The year is 2009, 5 years after the break-up:

Bette and Jacob cleaned up once they got home and were playing in the backyard when Alice and Dana came in via the side entrance. Dana was carrying Alexis and Alice was carrying her diaper bag. The minute Alexis saw Bette her face lit up and she smiled. Jacob went running over to her and started singing her favorite song. She giggled until she got the hiccups. Bette marveled at how good Jacob was with Alexis. He never resented her and was always there to help Bette when she needed it. He truly was her little man. Bette made her way over and took Alexis from Dana.

Hey you guys youre right on time. Dana, congratulations. I know you and Alice will make great parents. She grabbed Dana and gave her a hug. And dont be mad at Alice for telling me. I asked and you know how she cant resist the Porter charm.

Oh puleaze Bette. Get over yourself Alice said with an air of indignation. You so have no influence over me. Not since Dana and I got together.

Dana just watched these 2 friends go at it. The banter never stopped. Okay, you two, thats enough. Go to your respective corners and calm down. Thanks Bette. I hope youll be available for consultations.

Hey, you two will be fine. Youve always done a great job babysitting Jacob and Alexis. This will be the same thing, only full time. No giving the baby back.

Yikes. Dana, you didnt tell me we couldnt give the baby back.

Alice, dont start. Im nervous as is. Dont kid like that.

Okay, snookums, I love you and I promise to be a good mommy.

Thats my girl.

Mommy, whats a snookums?

Everyone looked at Jacob and cracked up laughing.

Oh sweetie, snookums is a term of love. Like when I call you sweetie.

Oh, okay. Hey, theres Maddie now and her mom. Jacob ran over as Tina and Maddie entered the backyard. Hi Mrs. Kennard!

Hi Jake. Why dont you call me Tina from now on.

Hi Tina, hi Maddie. Maddie, come play catch with me.

Okay Jakey, hey who are those people?

Come on, Ill tell you. Jacob grabbed Maddies hand and dragged her over to meet Dana and Alice. Tina was right behind them.

This is my aunt Dana and my aunt Alice.

Why hello there Maddie; thats a beautiful name. Alice said

Its short for Madison.

That sounds so grown up. Where did you get that beautiful blond hair? You must take after your mommy.

Yep, she says when I grow up Ill look like her twin.

Tina smiled. Heres my mommy. Her name is Tina.

Well, if it isnt Tina Kennard. I knew you couldnt stay away forever. Come here and let us give you a hug. Alice, Dana and Tina stood together hugging each other for a long time. When they moved apart Tina had tears streaming down her face.

Whats wrong mommy?

Oh nothing sweetheart, Its just that Im happy to see Dana and Alice. I knew them a long time ago, like Bette.

Okay, Im going to play with Jakey now.

Okay sweetheart, just be careful. Not too rough.

Oh mommy!

So, youre happy to see us huh? What took you so long? Alice asked.

Leave it to you Alice to get right to the point. Can the two of you ever forgive me for running away like that? I just couldnt stay here any longer. I loved Bette too much. It was all just unbearable to think about running into her.

Alice said But why didnt you keep in touch with us? We missed you so much Tina.

Easy with the interrogation Alice, she just got here for cripes sake.

Im sorry Tina, Dana is right, why dont we grab a drink and sit down and relax a bit in the sun.

No, its okay guys. I need to just say whats in my heart. I was a coward, not wanting to face Bette and not wanting to keep in touch with you all. I took the easy way out and denied myself your friendship. I wish I was stronger, but Im back now and I hope youll find it in your hearts to forgive me. I want you to be a part of our life, Madisons and mine.

What do you think Dana, should we let her off the hook?

Yeah, I think so babe, she looks so sad. How could we not?

Alice and Dana started laughing and Tina let out a huge sigh of relief. Thanks guys, I really did miss you two.

We three.

Huh?

Alice rubbed her belly and proudly said Im pregnant Tina!

Oh my God, Im so happy for the two of you. Ghee it looks like were all moving onto new phases of our lives. Just then Bette came over to the table, finally finishing feeding and cleaning Alexis up from her lunch.

You havent seen anything yet Tina. Wait until Shane arrives with Julie. Now that should be a revelation.

Shane is with someone? Is it serious?

Very, Ive never seen her so happy. They should be here any moment. How would you like a tour of the house Tina? Ive remodeled and you probably wouldnt recognize it.

Sure, let go.

As they walked away Dana and Alice began exchanging ideas on how to make sure their dear friends ended up back together again.

Bette open the sliding glass door and Tina followed her in. Just then the phone rang and Bette went to answer it leaving Tina alone with her thoughts. Tina experienced a flood of memories both good and bad standing in the kitchen. The kitchen appliances had been upgraded but everything else was the same and Tina felt like she was home again. This house would always be her home, no matter where she lived, regardless of what renovations Bette had done. Just then Bette came up to her.

Penny for your thoughts.

I was just flashing through 7 years of memories. I feel so at peace standing here, I feel like Im home. I suppose Ill always think of this place that way, even after everything that happened. Five years later I can look back objectively and say that the good times outweighed the bad. Do you feel the same way?

Looking back now yes but at that moment in time no. I was so lost and confused; it felt like everything we had and wanted was slipping through my fingertips like sand in an hourglass and I couldnt do anything to stop it. We stop communicating and we stopped being friends. The foundation of our relationship was crumbling and neither one of us could see that. Believe me when I say Ive spent a lot of time in and out of therapy thinking about us, trying to get closure, trying to understand why I did what I did. The only thing I know for sure is that Ive changed enough to know that I wouldnt never do the same thing again. I would respect and cherish the person I pledged my love to and trust them enough to share my fears and feelings of inadequacy.

You were not alone in our demise Bette. I pushed you away after I lost the baby. Yes, it may have been subtle, but I did it just the same. I knew we were drifting further and further apart and I shut down.

Maybe its time we just forgave one another.

What are we doing here Bette?

Im not sure what youre asking Tina. I suppose I could answer your question by saying Im going to show you the remodeling Ive done in the house but I dont think thats what you want to hear.

Bette and Tina just looked at one another for a long time; their eyes locked, each searching for answers, neither one wanting to say what was in their hearts. Tina finally broke the silence.

There is one thing I learned in New York. You need to speak up for yourself and go for what you want. Otherwise youll get left behind in the dust. So here goes: I want us to try again Bette. Lets start by building the foundation with friendship and take it from there. Our lives are different and more complicated now with the children but Ill regret not trying again and I dont want to live with that regret for the rest of my life.

A small tear fell from Bettes right eye. She wiped it away and looked at the ground, then back up again to Tina. I never thought Id get another chance with you Tina. Thats all Ive ever wanted. I told you once Id wait forever and I would. So yes, I want to try again. Friends first. Trying to lighten the moment Bette took two steps forward so she was just a few inches from Tina. Do friends kiss?

Mmmmm, usually hello and goodbye.

Hello Tina Kennard. Welcome back into my life.

Bette leaned forward and gently kissed Tina on the lips. It was the softest, sweetest kiss that Tina Kennard could ever remember receiving. It was a kiss of hope for a future yet to be explored.