Chapter 28

Tinas father Jeffrey opens the door and welcomes them inside. He gives Tina a smile. Joanna keeps a safe distance. Jeffrey guides them into the living room and tells them to take a seat.
Can I get you anything to drink? Wine, juice, water, a soda? He asks
Just water for me thanks. Tina says.
The same for me. Bette says too.
Tina looks at her mom who has taken a seat on the opposite side of the table.
So Christina, how has your life turned out to be? Jeffrey asks as he glances over at his wife. She listens curiously.
Well, after I left here, I got a job at Alphaville, as a Development executive. We bought a house when Bette got the CAC job. But then I quit to start a family with Bette, I got pregnant, but we lost the baby, a son. Tina takes a break. It still hurts to think about it, Bette places her hand on Tinas growing stomach and rubs it softly. Then I got a job at the West Hollywood Social Justice office. Where I still work, and as you can see, were expecting a baby, in two short months. Tina says. And we have a group of really good friends that include Bettes sister, Kit Porter. They are our family. Tina says and looks over at her mother, who is looking at the floor. Tinas anger is building up by the sight of her mother.
Bette notices something about Tina, but she cant figure what.
You okay babe? she says quietly.
Yeah No, as the matter of fact, Im not. Why wont you look at me? Tina says and looks at her mother.
Joanna turns her attention to Tina and stares at her daughter.
Im not a leper. Im Christina, YOUR DAUGHTER, Im the same person I have always been. Why do you treat me like this. I havent done anything wrong. I fell in love, thats all. Tina says now crying and still looking at her mother. Bette tries to calm Tina down a bit, but it doesnt work.
Please talk to me, tell me please. Tina says, now shes also looking over to her father.
Ill walk out of here soon and never come back if you dont talk. Tina says and stands up. Bette follows.
You have cut me off for 8 years. And from what Emily said, you never told her that you had a daughter. Do you know how that makes me feel? Why would you do that? You are my parents, youre supposed to care and protect your children. As far as I know, you are not my parents, they died 8 years ago. Tina says and walks out and sits down in her car.
Bette is left inside.
Do you really want that to be the last you see of your daughter? Bette asks looking at Joanna.
My dad doesnt like my lifestyle either, but at least hes visiting me, and respects who I am. Bette says and walks towards the door.
You cant turn your back at someone, just because they fell in love. Love has no borders. Tina is the most wonderful and loving person I have ever known, and I love her with all of my heart. I would never let anyone hurt her, so Im taking her home. Well leave tomorrow afternoon after a visit to the hospital. I would strongly suggest that you two talk. Because this might be that last time youll see your daughter. Bette says and exits the house and get into the car. She drives off towards the hotel. Tina is crying. Bette takes Tinas hand and holds it all the way to the hotel.
We never got to dinner. Do you want to eat in the hotel restaurant? Bette asks taking her hand up to Tinas face and put a stray of hair behind Tinas ear.
No, Id rather have room service, if thats okay with you. Tina asks and looks into Bettes eyes all teary.
I dont mind, lets go. Bette says and guides her to the elevator.
They reach the room and lock them selves in, Bette orders food. Half an hour later the food arrives. They sit next to each other and begin eating.
Bette, what did you say after I left? Tina asks.
I just told them that they should have a serious talk, and that love has no borders, and that they will loose you for good, if they dont get their act together. Something like that. Bette says.
Tina nods her head and keeps eating.
Do you regret coming here? Bette asks.
No, actually I dont, I got to see the town again, and I got to say some of the things that have been building inside me for the last 8 years. And I got to meet Emily and the kids. I hope I can stay in touch with her. Tina says as she takes the last bit of her steak. Tina lean her head onto Bettes shoulder.
Im glad you came with me. Tina says.
I wouldnt want to be anywhere else. Bette replies.
I love you. Tina says as she puts her arms around Bette and gives her a hug.
I love you too, T. Bette replies. And kisses Tina on the cheek.
The next day, they pack up their bags and head for the hospital.
They met Emily out in the hallway, and she smiles as Bette and Tina approaches.
Hey, he woke up last night. Emily says as she gives Tina a hug.
Youre serious? Thats great. Tina replies.
I told him that you were here. He wants to see you. Right now the doctors are in with him. Emily says.
He wants to see me? Tina asks surprised. She looks at Bette who gives her a little smile.
So how did dinner go last night? Emily asks as she glances from Tina to Bette and back to Tina.
Were leaving this afternoon. Tina says with a sad look on her face.
No! I was hoping to get to know you a little bit more. Emily says.
Right then the doctor exits the room.
Go ahead, hes waiting. Emily says to Tina.
She slowly walks up to the door. She pauses a little bit, before she enters. She walks up to his bed. Hes still hooked up on different tubes and machines, but at least hes awake. She looks at him and sees that he has tears in his eyes, and he looks down on her stomach. She notices that.
Yeah, Im having a baby. Tina says softly, stroking her own stomach.
He tries to speak, but fails. After a few minutes, hes able to whisper.
Im sorry, Im sorry. He says. He cries now. Tina takes his hand.
Shh, its okay. Please dont cry. Tina says, trying to comfort him.
She starts to get teary too, and lift his hand up to her mouth and kiss it gently. He looks at her, with a look shes seen before. He always had that look when he had done something wrong and was sorry. He never was good with words. So Tina always knew he was sorry when he had that look. It needed no words.