“Are you really serious about staying?” Angie asks, wanting to be 100% sure.

“Yes, I am. The only trip back to Canada is to get my things and close up my apartment.” Tina replies.

“Do you want mama B back?” Angie follows up with the question she most wants answered.

“I love her Angie. I lost sight of that. I blamed her for my own problems. I didn’t do what we promised to do several years ago, and that was to talk to each other. I lost myself. I should have talked to Bette about it. Instead I got angry and I distanced myself more and more.” Tina starts, but stops as she runs her hands through her hair and looks lovingly down at Bette who is still sleeping.
“I got into a depression that I couldn’t get myself out of on my own and I didn’t recognize it, so I didn’t seek outside help either. And the result was, divorce. I just had to get away.” Tina says and looks over at Angie. She walks over to the small sofa that is in the corner of the room. Angie follows and takes a seat next to her mom. “I realize a lot now in hindsight. Then Carrie came along, she was the opposite of Bette. Calm, easy going, relaxed. I liked the change. I didn’t get stressed around her. She gave me room, space.” Tina says and looks over at Bette, still sleeping.

“Mama B didn’t give you space?” Angie asks curiously, wanting to know what that meant.

“She did, but I didn’t feel it or recognize it. I guess I was too far gone. But she does take up the room. But that is how she is. She doesn’t know it or notice it. But what I realize is that I can’t change her nor should I.” Tina continues, wiping a new tear that has found its way down her cheek.

“Do you think she would take you back?” Angie softly asks.

“I don’t know. I know she loves me, she told me that. I hurt her Angie. Deeply. I don’t deserve her. Divorcing her and then finding someone else. I don’t know if we’ll ever get passed that.” Tina voices her biggest concern. Angie looks at her mama T and starts to say something, but is interrupted by a small voice from the bed.