“I’m not going to leave again Bette.” Tina whispers, holding on to Bette’s hand tightly. “I know my track record on the subject is far from perfect, but I promise you that I will not leave this time.” Tina says.

“How can you really know though?” Bette asks carefully.

“I lost sight of so much, I lost myself, my autonomy, my self-belief. And I didn’t have a clue as to how to get those back. How to get myself back. I blamed you, I blamed you for everything. I didn’t see a way out of it, except to leave. Get away from the situation.” Tina says as tears streams down her face. “Recharge myself somehow.” She adds.

“I am sorry you felt that way. But I really wish you would’ve told me, that you talked to me. Could I have done something back then?” Bette asks.

“No, I don’t think so. I think I just needed to get away at that time. I was poison. The only light in my day back then was Angie. And even her I hurt beyond measure when I left and did not come for Kit’s funeral. I’ll have a problem forgiving myself for that.” Tina says as she looks into Bette’s eyes.

“I’m getting there, with forgiving you. I know how hard it must have been for you. And you are a kind person Tina. You think about everyone else before yourself. That is a quality I love and adore about you, always has. But I can see you loosing sight of that with everything that went on with you at that time. That you finally had to say stop and think about only yourself for a while. And I’m sorry if my behavior or personality made you feel like that. I will do better.” Bette says seriously.

“I don’t want you to change Bette. You were never the problem. That I know. I will get to the bottom of it eventually with the help of my therapist.” Tina says with a soft smile. “I love who you are Bette.” She adds and leans in for a soft kiss. They lay looking into each other’s eyes for a few minutes. “Shall we get up? It’s still early, but since we are awake, we could get up now and then we don’t need to rush it later to make the appointment on time.” Tina suggests.