Tina closed her phone, ending the call. "I meant it, you know."
"Please don't expect me to form logical thought right now," Bette blurted out, snapping her own phone shut on what felt like autopilot.
"You look exceptional." Tina whispered. She stepped closer, while Bette stood rooted to the spot. "It's been a long while, Bette Porter."
Bette only continued to stare at her.
Eight years, and the last lingering image she had of the woman who stood in front of her was the broken woman who had told her, simply, that she knew. That she saw. Then those flashes of broken memories, of her own hands ripping apart an aquamarine dress, of this woman taking into her own hands - literally - the outcome of their fight.
That had been the last time Bette saw her.
The news that followed conveyed the steady decline of their relationship. Tina was at Alice's. Tina didn't want to see her. Tina filed for separation. Tina has a friend, got her a job somewhere. Tina broke the trust fund they'd set up for their future, enough to establish herself somewhere, enough to be independent from Bette.
All Bette had to show for all of it was the memories, the emotions, and a two-page letter from Tina explaining her departure, offering apologies, offering consolation. And asking her to move on, not to look for her, to accept the benefits of her leaving.
This doesn't make sense to you now, but in time you'll realize we needed this time apart.
It had taken Bette time, but she did understand.
It had been Tina's departure that had caused her to grow up, to face the consequences of her actions, to not be so selfish.
Bette became more careful, cautious, with how she handled other people's hearts, making Alice note once or twice that all Tina had really needed to make their relationship work with Bette was for Tina to leave.
Tina had taught her love and what heartbreak really meant, and other women earned the benefits of those lessons.
The farewell letter had been Bette's beacon all these years, a how-to guide to life. As much as she had missed Tina, the letter reminded her that life moved on. That Tina wanted and needed her to be happy, even if it meant they could not share that happiness.
And here they were, eight years later, Tina witnessing the outcome of her departure.
"When I learned that former tennis pro Dana Fairbanks and her wedding party were in the same hotel, I knew I had to see you," Tina continued.
"Oh," Bette managed to say, and not much else. Truth was, after wishing it for so long, to have Tina here, to be speaking to her, suddenly rendered her unable to do or say anything.
Realizing that Bette possibly was not as forthcoming with the welcome as she would have wanted, Tina decided to cut her losses, hopefully save both Bette and herself a lot of awkward moments. "Well. It was nice to see you, Bette, and to hear your voice."
Somewhere in the back of her mind, it occurred to Bette that Tina was about to say goodbye again.
And yet she remained frozen.
"Anyway," Tina continued, "I'll see you around. I guess."
Stop.
"Tina," Bette whispered.
Tina looked at her.
Bette struggled to find the words, and looked for the right word or statement that would accurately convey what she most wanted Tina to hear, to understand.
Something that might make her stay.
Bette straightened, looked at the blonde, finding in her eyes the same love that she always saw, knowing it reflected back in her own, and it was almost as if the past eight years never happened.
06/28/2007 ,
13:35:03 PM From:
legatoeff Comments:
I really hope you do continue, different twist on the breakup. I like it.
06/28/2007 ,
13:40:22 PM From:
packer Comments:
you never really lose your true love.brilliant as always you have way with words.thxs post soon,please!
06/28/2007 ,
13:40:43 PM From:
Lgirl87 Comments:
Tiff, you've been really missed... and with a story like this, you MUST continue!! Please post soon!
06/28/2007 ,
13:48:41 PM From:
KIMRICHARDS Comments:
that was awesome!!! PPMS
06/28/2007 ,
13:52:50 PM From:
Linbooks Comments:
Ah Tiff--do you need to ask? Please continue.
06/28/2007 ,
14:18:05 PM From:
funnyone Comments:
I think Bette's going to need that drink Shane went to fetch. "Turn that frown upside down" is just a bit corny of Tina, but may have been just the right way to begin shocking the shit out of Bette.
06/28/2007 ,
14:28:11 PM From:
ghasg Comments:
just the other day i was wondering when you'd return. Welcome back! and please continue this story!
06/28/2007 ,
14:45:20 PM From:
lowerbottom111 Comments:
It's great to have you back. Please continue.
06/28/2007 ,
14:55:26 PM From:
mbe Comments:
How can you even ask? You better continue!
06/28/2007 ,
15:25:08 PM From:
cys Comments:
I have been a silent reader for a long time. This is my first post. I have enjoyed all your stories. Just a few days ago I was wondering when are you gonna post another story. You can imagine I am very delighted to see your name today. Looking forward to your next chapter.
06/28/2007 ,
15:25:13 PM From:
coop Comments:
Tiff, not even a question or doubt, continue and the sooner the better.
06/28/2007 ,
15:31:51 PM From:
curious Comments:
was there ever a doubt of course u must continue!
06/28/2007 ,
16:41:01 PM From:
brighteyez07 Comments:
Excellent, loved the playfulness of Tina.
06/28/2007 ,
17:18:11 PM From:
azmama Comments:
tiffie...Of course continue. You have been missed. The good ones can come back w/o missing a beat. PPS.
06/28/2007 ,
17:30:30 PM From:
phantomframe Comments:
TBC? Are you kidding me? Will we have another chapter in a few hours? I don't think I can wait that long!
06/28/2007 ,
17:36:47 PM From:
the word Comments:
"and it was almost as if the past eight years never happened.Almost. "I've missed you." Bette said quietly."Wow...Just brilliant! Tiff I've missed you 2...Pls post soon
06/28/2007 ,
17:42:22 PM From:
Lamentamini Comments:
No, Tiff, DON'T continue it. We're satisfied with a great big honkin' cliffhanger. =P
06/28/2007 ,
18:40:52 PM From:
bombass Comments:
I think whether or not you should continue is a 'muh-point':-)But just so there are no misunderstadings - please, do continue.
06/28/2007 ,
18:46:21 PM From:
lucybelly Comments:
That question mark is just pure sarcasm and taunting!!
06/28/2007 ,
19:02:51 PM From:
Gumby Comments:
Love it Tiff!
06/28/2007 ,
19:07:37 PM From:
MutedTempest Comments:
I'm usually not a big fan of Tibette stories, but you went and got me hooked by using on of my favorite songs for your title and summary. I'm so glad I read this, it's fantastic and the writing is superb. I really hope you continue!
06/28/2007 ,
19:13:06 PM From:
phyl Comments:
I'm so glad to see you back. You write like nobody else, unusual, compelling..
06/28/2007 ,
19:28:10 PM From:
jp22 Comments:
Of course, please continue. Very good to see you back tiff. Post soon.
06/28/2007 ,
19:39:21 PM From:
starburst Comments:
and i've missed your post, tiff. thanks for a new story. pls continue. were there ever any doubts about that? ;)
06/28/2007 ,
20:04:23 PM From:
Chicki Comments:
Tiff, I was just thinking of you the other day, as well as Swimmie. Where you gals been? So good to see you posted. Please continue, it is sounding rather inviting!
06/28/2007 ,
20:28:08 PM From:
BetteAndTinaForever Comments:
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes to cotinue...i always enjoy your stories and can't wait to see what's in store for us this time...those two movies are some of my favorite too
06/28/2007 ,
21:09:08 PM From:
pattifloatn Comments:
YES you are back. I hope that will continue this story. I remember your other story with the same movies and you left it for our imagination. I hope this time they will make it work.
06/28/2007 ,
22:30:03 PM From:
mc Comments:
You had me holding my breath to see where this was going - yes you must continue it is fantastic.
06/28/2007 ,
22:32:18 PM From:
Madcapper Comments:
You must continue!! : )
06/28/2007 ,
22:32:39 PM From:
yoko ono Comments:
Argh! Of course. F*ck! ;)
06/28/2007 ,
22:39:43 PM From:
techgal Comments:
(puts knuckles together in an Angelica-like gesture)...More, please! Thank you!
06/28/2007 ,
23:13:15 PM From:
gigi1976 Comments:
She's back and my heart is all pitter patter pitter patter....
06/28/2007 ,
23:15:54 PM From:
ecstasythrumusic Comments:
tiff you just made my day and probably my month by posting.I loved both movies but I hope it doesn't end like the second on did.PPS.
06/29/2007 ,
00:37:38 AM From:
ut Comments:
This is good start and please continue, thanks!
06/29/2007 ,
01:21:59 AM From:
divinemu Comments:
Oh yes. Please continue. No one does B and T better.
06/29/2007 ,
02:39:41 AM From:
Jackiee1 Comments:
Need you ask? Continue on please
06/29/2007 ,
04:31:15 AM From:
lami Comments:
An intriguing story. Please continue.
06/29/2007 ,
06:23:06 AM From:
gerrie7 Comments:
TD!!! I have been waiting and waiting....I am super duper elated you're back with a story. PLEASE continue. Thank you!
06/29/2007 ,
06:27:34 AM From:
andreaulens Comments:
great start plz continue
06/29/2007 ,
07:18:37 AM From:
Rau Comments:
tbc? wtf??? r u completely crazy???? a post by you and i'm dancing for joy and u dare ask tbc? of course, this was short, poignant and superb!!!! u MUST CONTINUE, IN FACT U BETTA HAVE THE next chapter ready 2 post around about now...it's been a day already...i adore your stories...so pleaszzzzzz don't tease...
06/29/2007 ,
07:56:22 AM From:
BeeTee4ever Comments:
EXCELLENT!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE!!!!!!!
06/29/2007 ,
09:16:06 AM From:
Barrie Comments:
Ahhh...you need not ask Tiff if this needs to be continued. I was itching to PM you and ask for some sort or literary contribution but figured you needed the time away to recharge your batteries...and evidently we are better for it. I;m not sure where you're headed but I don't care b/c the fun is always in the journey and never the destination....write on! :)
06/29/2007 ,
13:12:37 PM From:
Skipton Comments:
dude! turn that question mark at the end of TBC into an exclamation point! thanks for this and for coming back with another story. really looking forward to reading more.
06/30/2007 ,
09:57:51 AM From:
albeez Comments:
r u nuts???? post every freaking day if ya want. even a couple of times a day. this is most excellent. ive have heart attacks like that before. thanks.
