Bette stood on the street outside the restaurant. She let go of Tinas arm aware she could be hurting her Sorry, I didnt mean to grab you so hard. He just made me so mad and I had to get out of there.

Tina wanted to cry Bravo! but restrained herself. Bette had finally come through for her with Melvin and she needed her support. Baby, are you OK? I appreciate what you did for us, I love you for what you did for us but hes youre father, do you want to leave it like that?

I dont ***** care what he feels like. I cant believe I made you put up with that ***** for so many years. Bettes voice carried across the street and passersby stopped to stare.

Tina looked up the street and put out a hand and stopped a cab that was passing by. She pushed Bette towards it. Baby we need to go somewhere. We need to talk. Why dont we go back to your Moms? She gave the cab driver the address.

They stayed silent throughout the cab ride; Tina holding Bettes hand and giving her time to calm down. She wanted to take her in her arms and kiss her and tell her how much she loved her for standing up for her and Rosie but this wasnt the time to do that. It wasnt so much that she was afraid of the public demonstration, the cab drivers of New York had probably seen enough of that sort of thing but she wanted to give Bette space to accept the fact that shed severed one relationship in favour of another.

The cab stopped in front of Maggies apartment. Tina paid the driver and pulled Bette out the door with her.

Bette looked at the building I cant go in there. Mom will just tell me – I told you so – and I cant face that right now.

OK said Tina well go over to the park again. Take a walk. She took Bettes hand and guided her across the street. They set out down the same paths theyd walked the day before but Tina felt so much had changed since then. When they came to the bench theyd sat on yesterday Tina pulled Bette over and sat her down. They might as well sit here it was as private as anywhere could be in the middle of New York.

Tina held Bettes hand and watched her face as anger, hurt, confusion and sadness flitted across it. Bettes relationship with her parents was complicated and emotional and it was going to be some time before she came to terms with what had just happened. She kept quiet not wanting to interrupt Bettes thought process but finally she said Are you OK?

Yeah.. said Bette unconvincingly I think so..

Do you want to call him? Patch things up? He may still be at the restaurant..you may still be able to meet with him. I know how much you love him.

I did..I do..but I need to grow up. Kit told me what he was like but I just never saw it. If hes going to make me chose between you and him then I chose you. I want you to know that, I want him to know that.

Bette put her hand out and stroked Rosies hair, kissed her tiny hand. How could anyone not love her? Bette said puzzled.

Bette sweetheart youll always have me and Rosie but do you want it to be a choice? Melvins an old man. Hes set in his ways. Hes not going to change. *****, thought Tina, I cant believe Im defending Melvin.

Im not going crawling back to him. If he wants to patch things up he has to make the first move. He knows how to find me. She put her arm around Tina. Thank you for not saying I told you so, thank you for putting up with him all these years and thank you for loving me

Tina smiled. Wow she thought this was truly a new Bette. She looked into her eyes but all she said was Youre welcome.

Bette stood up. Now how about we go for that walk you promised?

..a little later

Youre back early said Maggie as Bette and Tina came through the door of the apartment. How was lunch?

Bette just shrugged. Would you like to do something with us this afternoon Mom? I dont feel like weve seen much of each other since we got here.

TBC