Chapter 6

Tina has been working on the grant proposal for several hours now, when a personal call was transferred into her office by her colleague. She picked up the phone while fixating her eyes to the computer.  The proposal only needed minor proofreading before sending the final draft to the Peabody Foundation to meet the required deadline, today. 

“Hey Al,” she said thinking it must be Alice.

“Hi Tina, it’s me, Bette…I just want to know how you’re doing. Did you receive the flowers I sent you?”

“You know I don’t like being the center of attention, especially not at work. What were you thinking Bette? Am I supposed to forgive and forget just because you sent me pretty flowers every day?”

“It’s just my way of expressing to you how sorry I am Tina,” she explained, all she wanted was to express her sincerity, maybe flowers wasn’t the greatest expression on her part, but they did, however provided supplementary beauteousness to a rather a thorny apology.

“I want us to talk Tee…I want you back in my life…How many times do I have to say “I’m sorry” for you to forgive me?  I know you still love me.  And if our love still matters please give me another chance, don’t go on punishing me forever like this,” she continued. 

“If our love still matters you wouldn’t have cheated on me with another woman,” said Tina, just the thought of it makes her sick to stomach.

“I promise it won’t happen ever, ever, ever again.”

“Were you not the one who promised never to hurt me or betray my trust?  Were you also not the same woman who promised me she’ll love me forever?  Tell me how that works out for you?”

“You broke promises too you know,” she retorted.

“Oh yeah, why not blame me for your shenanigan?”

“I’m not blaming you Tina. I know I’m in the wrong and I’m trying to take responsibility for my action here.  I’m not letting you go, not without a fight, baby, let me fix this.  I will do anything you want me to do.  Anything,” said Bette quasiseriously.