the one that loves you lately. You and me we got this great thing…

Bette finally acknowledged the incessant tugging on her arm and saw Jodi looking at her.

“What’s Tina doing up there?” she signed, struggling to keep Bette’s attention as she continued to turn back to the stage.

Jodi hit her arm and scowled as she awaited an answer.

“She’s singing a song.”

“Ah she’s just the belle of the ball.”

Bette glared at Jodi. "She's a beautiful singer."

“Bette come on. You said you’d come to my friends party after you spent some time here.”

Bette looked at Jodi blankly just beginning to remember anything before the last 5 minutes. She was irritated and didn’t want to go but she knew she had to get away from this environment so that she could think.

She quickly said her good bye to Kit, ignoring the disapproving look she was getting and said her quick goodbyes to Shane and Alice on the way out- again ignoring the disappointment they weren’t trying to hide.

We’re the only But if you ever lose your way Cause I’m the one who loves you lately

Tina watched as Bette left, her heart breaking as she finished the song and received huge applause and calls for encore. Instead, she bowed and sadly walked off the stage.

Alice was there to greet her with a hug.

“You were wonderful TK. I’m so proud of you”

Tina sobbed, “It didn’t work Al, I’ve done everything I know and still she left. It’s really over.”

Alice squeezed her tight and stroked her hair. “Don’t give up babe. I know she loves you.”

Tina pulled back and wiped the tears. “She doesn’t Al. I just have to live with it.” She kissed Al on the cheek and wished her happy birthday. Then headed towards the door.

Chapter 28

On the way to the party Jodi needed to stop by her home to get the present she had forgotten.

Bette opted to wait in the car and in doing so, checked her messages.  She was surprised to find there was one from Tina from much earlier in the night.  She opened it.

“When I was scared you protected me;

When I was uncertain you directed me;

When I was challenged you supported me;

When I was loved, it was only truly by you.

T”

Bette stared at the phone, her heart pounding and suddenly her confusion was gone.

She got out of the car and entered the house, meeting Jodi in the livingroom and began to sign.

“I’m sorry Jodi but I can’t go with you tonight.  I, um, can’t keep my promise I made in New York.  I was wrong to chase you.  I thought I loved you and even though I do care for you, I’m not in love with you.”

Jodi stood in shock and then came to the realization.  “You’re still in love with Tina.”  She stated.

Bette looked down for a moment feeling horrible for hurting Jodi but knew she had to do this to get to Tina.

“Yes.”

“Fine.  Leave.”

Bette nodded, turned and left.

She moved with increasing speed to the car and once inside started to head back to the party but opted to call Kit on the way.

“Bette?”  Kit yelled into the phone, trying to communicate over the noise of the band.

“Kit, is Tina still there?”

“What?”

“Tina.  Is Tina still there?”

“No” she yelled. “She was upset and left.”

“Ok thanks Kit.”  Bette hung up and turned the car towards Tina’s.