Bette pushed her empty breakfast plate to the side and began to play nervously with the empty coffee cup. Sensing the tension Tina became tense herself, wondering what Bette was about to lay on her. Sighing heavily Tina looked up to see Bettes unrelenting gaze resting on her again.

Is there something on your mind? Tina asked nonchalantly

No Bette replied quickly and dropped her eyes to the mug in her hands, this reaction gave her away in a heartbeat.

Bette! Tina pleaded

Bette took a deep breath as her cheeks colored slightly, she was caught out and knew it.

Are you angry about last night? Tina questioned, perplexed by Bettes non-communicative state.

No, I thought it was perfectly reasonable waking up to find my wife sneaking out the door at four oclock in the morning Bette replied with a hint of sarcasm.

It was Tinas turn to color.

It seemed like the right thing to do at the time Was the timid response as Tina dropped her eyes to the wooden table.

Im sorry you felt so trapped that you needed to leave like that. Im sorry that you felt like you couldnt talk to me about it

Bette, I Tina raised her eyes to meet Bettes

No. T, theres some things I need to say Bette interjected

Bette saw an expression of fear flicker ever so briefly across Tinas face. With that Bette stood from the table. Taking Tina’s hand she led her to the lounge and indicated for her to take a seat.

Its not what you think Bette added quickly

Tina raised her eyebrows as she swallowed and waited for Bette to continue. Bette chose to kneel on the rug in front of Tina.

I realized a few things this morning Bette began, resting her hands on her thighs.

Tina began to wonder if this wasnt Bettes attempt to subtly force her to face the music.

Tina, Ive spent weeks apologizing for what I did. It was an ugly mistake and I wish it could be erased, I really do. This morning I realized that there are so many things that I didnt do

Tina shook her head, baffled by Bettes ambiguity.

Im sorry for all the nights you asked me to come home and I refused. Im sorry for all the nights that youve cooked for two and ate alone.

Bette it doesnt matter Tina smiled weakly and averted her gaze

Look at me Bette requested quietly and waited for Tinas eyes to find her own before affirming Yes it does

Tina felt her heart beat heavily upon seeing the sincerity and concern in Bettes eyes. For months there had been this intangible concern which led Tina to hold herself back from truly feeling. It was with her constantly, though she had not been able to express it to anyone. Bettes words chased away that fear. Somewhere deep inside Tina felt the walls she had constructed to keep Bette at a safe distance begin to crumble. With every word Bette uttered Tina felt as though she was being brought back to life.

Im sorry for not taking the counseling sessions more seriously and for being difficult about going. Im sorry for all the weekends I worked when I should have been with you Tears began to fill Bettes eyes as every sentence became harder to say yet more urgent than the last Im sorry for getting so preoccupied with work that I couldnt see what was happening to us Bettes voice began to waiver as she tried to blink back her tears.

Babe Tinas expression pleaded for Bette to stop, her heart breaking as she listened to the confession.

Bette shook her head defiantly as the first tears marked her face.

Im sorry for leaving you to fight for a relationship that I was too busy to notice was in trouble. Ive been so blind. How could I be so blind to what was happening to us?

Bette broke into sobs, unable and unwilling to contain her emotions. Tina took Bettes hands and tried to pull her up onto the sofa but Bette, in all her wretchedness, wouldnt move. So Tina slid down onto the floor and wrapped her arms around Bettes body, holding her tightly, feeling each shudder, each labored breath her lover took.

Shhh, its OK Tina whispered through her own tears. In truth she had heard enough, Bette had found the key and unlocked her soul from its self-imposed exile.

All the times you tried to reach out and I just dismissed you. GodTina, Im so sorry

Baby, its all right Tina whispered as she kissed Bettes temple

I was so wrong, so selfish but you still stood beside me Bette continued through her tears Now I can see all the times you tried to reach out and I justI dont even know what I did, I just failed to reach back out to you. I didnt believe there was a problem Bette smiled bitterly at her blindness

Exhausted, Bette allowed herself to be consoled in the arms of her wife. She reached around Tinas waist and held on tightly. For a time nothing was uttered, no words of self judgment, no words of comfort. There were only tears, of sorrow and of relief.

I love you Bette Tina whispered as she rubbed Bettes back gently. Bette found herself broken once again, fresh tears falling freely as she buried her head into Tinas shoulder I love you

I dont deserve your love Bettes voice broke under the weight of her guilt

My love isnt something that youve ever needed to earn, its always been yours Tinas words began to soothe Bettes repentant heart

Thank-you Bette whispered, holding Tina a little tighter I love you

I know Tina replied resolutely, allowing herself to trust completely in Bettes declaration. Those nagging doubts which had lingered in the darkest corner of her soul were finally gone and Tina smiled knowing that the worst was over.