“What is it about?” Tina asks.

“Well, it’s about changes and loss. How to deal with the difficult emotions. The ones I am not too comfortable with, or at least was. Fear, grief. And anger, well I have never had a problem with anger. But fear and grief has not come easily to me. So, the books cover all that and how to uncover our authentic selves… Maybe it’s a good book for you to read also?” Bette says and suggests.

“Wow, yeah, it sounds like a book I should read.” Tina agrees. She swallows the lump that came up her throat at Bette’s words, and she quickly wipe away the tear that slipped out, hoping that Bette did not notice. She stood up. “I need the bathroom. I’ll be back.” She says and hurries out and down the hallway. She closes the door behind her and sit down on the toilet and starts sobbing. The reality of everything starts pouring down on her. She knew she had hurt Bette by leaving. But knowing that Bette still loved her and was willing to take her back made it worse in a way. She did not deserve it she thought. She has told Bette that she would work hard on why she had felt the need to leave and was more determined now than before to find the answers. Bette had not said too much, be at the same time, said so much with sharing thoughts about the book. She kept sobbing, holding her hands in front of her mouth to keep the sounds to a minimal. Tears pouring out of her eyes.

“I’m so sorry Bette for what I’ve done to you and our family.” She whispers to the empty bathroom.

Suddenly there is a soft knock on the door.

“Tee?” Bette calls from the outside.

This get Tina back from her thoughts and tries to dry her tears.

“Yeah. I’ll be right out.” Tina replies as she tries to sound normal, but Bette can hear that it’s far from normal. She slowly opens the door and sees Tina leaning on the vanity, head hanging low

“Tee?” Bette says again as she sees Tina struggling to get her posture back.

“Yeah.” Tina whispers as she hangs her head even lower before she looks up into the mirror and meet Bette’s eyes though it. Bette walks quickly over to her and place her hand on Tina’s shoulder and pulls her close, wrapping her arms around Tina. This makes Tina cry even harder, losing the slight resolve she had gathered the last few moments.

“Shh, sweetie. Let it all out. I am here. I’ll catch you.” Bette whispers into Tina’s ears.

They stood in the bathroom for 10 minutes with Bette holding on to Tina. The whole situation made Bette shed a few tears also.

“I’m sorry.” Tina says as she dries her eyes once more. This time new tears are not coming out. Bette brings her hands up to Tina’s face and softly caress her cheeks. She leans in for a soft kiss.

“I love you Tina. Please talk to me.” Bette says.

“Let’s get out of the bathroom at least.” Tina says as she gives Bette a sad smile.

“Sure, come on.” Bette says as she takes Tina’s hand and together, they walk into the living room and takes a seat on the couch. They sit facing each other. Bette takes Tina’s hands in hers.