She could feel an intense, uncomfortable stare enveloping her and realized another woman was holding the little boys other hand. Tina looked over at the other woman, ready to apologise to her if necessary too.

Her eyes met the womans and Tinas breath caught in her throat, as she gasped for air.

Tina just stared back……………… at her past, following the woman’s hand back to the little boy, and then back to the blonde.

She couldnt believe it; tears were starting to stream down her cheeks. She took one last look at the two women and the little boy and ran out of the caf as fast as she could..

tbc

Chapter 6

Alice was patiently waiting for Tina to return, and when a considerable amount of time had passed, Alice went back to the caf in search of her. Alices instincts were telling her something was definitely up.

Alice walked back through the doors at the caf and immediately noticed Bette, sitting with Kristie and little Jack.

She immediately scanned the room for any sign of Tina and when she found none, she thought to herself, *****. This is exactly why I wanted to get Tina out of here. God. I hope Tina didnt take it too hard!!

Alice quickly approached Bette, to ascertain if her fears were factual. She noticed that Bette looked visibly distressed, Yep..only one person would have that effect on our Ms Porter Alice concluded.

She walked up to the 3 of them nonchalantly, trying to appear as casual as possible. Alice spoke to Jack first, Hey Jack, how are you little man??? giving the three and a half year old a high five.

Jack: (gleefully grinning) Hi Awnty Al.

Alice smiled back at Jack and turned her attention to Bette and Kristie, Hi Kristie, Bette you didnt happen to see. Alice hesitated.

Bette appeared to be in a daze, Tina almost in a whisper.

Alice: (uncomfortably) UmYeah. obviously you did?

Bette: (dejectedly) Yeah Al I did.

Alice thought to herself, ***** ***** Damn!!!!! I wanted to let Bette know the situation before she saw Tina. GodI hope Tina is ok?

Kristie interrupted, looking at Bette, (hesitantly) Is that who that was sweetie? Was that TinaTina Kennard?

Yes. Bette and Alice said in unison

Kristie: Wow. Feeling insecure grabbing Bettes hand under the table. Bette felt the contact and squeezed Kristies hand back reassuringly.

Alice was concerned about Tinas reaction to Bette and really needed to see if she could find her, Listen Bette did you notice where Tina was headed?

Bette: (abruptly) I dont ***** know Alice. She took one look at us, and ran out of here. whats that ***** about?

Alice: (concerned) AhBette, what did she actually see?

Bette: (thinking) Um I was holding hands with little Jack and Kristie was holding his hand too. she practically ran us over!!

Alice stared into Bettes eyes, (seriously) Bette I really need a minute to talk to you.alone! Could you excuse us for a minute Kristie?

Bette was still in shock. She had forced herself to move on, without Tina. That was what Tina had wanted, and for Tina to just show up, out of the blue, 5 years later, Bette found it to be rather rude and unsettling

Bette snapped out of her thoughts looking over at Kristie, lightly smiling. She sensed that Kristie was getting edgy and insecure, (sternly) Kristie can hear what ever you have to say Alice; we have no secrets!!

Alice: Alright you asked for it! Im sorry Kristie

Alice decided to just cut to the chase. She looked Bette squarely in the eyes and blurted it out, Bette Tinas been in a coma for 5 years

Bette laughed sarcastically, Yeah right Al.. I wouldve known about that!! rolling her eyes.

Alice: (reasoning) Think about it Bette? Do you honestly think Tinaour Tina, would have really just left without a word. Not even letting you know in person, when she had made her decision Just leaving her friends without even so much as a good byeWe were all to immersed in our own lives, and our anger, to really think about it before. but the Tina I knew never wouldve done that to us, in your heart you know that too!!

Bette: (agitated) Yeah but she did remember the letter, it was only four and a half years ago that I got that LETTER, and it most certainly was Tinas hand writinghow do you explain that Alice?

Alice: (calmly) Bette I dont knowTina may have written that letter, but she certainly didnt send it to you

Bette sat for a while contemplating the information Alice had just revealed to her. She felt like her heart was being torn in two, her mind was in disarray. What if what Alice is saying is truegod, I have a family now.and how would Tina feel knowing I had the little boy we had always wanted without her. *****!!! What do I do?

Kristie was watching Bettes inner battle unfold and was becoming extremely nervous.

Kristie: (lovingly) Baby(looking into Bettes eyes) dont forget me and Jackwe love you very much Bette

Bette looked into Kristies eyes sadly, she had to find out the truth. where Tina had been and what had happened to her. First and foremost she needed the truth.

Bette: (smiling, trying to be reassuring) Kris, honey I love you two too you know I do. This is something I have to do. Please understand. I will be home a bit later ok! You can trust me!!! giving Kristie a soft, sweet peck on the lips. Kristie grabbed the back of Bettes head and deepened the kiss, crushing her lips to Bettes exploring her mouth with her tongue.

Kristie: (insecurely) I do trust you baby. Just please dont forget, we love you. We will be waiting for you at home, baby!!

Bette: (breathlessly looking into Kristies eyes) I love you too baby!!

Bette picked up little Jack and gave him a big hug and a kiss, Mommy has to go out for a while sweetie. you stay with Krissy ok? I love you sweetie!!

Jack: Oakkay Mommy. Bette broke away, smiling at her little boy, handing him to Kristie.

Bette turned to Alice, concern and confusion etched in her eyes, Al where would Tina go I really need to speak to her???



Tina had run as fast as her legs would carry her, all the way to her rental car. She got in and drove off, not knowing where she was going but knowing she had to get far away from thereas far away as possible from Bette.

She couldnt believe her eyes, her mind churning through all the scenarios in her head, Oh GodI didnt even get the choice. my worst fears are really true. Bette and I cant work through thisShe has a family now..the family we were supposed to have(inconsolably) God, that blonde woman has got my life Tina sobbed uncontrollably.

Tina just drove, nowhere in particular, lost in her own jumbled thought and grief. She didnt know how she go there but she looked out the window and noticed she had stopped in front of hers and Bettes home. their old home.

Tina just sat out front in the car and stared, she didnt know if she had a key anymore, or even if it still belonged to Bette and her.

Tinas mind wandered again, *****. what if Bette lives in there with that blonde woman?

Tina tortured herself, her mind mulling over painful thoughts, Maybe they make love in our bed. Maybe they made their little boy in the same bed that we made love, hoping to bring our child into the worldthe little boy that I couldnt give Bette.

Tears began to stream down Tinas cheeks, God Bette is better off anyway.. At least she can obviously give her a child, a beautiful little boy

Tina was parked in front of her old house for? She had no concept of time, it could have been minutes it could have been hours, and Tina really didnt care. She was totally lost in her thoughts. It was getting dark and she noticed there were no lights on in the house.

She quietly, hesitantly walked up to the front door and peered inside. The housed was empty. Tina didnt know if she was happy or sad about that fact

She sat on the front porch, holding her head in her hands and she cried. She cried for her past, her present and the future she had now lost!



Bette was frantically driving around everywhere looking for Tina. She checked all her favourite places, conjuring up memories Bette had long since hidden, deep within her soul, to painful for Bette to let out.

It had become pitch black, the night had set in. Bette had almost given up hope; until she drove past their old house hers and Tinas old home.

Bette spotted a figure sitting on the front porch.

Has to be Tina? Bette thought to herself.

Bette quickly parked the car across the street and anxiously approached the figure.

Tina was still sobbing uncontrollably. She didnt hear Bette approach her, until she felt Bette lightly touch her shoulder. Tina knew it was Bette, she closed her eyes; the mere innocent touch sent a jolt through Tinas body.

Tina looked up at Bette, so vulnerable and sad, her cheeks stained with tears, her eyes still flowing with those tears. Bette felt her heart breaking all over again. She had never seen anyone in so much pain and to see Tina, the love of her life, like this was overwhelming.

Tina determinedly composed herself looking into Bettes eyes, (whispering) Bette you really need to go I cannot see you now!!

Bette sat down next to Tina, she wasnt going anywhere.

Tina looked at Bette despondently as she sat, Ok fine Ill go then. Tina stood up and so did Bette.

Bette grabbed Tina around the waist, and without saying a word, pulled her into a warm embrace, in an attempt to take away some of their pain. Tina took a deep breath and caught a whiff of Bettes perfume; she started sobbing again.

Bette: (sweetly) Tee tell me what happened to you?

Tina pulled away from Bette, I cant Bette I cant break up your family!!

Tina started to walk away and realized she had one thing she needed to say to Bette. She turned around and looked lovingly into Bettes eyes, (sincerely) BabUm, Bette Im so sorry you had to read that letter. Please know I didnt send it, it was sent by mistakeI never meant any of it, not one word(sadly) I wish you and your family all the bestI wont bother you again Bette, I know this must be hard on you!

Tina walked up to Bette and leaned in laying a smouldering kiss on Bettes lips For old time sake Tina thought before turning around and walking away, leaving Bette standing on the porch breathless and confused.

Tbc.