As Bette drove towards the CAC she began to regret her impulsiveness. Tina was sitting in the passenger seat her arms folded in front of her, pouting. Rosie was in her infant car seat and she was screaming having picked up on the tension between her two moms.

Bette pulled the car over. This is stupid Tina.

Tina didnt respond.

Cmon just talk to me.. huh? said Bette facing her.

She looked into the back seat and back at Tina. Baby ..we have to talk cant you see how its upsetting Rosie.

Tina still didnt respond so Bette pushed harder..appealing to the Mom in Tina if not the lover.. Dont you think Rosies been through enough in the last 24 hours..? All Im asking is that you talk to me..

Tina relented realizing it was her own guilt and fear more than anything that was driving a wedge between Bette and herself. They were two adults and this time Bette was being more adult than she was. OK well talk ..but lets go home..I dont want to see Candace.

Bette looked at Tina carefully. She was so wound up maybe it wasnt a good idea for her to face Candace today. OK..Ill turn the car around if you promise youll talk to me when we get home..

Tina sighed and nodded but didnt uncross her arms OK..I promise

Scouts honour said Bette trying to lighten the mood.

Tina opened the car door and started to get out, she turned back to Bette Dont push it OK? I said Yes… She wasnt in the mood for lighthearted fun at the moment.

Where are you going? said Bette anxiously.

Im just going to see if Rosies OK She got into the back with Rosie, unbuckled her then held her and rocked her until she went back to sleep again.

Is she OK? said Bette.

Yeah..I think so Tina said as she re-buckled Rosie into her seat ..maybe we should stop somewhere on the way home..chill out..

Youre not getting away that easily Tina Kennard.were going home and talking properly this time

Tina got back into the front with Bette I dont know what else to say Bette. Im sorry..I overreacted ..said some stupid things … Tinas voice trailed off.

Bette leaned over and patted Tinas knee Should I drop Rosie off with Kit?

No..no ..I dont want her to be with anyone else at the moment.. said Tina looking at Bette as if she were crazy for suggesting it ..we can still talk..

Bette drove back to the house but this time she followed Tina as she put Rosie back in her bassinette. When it was clear that Tina was just stalling she took her by the hand and pulled her out of the room and back into the lounge room. She sat her on the sofa and pulled up a dining room chair so she was facing her.

She leaned forward looking into Tinas eyes. OK.. how are we going to get past this? Do you want me to resign from the CAC? Is that what its going to take?

Tina felt really bad; Bette had talked about the possibility of leaving the CAC but she didnt want to be the cause of it. If Bette left, it had to be her decision. She shook her head emphatically No..I wouldnt ask you to do that

Bette leaned forward and took Tinas hand in hers then lifted Tinas chin up so she could look her in the eyes Tina..If Im there I cant avoid her ..we have to work together, theres no one else I can ask to take over without it looking really unprofessional…. but thats all there is to it..were just work colleagues and I can assure you Candace feels as uncomfortable about this as I do.

Bette..Im sorry I thought I was over it.. Tina hung her head – talked at Bette through the cascade of hair that hid her face.

Bette moved over beside her, took Tina in her arms, and tucked the hair behind Tinas ears so she could see her face. She spoke softly to her Tell me how I can reassure you and Ill do it..I need to know that you trust me each time I walk out that door..I love you and Rosie..Ill never do anything to hurt us again..

Tina couldnt look Bette in the eye..Babe..its just..just sometimes I get scared..I look at you and its.. its not just abouther ..its..I just dont think I could go through that again..

Tinas mobile rang. She looked up at Bette. Bette shrugged Get it if you want to

Uhh..OK..it might be work..they know Rosies sick..

She looked at the caller id but it wasnt a number she was familiar with Tina Kennard

Hi..its Rachael..I didnt hear from you so I thought Id check in

Oh..uh..hi said Tina turning her back on Bette and walking a few steps away shielding the phone with her hand Uh.. yeah everythings OK.

Bette leaned forward interested in what was happening. Was this the other woman?


TBC