Walking into the restaurant, they were met by Mario, the owner “Ms Porter, Ms Kennard what a nice surprise to see you both, it’s been a long time…yes?”

“Hello Mario,” replied Bette. “Yes it has been a long time.”

“Well it is a pleasure to see you both. Please allow me to show you to your table.”

Mario led them through the restaurant to a door leading to the private dining room. He opens the door for Tina and as she walks by him and into the room, he whispers to Bette

“Everything has been arranged as per your request. I hope you enjoy your evening. I will let the staff know you have arrived.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate everything you did on such short notice. I hope Tina likes it.”

“I’m sure she will Ms Porter.” As Mario left, Bette stepped into the room and saw Tina standing there staring at her.

Smiling, Tina asked how Bette was able to arrange all of this on such short notice. Bette simply smiled and stated “I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it? My God Bette, it’s amazing. I’m simply stunned. Everything is so beautiful.”

Bette walked closer to Tina and whispered to her “not nearly as beautiful as you T.”

Tina blushed at the compliment. “Bette, I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s ok; you don’t have to say anything. Come, let’s sit.”

After Bette assisted Tina to her seat, and seated herself, she looked over at the only woman she had ever truly loved and said “you know when I think back 10 years, this isn’t exactly how I pictured we would be.”

“How did you think we would be Bette?”

Bette looked up at Tina and took a minute to collect her thoughts before speaking.

“I always pictured us together forever. Maybe a couple of kids, sharing a home together…..but somehow that didn’t happen. I got lost along the way and ruined everything.”

Tina carefully watched Bette as she spoke, seeing the deep sadness emanating from her eyes. If there was one thing about Bette Porter that had not changed over the years, it was the fact that you could see deep into her soul through her eyes. Bette could never hide her true emotions or feelings if she looked you in the eye. They were the windows to her soul.