Natasha: Ok Bette, I would love to move in with you, it will be an honour, thank you for asking me, and yes I would love to have a baby with you, maybe two or three, I love babies.
Bette: Ok then it is settled, it is great honey and you are welcome; now, I am starving can I have my dessert please? Natasha was ready for this; she wanted it so badly she could taste it.
Bette walked towards Natasha and took her in her arms and hugged her so tight she felt her heart beat; she kissed her tears away and led her to the bedroom. She laid her down on the bed and gently started to peel off her tiny bra and thongs, she got on top of her and began to make love to her. Soon Natasha responded and wanted to turn Bette over, Bette took hold of her and pinned her down and whispered in her ear, happy anniversary my sweetheart, relax it is my dessert after all and I am going to eat it, with that Natasha relaxed in Bettes embrace and surrounded to her completely.

Nat was settling in very well, Kit moved out to give them both a space, and went back to her apartment, she was very happy for her sister and pleased that she has finally decided to move on, she breathed a sigh of relief. Alice, Dana, Shane and Marina helped her with her move and they were over the moon with the news of Bettes new development, they have planned this and they have planned well, good luck to both of them.
Bette and Nat decided not to waste any valuable time and to start their search for a suitable sperm donor. A month later Nat was pregnant and they both were over the moon. Even thought Nats doctor warned her that she would be putting her life at risk, Nat didnt listen to his advice she wanted so badly to have a child for her and for Bette. She was not worried about her heart, she was strong and she was happy, that is all that mattered.
Bette decided to be involved with this pregnancy all the way through, and she did not let Natasha do anything, she cooked, she did the shopping, the washing, everything, and she worked still at the CAC but less hours so that she could spend time with Nat. She transferred the nursery at their home and made it bigger and brighter, and she kitted it with everything a baby might need. She even created a nursery in her office so that she could have the baby there and look after it herself, to give Nat a break, she wanted it different this time and she wanted it all.
One evening Nat and Bette were sitting by the fire sipping wine and listening to classic music, Bette looked pensive and she obviously had something on her mind.
Bette: Nat, how come you never talk much about your family, are you ashamed of them or something?
Nat: No Bette I am not, but they are not part of my life anymore. I have a mother and a father, and once I had 2 brothers and a sister.
Bette: What do you mean once, why what happened to them, are they dead?
Nat: Well I dont know really. It all happened about 23 years ago. I was only 2 then the baby in the family.
Bette: Nat you are worrying me, tell what happened?
Nat: Well this is hard Bette, but I will tell you what my mother told me when I was a little girl growing up with alcoholic parents. I told you about my Lebanese connection, well when my parents move to the States they found it really tough to forget the war and the suffering they have encountered, and tried hard to adjust and make a fresh start but they managed and my father found a job at the local supermarket and my mother stayed at home. They had 3 children my oldest brother Jack, sister Mary, and my brother Daniel. They were coping very well, my mother was happy and all honky dory, and then I came on the scene. My mother had a very difficult pregnancy. After I was born my mother was diagnosed with post natal depression, and she could not cope with us so she started to drink, it got worse and worse, so my father decided to quit his job and look after us himself, soon he was dragged under and was not coping with sheer magnitude of raising 4 children almost on his own, so he too joined my mother with the drinking.
Bette: Natasha I am sorry to bring this up, you dont have to continue if it is too painful, please I will understand.
Nat: No Bette, it is ok I want to tell you, I want you to know my back round and it will be good for our son too to know that he has a family, if he ever asks us in the future. And maybe one day my mother will come to her senses and start to make amends.
Bette: Well Nat. only if you are sure.
Nat: Yes Bette I am sure. Anyway, when my parents couldnt look after us, my brother Jack took the responsibility and he became our father and mother, he was only 5 or 6 years. But he was not able to do it properly because he was a child himself. The neighbours around us started to notice that something wasnt right with us. I was crying all the time, my brothers and sister were looking dirty and thin, they stopped going to school etc. So they alerted to social services and they got involved almost immediately. They took my brothers and sister away and placed them with foster families.
My mother kept me because she begged and pleaded with the social worker and promised her that she would change, and that she would stop her drinking and starts looking after me. The social worker was very reluctant and posed a tough condition on both of my parents. The social worker kept a very close eye on me and I was under strict observation and intervention for the social department. They used to visit us nearly every week until I became of age and left the house.
Bette: Why did you leave the house and do you have any contact with your parents or your brothers and sister?
Nat: Well I was kicked out of the house, my parents were planning to marry me off to a wealthy businessman, but I was not interested. I told them that I wasnt into men, and that I was in love with Lucy my girlfriend back then. This would have constituted murder in their culture, but because of the social worker and my case with them, they couldnt touch me, so they disowned me, kicked me out and since then I have not had much contact with them, well mother calls me once a year when she remembers my birthday.
My brothers and sister have vanished from the face of the earth and the social services did not leave us any point of contact or any information about them, it is all top secret locked away in some office with high security. Ive never seen them again since the day they were taken away from us. I dont have pictures of them but my mother has few that were taken before they left. Bette I dont know if I will recognise them if I see them in the street or in a shop or if they would be able to recognize me if they saw me I was only a baby then really. Isnt this sad?
Bette: I am sorry Nat if I caused you any heartache, it is very sad and I really hope that one day youll find Jack, Mary and Daniel, who knows they might be just round the corner from here or in the next town I am sorry for your mother too, she doesnt know what a great daughter she has, and how happy she is making me, she is going to miss out on her grandchild too. Nat my family is your family, and when our child is born we well be complete and connected forever, it isnt just blood ties that bound and make families, it is love, understanding, sharing, crying, laughing, arguing, and aching together, and we my love have all of this, you are my family Nat and I love you so much and I love our son too, cant wait to see him, I am sure he is going to have your eyes and your stunning looks and all the girls will be after him, god help us. With that Nat was feeling a lot better now, Bette always knew what to say to put her at ease and make her feel good about herself, she loves this woman like no other. She planted a full kiss on Bettes mouth, Bette responded and kissed her back passionately laid her on her back and started to kiss her tummy, I love you Nat, and I love our son, Bette said again, I will never leave you, not for anyone or anything, this I promise you. I love you too Bette and I loved our son since the day I conceived him, before I knew he was going to be a boy. Thank you Bette you have made my life complete and for that I am eternally blessed.
Nat was 5 months pregnant and few weeks short of her 25th birthday, Bette wanted to do something special for her. She booked a table at the most expensive restaurant and invited the girls to join them for drink later at their place. She has planned a great surprise and was sure that Nat was going to love it she only hoped that she will be strong enough to handle it. Everything was going really well for the both of them and Bette was happy, very happy and felt fulfilled, she has the most dazzling woman and soon she was going to be a complete family with Nat and their son. She was still thinking of Tina from time to time and was hoping to see her one-day even if it was from a distance just to know that she was alive and kicking. But now she has Nat to concentrate on and her life to live, and by god she was going to live it.
It was the eve of Nats birthday, Bette made all the necessary arrangements for the night so that when they come back from the restaurant the girls would have finalised the details of her surprise and made everything perfect for the events ahead. What she planned for Nat has taking her by surprise, she never thought that she would do that again, but her heart was ruling this time and she let. She ordered the drinks, the food, the flower arrangements, candles to be lit everywhere and, of course, the birthday cake.
The Limo pulled outside the house, Nat was wearing a stunning white dress that Bette has bought her, and Bette was wearing a beautiful black suite and tie with white shirt too. Bette looked at Natasha before they got into the Limo and said, Nat you take my breath away baby I have never seen looking so beautiful like you do tonight, I am so in love with you. May I kiss you? Nat got hold of Bette and said yes you may Miss Porter I thought youd never ask!! Bette leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on Nats lips and led her to the Limo and went on their way to the restaurant. The place was great, the music was just right for the kind of mood and the food smelled delightful. The sat at their reserved table in the far corner, which offered them a bit of privacy. Nat was looking radiant, the pregnancy suited her she looked really well, and that please Bette so much.
Bette: Nat happy birthday my sweetheart, I hope you like this place?
Nat: It is lovely Bette thank you, but why didnt we stay at home and wait for the girls?
Bette: Well I brought you here tonight because I didnt want to share you with anyone on your special day, I wanted to have time with you on our own, the girls can wait, but for now I want to have you all for myself, selfish it may seem but I cant help it.
Natasha was smiling widely clearly she was enjoying this, and could not wait for what Bette had in store for her. She took Bettes hand in hers and kissed it, Bette kissed it back.
Bette: Wait till you see what the surprise is, you are going to love it, but first we have to eat.
Nat: Bette please I cant wait you have to tell me know or I will lose my appetite.
Bette: Nat, this is only half of the surprise the other half will have to wait till later so dont ask me about because it will truly spoil it. You and I are going on a 3 weeks holiday to Italy, we are going to Venice, Rome, Napoli, Pisa and we are going to visit every famous place there is and if we have time left, we are going to Paris too, to visit the Louver and all the Art Galleries. We are going to have so much fun baby, I can just picture you in one of these Gondolas in Venice, and you are going to love it. Nat was over the moon with joy.
Nat: Bette, I have never been to Europe in my life and always dreamt of travelling to see those great cities, my god Bette, how did you come up with such a wicked idea, I love it. Thank you babe.
Bette: You are welcome; it is a special birthday treat for a very special lady. I just knew that you love to travel so I thought this is my chance to help you see some of the world outside here. Happy 25th birthday my darling may you have many many returns I love you.
Nat: I love you too Bette, and thank you again, now I can eat!!!!!!!!
Bette and Nat were sitting eating their meal. Nat looked up and around her and there on the other side of the dining room she saw a woman, she almost choked on her food. Bette saw what happened and quickly handed her a glass of water and looked in the direction of Nats eyes.
Bette: Are you ok what is it baby, here have some water? Nat took he glass and drank some of the water and put it down, she was still looking in same direction.
Bette: Are you making eyes at other women Nat? Bette laughed so did Natasha, but she could not look away.
Nat: No baby I only have eyes for you, but Bette look, look at that woman over there 2 tables from here.
Bette: Where I cant see any woman, why what is wrong with her?
Nat: Nothing is wrong with her, but look Bette please, doesnt she look like me? Bette was intrigued now and concentrated on the direction of Nats eyes to see if she could spot this woman. Bette looked and finally she located the woman, she was taken aback, the resemblance was shocking.
Bette: Nat this is freaky, the woman looks like your twin sister. Oh my god!!!!!!! Do you know her?
Nat: This is the first time I see her I think, I am not sure. Do you think that she is related to me?
Bette: Possibly I dont know Nat. But who could she be? And she does look like you, oh my good god Nat; no it cant be, can it and here of all the places and tonight. No Nat, dont get your hopes up darling, I dont want you to be disappointed not tonight, honey please.
Nat couldnt, she had to find out.
Nat: Bette what if she is, what if she is my sister Mary?????? Bette I know that you have gone to such a length to make everything perfect for me tonight, but I cant let this go, I have to find out, please Bette you have to help me, and we can find out one way or the other, I just need to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bette: Ok Nat, ok just calm down, tell me what do you want me to do?
Nat: I want you to go over there and ask her her name, use whatever excuse you can think of just come back with her name.
Bette: This is a tall order Nat, my god the woman is going to think that I am crazy or something, what am I going to say, hello are you Mary and do you have a sister called Natasha and ?
Nat: Yes, just like that, come on Bette I am serious, please honey do this for me.
Bette: Ok ok you know that I cant refuse you anything you ask for.
Bette had to come up with something and had to come up with it quick, what the ***** is she going to do or say??????????
She got up from her table kissed Nat and walked slowly in the direction of the table, there on the wall she noticed a piece of art that she knew very well it was bought from her museum she is going to use it as an excuse, perfect. She stood by the table looked at the woman and her heart sank.
Bette: Sorry to bother you, but I couldnt help noticing this piece of art on the wall, I wanted to see it close up and find out the name of the artist, I hope you dont mind.
This was sounding good Bette thought. The woman responded and said, no no just go ahead; be my guest, I love art too. Oh wow this is it we have a common ground Bette was relieved she stretched her hand to shake the womans hand.
Bette: I am Bette Porter by the way, and there on that table is my partner Natasha Jubraan. The woman shook Bettes hand back and said, nice to meet you Bette, I am Mary and this is my husband Mike, sorry but did I hear you say Jubraan?
Bette: Yes Jubraan that is the name of my girlfriends family, why do you know this name?
Mary: Please sit down Bette, here Mike get her a chair please.
Mike pulled a chair from the table behind him and put it near their table and motioned Bette to sit down. Bette thanked him and sat down, all the while she was looking in the direction of Nat to see if she was doing all right.
Mary: I know the name, I know it very well, it was my maiden name, now I go by my husbands family name Philips, could it be just a coincidence?!!!!!!
Bette: Mary do you mind if I ask you few questions about your family?
Bettes heart was pounding and her legs trembling.
Mary: No go ahead please whats on your mind, but first would like you a drink?
Bette: No thank you I am good. Mary do you have a brother called Jack and another called Daniel..? Before Bette could finish Mary interrupted her.
Mary: My god how do you know the names of my brothers?
Bette: Well this might come as a shock to you Mary, but believe me it is a shock to me too. I happen to know everything about you and your family because I believe that my girlfriend Natasha is your baby sister.
Mary couldnt control herself now and she was looking clearly nervous and upset and tears were coming down her face.
Mike: Mary honey calm down, remember your heart.
This was it; Bette couldnt believe her ears, does Mary have a heart condition too just like Natasha, oh my god what are the odds?????????
Mary: Natasha, yes it was the name of my baby sister, do you think that your girlfriend is my little sister? Where is she, take me to her I need to see her for myself?? Oh my god oh my god, this is unbelievable, am I hearing this right? Could it be after all these years??????????
Bette: Mary are you ok, I am sorry if I upset you, but I promised Natasha, and she begged me to find out. You know it is her 25th birthday today, and that is what brought us her tonight to celebrate her day, but we didnt except this to happen, who wouldve known?????
Mary: Bette, where is she, where is she, please take me to her now.
Bette got up with shaky legs took hold of Marys hand excused herself and walked back to where Nat was sitting. Marys eyes almost popped out when she saw Natasha, it was unbearable, unbelievable, those eyes, if she remembers anything about her sister it would be her deep green piercing eyes, she couldnt contain herself, was this grown up woman really her baby sister??????? Natasha stood up when she saw Bette approach her leading the woman behind her.
Bette: Natasha this is Mary Jubraan Philips, does the name ring a bell?
Natashas heart could have skipped a beat, Mary Jubraan, what are the odds? It is the name of my sister, she must be my sister, I was right my heart was right when I first saw her, it led me to her. Natasha put her hand to her chest, she was gasping for air and she wanted to scream and shout and cry all at the same time.
Bette: Nat did you hear me sweetheart; I think you are right this is your sister Mary.
Natasha: Mary, my big sister Mary, is it you, oh my god Mary oh my god how much I missed you and all the others, Ive never lost hope in finding you.
Natasha fell in Marys arms and was kissing her and hugging her, they both were crying now so did Bette joined by Mike. This went on for few minutes when Bette asked them all to sit down and have a drink or something to calm them down. She wanted to lighten up the atmosphere, she was worried about Natasha in her condition, not to mention Mary too, my god double trouble on her hands if anything happen.
Bette: Natasha, Mary please sit down, you need to compose yourselves you have a lifetime to catch up, Mike please sit down.
They all listened to Bette, Natasha and Mary still holding hands; they sat down next to each others.
Mary: Natasha, do you know where Jack is have you heard from him?
Nat: No Mary unfortunately I dont, but what about Daniel, do you know where he is?
Mary: Yes I know where Daniel is because both of us were placed with the same family. I stayed with them till I went to college so did Daniel and we are still in touch I know where her lives with his wife and children.
Oh Natasha my not so little sister anymore, you look great and what is that are you with a child?
Nat: Yes Mary, Bette and I are having a son.
Mary: Oh my god Natasha, this cant get any better, what about mother and father do you see them at all?
Nat: Mother calls me once a year, its a long story and father no, not a word, I guess he is still alive.
Nat and Mary had so many questions to ask each others but for now they were happy to just hold each others.
Bette looked on with a worm heart, her family is getting bigger thanks to Natasha, the more the better.

Bette: Mary, Mike you would like to join us tonight, I have a surprise planned for Natasha back at home, all our friends are going to be there so is my sister Kit. Mary still looking at Nat said yes we would, thank you Bette, she moved her eyes and looked at Bette.
Mary: Bette thank you for looking after my sister and for bringing her back to me, if you didnt come here tonight I would not have found her, I am so grateful to you.
Bette: You are welcome Mary, Natasha is everything to me and tonight I am going to prove it, so shall we go we cant keep the girls waiting, the Limo is outside, you can leave your car here and come and pick it up later Mike if that is ok with you, come on lets go.
Bette took Natashas other hand in hers and escorted them outside to where the Limo was waiting. to be continued………