Chapter 28

While Tina prepared dinner, Bette had a chance to catch up with her mom.

“So Bette, I gather from what Tina has told me – youre taking good care of her.”

“Well – that would be the two of us taking care of each other. Yeah…we have that pretty much down to a science.”

“Tina seems to be very happy Bette – I’m glad. You seem happy too. I’m so happy for the two of you.”

“Thank you – that means a lot. I don’t mind telling you that I am very much in love with your little girl. I can’t seem to get enough of her.” Bette wondered why she was saying these things to Tina’s mom. The new and improved Bette she guessed.

“It’s very obvious that the two of you can’t get enough of each other. I see the way you disappear together. I see the way you look at each other. Bette – keep it alive. Don’t ever take the love you feel for each other for granted. Do what you can to keep the magic between the two of you. And that is what you and my little girl have Bette – magic. You are such a beautiful couple – and soon you’ll have a beautiful family.”

Bette studied Tina’s mother. Tina had her eyes – and her lips. She was certainly a stunning woman. Bette wondered why their conversation had become so serious. Jackie looked sad – so sad.

“Mom – can I ask you a question?”

“Anything Bette.”

“Tina never really talks about her father. I was just curious about that.”

“Tina’s father and I were too young when I got pregnant with Tina. He just wasn’t ready to be a father. He just couldn’t be there for me – or for Tina. He tried for awhile but he just couldn’t do it. He was nothing but a boy. A lost boy.”

“Where is he now?”

“Bette – I don’t know if I should tell you this or not – Tina just thinks he disappeared off the face of the earth – well actually, I guess that’s exactly what he did. In his late twenties he died from a drug overdose. I’ve never had the heart to tell Tina – she just thinks he left us and never came back.

“Oh – my God – that’s awful. Don’t you think Tina should know?”

“That’s one of the reasons I came to visit this time – to tell her the truth. I hope she doesn’t hate me when she finds out. Bette – there are a lot of things I need to tell Tina. Would you mind if Jake and I stayed for a few extra days?

No -not at all. Bette said a silent prayer that she and Jake could survive a few extra days.

“And your other reasons?”

“To have this talk with you Bette. To give you encouragement – to hang in there with Tina no matter what happens. Andand God this is so difficult to tell Tina that Im sick – very sick.

Bette put her hand over Jackies. A gesture that was very clearly a product of the new and improved Bette. Tears welled in Bettes eyes. Whats wrong?

A few months back, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. By the time it was discovered it had already spread to other parts of my body. I did the chemo deal – thats why my hair is short – and not long like it always was. They tell me I have about six months. I didnt have the heart to tell Tina The two of you were going through a difficult time and then Tina got pregnant again. I just couldnt bring myself to tell her. Now Jackie had tears in her eyes.

Bette – I need you to do a couple of things for me.

Anythinganything. Bettes voice faltered.

I need you to take Jake – I dont have the energy to take care of him anymore – he loves you Bette. He ignores people he doesnt like. He torments you because he loves you. And I know – deep down – youre fond of him. Bette had to admit to herself that Jake was growing on her. Kind of like a bad mold – but he was growing on her.

Ill take Jake

And Bette – I need you to promise me that youll always take care of my little girl – always Bette.

Tears began to fall from Bettes eyes and roll down her cheeks. I willI will. I adore Tina. Ill always be here for her – dont worry about that.

Mom, Im so sorry. I dont really know what to say right now Bette squeezed Jackies hand.

Bette – Im ok with this. I have made peace with myself and I have accepted the inevitable. Now its a matter of timejust time. I hope I get the chance to meet my grandchildren before I go. But if not – I will look forward to seeing them in another life.
Ive never said this to you before Bette -I love you – I can see why Tina is so in love with you.

If circumstances were different and Tina wasnt in the same room, Bette was sure that shed be sobbing by now.

You know Mom – I love you too. You have always been there for Tina and I and youve never been judgmental. That means a lot – a whole lot. Is there anything else I can do for you? To help you?

Just take care of yourself, Tina, youre beautiful babies – and Jake. Thats all I ask of you Bette. Thats all I ask. If I leave the world knowing that all of you are taken care of Ill be happy.

Mom?

Yes Bette?

When are you going to tell Tina?

I thought Id do it in the morning.

At that very moment Tina shouted, Dinners ready! Lets eat – Im starving.

Bettes stomach was unsettled. She thought to herself, Poor Jackiepoor Tina.


Later in the evening, Tina filled the tub with water and bubble bath. She lit what seemed to be a hundred candles and placed them around the bathroom. Bette joined her as they had planned.

They both let their robes fall to the floor. Bette pulled Tina close to her and looked into her eyes. I love you more than youll ever know Tina. Ill always be here for you. Bette gently kissed Tina on the lips. Bette hated having to keep Jackies secret.

They climbed into the bathtub – Bette making sure that Tina didnt lose her balance. Bette sat down – Tina sat between her legs and leaned back into Bette.

Hey Tthis is nice. I just want to hold you tonight. Is that ok?

Not in the mood tonight Babe?

Just in the mood to feel you close to me – I just wantI need to hold you.

Bette held Tina tight – Tinas body relaxed in the comfort of Bettes arms.