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Ashes, ashes… Chapter 16
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“What?”
“At first, I told myself that it would be temporary. And that boarding school would be good for her. Of course, what I was really doing was avoiding her. Pushing her away because she reminded me of Malcolm. And our perfect life. We were the only people in the whole world who could have comforted each other during that time. And I kept us apart out of fear.”
Bette swallowed hard, blinking to prevent the hot tears pooling in her eyes from spilling over.
“Are you rationing the scotch, or do I have to beg?” Peggy cleared her throat, holding up her empty glass.
Relieved for the distraction, Bette refilled both of their beverages and sat back down.
“You realize that you’re doing the same thing, don’t you? Compounding one horrific tragedy with another,” Peggy said, the moment Bette’s back touched the chair.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Bette said, completely without conviction.
“You and your lovely Tina are merely perpetuating a cycle of horrible heartbreak.”
Bette shook her head stubbornly, and took a long drink of wine.
“Dear Bette. Do you really think that you’ll leave this all behind you by simply getting on a plane? You’re far too intelligent to believe that.”
“We were making each other miserable. I couldn’t even be in the house with her. It hurt too much,” Bette said softly.
“Did you think about grief counseling? Working things out together?”
“Tina wanted to. At first. But I kept resisting. Eventually she gave up.”
They sat without speaking, the only sound was the clinking of the ice cubes in Peggy’s glass.
“It’s not too late, you know. There are other ways of approaching this that do not involve uprooting your life and your work and moving to thatplace.”
Bette smiled in spite of herself, and wiped at her teary eyes. “I think I’m in too deep to do this differently. The house is sold, half of my things are in storage. I’ve accepted a job.”
“Details,” Peggy dismissed. “All of them reversible.”
“I don’t know if I want to reverse them.”
“Would you at least consider talking with someone? As a personal favor to me. A going away present.”
Bette mulled over the request for a moment. “You have someone in particular in mind?”
“Yes. A fabulous woman who specializes in family therapy. I’ve actually known her since she was a girl,” Peggy said, fishing through her purse for a business card and handing it to Bette.
“Veronica Blyton,” Bette read aloud. “She sounds like the heroine in a romance novel.”
“I didn’t know you were a fan of the genre,” Peggy smiled, finishing her drink and setting the glass on the table.
“Maybe I need to expand my horizons,” Bette said.
“Maybe you do.”
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i love peggy, she’s so right…bette, please stay and deal with the pain here and do it for tina and yourself…i think B&T really need each other right now even though they both are denying it…good for peggy
Wow, great curve there. Well done, as always.
Finally, baby steps in the right direction. Get moving Bette!
Excellent. Looking forward to more.
Soo glad that Peggy paid Bette a visit. Peabodys to the rescue! Veronica’s seeing a lot of action!! Is that a conflict of interest to counsel both Bette and Tina? *Scratches head*
hmmm…who bought the house??? Helena…Peggy??? Love where you are headed with this, although I still like H and Tina together…
Good ole Peggy! She’s definitely not one to beat around the bush. It’s about time someone had the guts to tell Bette what she needed to hear. Can’t wait to see how all of this unfolds!
Your story is like a nice soft bed (with flannel sheets) at the end of a long day. Your portrayal of each character is brilliant. I could hear Holland Taylor talking to Bette. Please cancel your holiday plans and write write write.
PEGGY IS THE BEST AND SO IS THIS WONDERFUL STORY GREAT JOB..PLEASE POST SOON.
Damn…..I love Peggy!
Yup, you gave Peggy a detached wisdom. Nice to see a character come through so clearly.
Peggy is right, Bette and Tina need to do this TOGETHER, great chapter as always, please post soon
Thank you. Again.
My hopes for a H/T ending have taken a dive. *g* You are a gem ffc.
Everyone should have a Peggy Peabody in their lives. A straight talking, straight shootin’ type of gal who can cut through all the BS and set a clear pathway. Sometimes one needs someone who can see the trees through the forest. Love your writing.
I shall now do the “I love Peggy” dance. ::dance, dance, dance:: Ah, that was great.
Expand your horizons Bette and THANK YOU Peggy!
Since Helena gave Peggy the nudge – I think we need to be thanking Helena if there is a reconciliation. To make Helena the generous and kind one a stroke of genius. but can Tina forgive Bette I wonder?
PEGGY RULEZ!!
Peggy is my hero
Love Peggy she can make Bette stop and think. If anyone can stop Bette Peggy will be the one. thanks Happy Holiday
Peggy is awesome!
finally a lil bit of bette
Yeah! Progress. It’s Christmas FFC, give us a present and allow Bette and Tina to have a conversation.
We haven’t seen a lot of Bette’s side of the story and I like this little chapter. It was nice. Really, really nice. I’ve always liked Peggy and I think I’m going to like Veronica Blyton as well. Kudos to Peggy for cutting through Bette’s denial and pointing to the way to recovery. I’m just wondering if Veronica Blyton was Helena’s idea or whether it was really from Peggy. Thank you, FFC. Merry X’mas to you and yours.
Go Peggy Peabody! I love this old dame about at much as I love B & T together. She may be a bit excentric, but she’s got a good heart and a wise outlook on life – she has too, she’s made a good life for herself.Please post again soon. Happy Holidays
don’t let bette leave let her do what peggy wants–don’t let helena win tina–girls need each other now more than ever-don;t let them be bullheaded they can only get better with each other
Thank God for Peggy.Great update.
I always have to psych myself up before I read this story. You always do such a great job though of portraying such a heart-wrenching story. Thanks.
Yay! I love the insight into Bette’s situation. Highly fulfilling.