Bette remembered the reaction Jack had to Tina and she smiled continuing, I thought we could just spend some time Tina.for you to get to know OUR SON! I want you to know your son Jack(Bette looked at Tina in anticipation, tears welling in her eyes) Tina!!

Tina raised her head in confusion and looked into Bettes eyes, then over at Jack playing.

At that moment she realized the familiarity she had seen in Jack. All she could whisper was, Marcus and Tinas heart couldnt help but take over!!

Tbc.

Chapter 14

Tina looked into Bettes watery eyes, hesitantly speaking; You meanMarcus Allenwood is Jacks dad??Oh my godyou used OUR donor, Marcus.. Bette? tears were streaming down Tinas cheeks.

All her big plans for the meeting, in that instant, went completely up in smoke; but these were totally extraordinary circumstances. Tina hadnt even contemplated THIS scenario in her head earlier in the morning.

Bette looked into Tinas eyes and just nodded, her tears flowing freely down her cheeks. She could see the intense emotion play across Tinas face as the realisation fully sunk in, and Bette knew it was the right decision to have told her.

No matter what state their relationship was in, Tina deserved to know about Jack and deserved the opportunity to be part of his life.. if she wanted to. Bette knew too many decision pertaining to Tinas life had already been cruelly taken from her, and she wanted Tina to be given the opportunity to make this one for herself.

Tina couldnt help herself, she ran over to little Jack..her son, who was playing on the swing and picked him up in her arms twirling him around in the air, smiling. Jack had no idea what was going on but he was laughing and giggling thinking Tina was playing with him.

Tinas decision to stay was made in that instantthe instant that Bette had made the declaration.when Tina had learned that she had a son!! The world had suddenly become a much brighter place for Tina Kennard.

Thoughts of everything escaped her mindall she wanted to do was spend a few hours with her estranged wife and their SONtheir little boy!!!!

Bette just watched Tina and Jack in awe, her heart overwhelmed with love, (forgetting the current perplexities of their lives, not even meaning to, or realizing what she was doing, Bette looked at Tina the way she used to, with pure love and devotion) So.Tina, is that a yes?? Would you like to be part of our little boys life?

Tina looked over at Bette incredulously, her eyes meeting Bettes, (her heart momentarily overflowing with happiness, with the look Bette was giving her) Bette, I would love nothing more than spending every minute I can with this little fella! (looking at Bette, smiling sadly, hastily returning to reality and their current situation) that is as long as you and Kristie are ok with it?I .um wouldnt want to intrude. remembering that Jack may be their son but, Bette and her were certainly not a family.

With Tinas words came the realization that Kristie didnt know anything about the situation with Jack and Tina. Bette came crashing back to earth, her mind clouding over her feelings once again, ***** Bette thought to herself, Well, Kristie will just have to trust meshe has no reason not to, and everything will be fine between us!

Bette: (weakly smiling) Yes, we are fine with you spending time, getting to know Jack (Bette told what she thought was a little white lie.).He is your son Tina!

Bette continued, she had to muster up all the determination she had in her for this, she didnt want to hurt Tina but she had to be blunt, (void of emotion) As long as you understand, I dont know what capacity our relationship will be, we have a lot to talk about and I love Kristie.

Bettes words were like a knife going through Tinas heart. She knew Bette had moved on. Of course she had, she was a gorgeous woman, with wants, needs and desires like everyone else. She also knew that Bette and Kristie had been together, obviously, for a long period of time, and Jack probably thought of her as his other mommy.

A thought just dawned on Tina, where would that leave her then..Jack had two moms and she wasnt one of them. What possible role would Tina be able to have in her sons life??

Tina never thought Bette would actually fall in love with someone else either.. Even after the affair, all those years ago, Tina knew Bette wasnt in love with Candace, she didnt know what exactly it was between them……………but she just knew, that Bettes heart still belonged to her.. but now it seemed that was gone too. For that moment Tina sombrely gave up all hope of a future with Bette.

Tina: (looking into Bettes eyes, seeing Bettes inner turmoil, her fight with her feelings, steely eyed herself) Ok. Yes I understandany role in little Jacks life would be great.. Thank you Bette!!

Upon seeing the look in Bettes eyes, that moment. the moment in which Tina gave up all hope, passed her by. There was a glimmer, something in Bettes eye that had Tina feeling like anything was possible.

Tina put Jack down; he was trying to wiggle out of her arms anyway, to get back to playing on the swing, running back to playground as soon as his little legs hit the ground.

Bette and Tina sat down, on opposite sides of the bench, smiling hesitantly at each other, attentively keeping a watchful eye on their son.

Tina: (struggling with what if thoughts, every time she merely glanced at Bette) He is a beautiful little boy Bette. Im just soooooo sorry I didnt get to see him when. Tinas voice trailed away.

Bette: (sympathetically) When what Te. Tina?

Tina: (sadly) When he was born. I wish I were here. with you (looking lovingly into Bettes eyes, getting caught up in the moment) when our son was born Bette.(whispering dejectedly) God, I have missed so muchI have lost so much!! Tina felt the tears coming but managed to contain them, replaying Bettes words over and over in her head, I love Kristie.

Bette looked at Tina unsure whether or not to ask, (sorrowfully) UmTina what happened 5 years ago? that one question had so many answers. so many possibilities.

Tina looked at Bette confused.

Bette realized she needed to be more specific, I mean with(sadly) with your coma and all TinaId really like to know what happened to you after you left?

Tina lowered her eyes looking at the ground, she was going to be honest with Bette no matter how much it hurt, (downheartedly) When I left, I couldnt stand to be near you Bette.. I loved you so much, that was never an issue.but all I could think of when I looked at you, was your betrayal, not just to meto us. I wanted so much to hate you, to fall out of love with you and get on with my life.. without you. I thought if I got away from L.A. for a bit I could obtain some ..clarity.

Tina paused and took a deep breath, bringing her eyes up until she was staring at Bette, their faces only inches from each other. Bette’s eyes were intently focused on Tina and her words. Tina removed a loose strand of hair from Bettes face, barely resisting the sudden urge to bring her lips to Bettes.

Swiftly composing herself, pulling back to a safer distance, Tina continued, I did get some clarity and I realized we both contributed to our problems.. and as much as I detested a life with you, at that time. I knew my life would mean nothing without you because without you I figured I wouldnt have my heartno matter what happened between us Bette, how fucked up everything got, my heart belonged to you, it always had. (it always will Tina thought)

Tina began to quietly sob, realizing the full extent of all that she had lost, (almost whispering) I was planning on coming home a week later to see..(Tinas voice trailed off again, deciding it was too painful to continue this line of thought right now) I was thinking we maybe deserved a second chance, a chance to be happy again, because we were for the most part, werent we Bette? (looking at Bette in anticipation of a response) . another what if hey? seeing Bettes face, her heart shattering.

Bettes tears flowed freely at Tina recounting the worst time of her entire life. If only Bette hadve known, all she wanted back then was one slight, miniscule chance with Tina and she wouldve took it. She wouldve travelled to the ends of the earth to make it happen, and she wouldve definitely waited for Tina if she hadve known about the coma.

She couldnt believe how cruel the forces that be were, to deny them a second chance of happiness back then.maybe they only deserved one shot, at the kind of happiness they were blessed with.. Maybe they had blown it?

Bette whispered, her voice full of remorse, God, yes we were happy Tina..I desperately wanted to find you again. I desperately wanted a second chance!!!.My heart only belonged to you too Tina!.only you! (Bette looked into Tinas eyes her heart full of sadness) If only I had known! taking Tina in her arms in a warm, tight, heartfelt embrace.

Tina felt it, another punch in the gut (figuratively), she tried to resist, but Bettes warm loving arms around her were to much for her to handle, her mind didnt comprehend anything that was said after, My heart only belonged to youbelonged??? Tina sorrowfully thought. Her mind forgetting, those were also her words to Bette!

Tina spoke quietly into Bettes ear, wanting to finish this painful conversation, I guess fate just wasnt on our sideI was out running and just around the corner from my moms house a car veered up onto the sidewalk and collected me. The vehicle was apparently driving at excess speed, so I was totally wiped out. The vehicle took of but luckily a neighbour saw the accident and immediately called 911. If she hadnt I wouldve been a goner. I had massive head injuries and they managed to stabilise me in the hospital, but I didnt wake up. The doctors were under the belief that I probably never would.. But mom never gave up hope..(lightening the melancholy of the conversation) and you know me, Im a fighter (Tina pulled back and smiled at Bette).Thank god for mom hey!

Bette looked at Tina proudly, I always knew you were the strong one Tinanow Im so glad I was right.you fought your way back, you beat the oddsIm so proud of you!

Tina: (smiling looking over at Jack) Yeahand now Im so glad I did Bette!!

Bette: I am too, Tina!

Bette: (hesitating) Can I just ask you one more thing? (Tina nodded) What was with that letter you sent me?It was so nasty and hateful, not like you at all? But it was your handwritingwhy did you write it Tee?

Tina knew this was coming, this was one question she was prepared for, (sincerely, looking into Bettes eyes) Mom sent that letter to you Bette, while I was in my coma. (sadly) Yes, I wrote it but you have to understandit was written the day after I left you, the day after Provocations.. I loathed myself just as much as I loathed you at that timeand I thought if I wrote my anger to paper then I would maybe be able to start healing. I was so hurt Bette.. I didnt know what I was doing!! . I never really felt that way and I never intended for you to read it Bette..I never intended for anyone to read it..It served its purpose as a healing tool and I was planing on burning it.Im so sorry you had to read thatthat spew!!

Bette acknowledged what Tina was saying about the letter, Its OkI understand.

Both women sat in silence, holding each other tightly, cherishing the familiar warmth they exhumed from each other. They embraced, not moving for a few minutes, both replaying the conversation just had, over in their minds, lost in their own thoughts, Tina looked lovingly over at their son!!

A few minutes later Tina broke the silence, (speaking softly in Bettes ear) So.what happened with you Bette? I need to know from the beginning, honestly.the Candace affair and all.I know you probably put to bed that part of our life a long time ago.but to me, it just feels like months ago!!. I really need to gain closure on that part of my life Bette, so I can move on tooplease, can you indulge me? they broke away from each others arms, still holding each others hands in their own, both women needing to feel the others touch..needing to feel their undeniable ‘connection.’

Bette began, Tina, I. when Kristie walked up standing right in front of them, staring at Bette and then at Tina.

A tear trickling down her cheek at seeing their hands entwined with each other

Tbc