Maxine: “Well then you have to fight for her. Fight for her love.”

Bette: “Mom are you serious?”

Maxine: “Yes baby, fight for her. I’m going to go. Go and talk to her, tell her how you feel. And please remember I love you.”

My mom left and I decide to go down to Tina, the front door is open and I can hear Ella’s laughter. They both are on the couch, Tina busy tickling Ella……

Bette: “Hallo you guys.”

Ella: “Bette you have to help me….. Get my mom of me.”

I just laugh at her, and then try to help Ella. I grab Tina by her shoulders and pull her into my chest….. And for a second it feels like old time again. But then she froze and I let her go.

Bette: “Sorry Tina, I didn’t mean to ……….”

Tina: “It is ok Bette don’t worry. Ella it is time for bed. Go get into bed, I will come and say goodnight to you now.”

Ella calls us and we both go to the bedroom, I have to read her a story, and while busy she fell asleep. Tina show me that I can stop and we both go back to the living room.

Tina: “Can I get you something to drink. Maybe a glass of wine?”

Bette: “Yes please I would love a glass of wine.”

We sit with our feel in the pool and drink our wine.

Bette: “Tina I need to tell you something.”

Tina: “No Bette please I know you want to talk but please just give me more time.”

Bette: “Ok I will, but maybe if it is ok with you, can I write you a letter?”

Tina: “Fine write me a letter, tell me on paper what you want to say to me. And then I will respond to that also in a letter.”

Bette: “Thanks, ok I’m going to bed. Thanks for the wine, I will bring you breakfast tomorrow morning. And please know I love you. Goodnight.”

Tina: “Goodnight Bette.”

I go back to the house, not because I want to, I just want to stay with Tina hold her in my arms and kiss her, but I know it is too soon. So instead I’m going to bed and I’m going to write her my letter.