Fan Fiction
This story has been set to a rating of R. Age verification is required to proceed.
Chapter 12 – Progress
Login to add story to favorites
(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)You need to be a registered member to rate this post.
Loading ...
Dana looked more serious when she talked about work.
”Those are beautiful thoughts, Dana. Do you work with a specific Foundation or with individuals?”
Bette was interested in the topic of charity. He and Tina have been friends with various foundations for many years and help whenever possible.
”I would like to start with helping cancer patients… I think it will be both individuals and charitable organizations. Perhaps, over time, it will be one specific Fund… I’m still trying to figure it out”
”Bette knows a lot of founders in various organizations, and you two could talk about it in more detail”
Tina wanted to catch a glimpse of Bette, but instead their eyes met and it took a little longer than it should have.
”Tina, how long will you be here? I thought you were based in Toronto. I’m sorry about Carrie. Al told me you two broke up not too long ago”
Dana looked at her friend, wanting to know more about her life now. Alice told her snatches of news about everyone and nothing was clear. Both Bette and Tina tensed visibly at the mention of Carrie.
”Angie’s leaving for College very soon and I want to spend more time with her now, so… we are shooting a movie here, everything has worked out very well and I will be able to spend some time here”
”This is good for all of you guys, Ange must be thrilled”
Shane smiled and looked at Tina and then at Bette
”And not just Ange…”
Alice muttered, looking down at her cup and then at Bette. The brunette gave her a sidelong look as she finished her coffee.
They talked a lot about everything: children, work, mutual acquaintances, plans. It was a pleasant meeting of old friends that was coming to an end. They agreed to meet for a barbecue at Shane’s house in a couple of days to spend a full evening together.
__________________
It’s been about four weeks. Bette and Tina stayed in the same place – they had a good relationship, saw each other often, talked constantly, had dinner together, had sex most often at Tina’s house, after which Bette did not stay the night, as she had to go home. They still haven’t talked about all this with Angie, or with each other, actually. Absolutely no forward movement. They enjoyed each other, but this limbo weighed on both of them. They felt tense at any meeting with friends, because if one of them allowed himself to relax – it will be gentle looks, touches and all the things that they did not want to show friends. They have already come across one bomb, called ”slightly drunk Alice” and her exclamation ”Why are you both so mysterious?!”. It had turned into a joke at the time, mostly thanks to Shane, but Bette had seen that meaningful look in her friend’s eyes and didn’t even want to think about how much she and Tina were giving themselves away.
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
So the reason for the split was a gradual drifting apart? That seems reasonable. And Bette blames herself for 80% of this drifting? Okay… and Bette is scared that she will repeat this sometime in the future and will lose Tina again. But what they both agree on is that they are much happier together than they ever can be apart so they agree to try and reconcile their relationship? Well, I think this was a good talk and a good beginning. I really think they need to delve into the specifics more so they are both aware of the effects their behavior had on the other. They need to be able to recognize the signs that things are deteriorating and sooner rather than later. It’s to easy to fall back into old habits and relationships and get the same results. Both will have to make some changes to be sure that problems are addressed as they happen and not allow to sit an marinate and cause resentment and hard feelings. It will take effort on both of their parts to make it work. Communication is the key and on a constant and consistent basis. The solutions may not be satisfactory for both parties, but at least identifying the problem will go a long way toward a mutually agreed upon solution. Knowing they love each other and that they can share their thoughts with each other without being judgemental helps tremendously.
Thank you for this lovely chapter…. cannot wait to read more.
Agree, Martha. Well said. Important to recognize that both caused any drifting. I seriously doubt Bette is 80 percent responsible and it is dangerous for her to think that. This is the ghost of Melvin Porter once again. Bette should not take on a majority of that burden. Plus it is a very odd calculation. Based upon what exactly? Communication is more essential than ever. Both need to own their patterns of behavior and work together towards the end result they both want. Not a time for Tina to let Bette be scared and feel guilty. Own your letter Tina. Let’s not muddy the waters now. Work the issues together.
It’s just a lack of communication between them at the time when they were going to get divorced. None of them are guilty to a greater or lesser extent, and it hardly makes sense to measure who is more at fault. But Bette’s character is such that she either feels absolutely right, or believes that she destroyed everything herself. No half measures. Emotional lady. But that’s what makes it interesting, I think :)
And you’re right that Tina should pay attention to Bette’s desperate self-blame.
Thanks for the reply. That is our Bette and yes Tina needs to pay attention. Now the hard work begins.
I echo Billy’s great comment – especially the ‘own your letter’ Tina., work the issues together. There is so much more to unwrap. This relationship is like an onion, layer after layer that makes you cry as you peel. This chapter is an EXCELLENT start to talking, owning their share and supporting each other through each layer. Looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks, ADA
You are as always incredible in metaphors, BK. Thank you for reading.
You’re so right, Martha. It’s so hard to start a relationship over, remembering everything that happened before. It is difficult to retrain yourself in something, not to make the same mistakes. Added to this is the fear that you will do something wrong and everything will collapse again. So it’s a long way with a lot of “traps” and “secret doors”.
Thank you for your detailed comment.
Hmm, i must say i disagree with Bette about her though that divorce was necessary – i think it was worst thing that happen with them. Why? Because it you can’t resolve your problems in marriage what a chance that you can resolve them after divorce? I think very and very small.
In reality that’s why relationship practically never work in second try.
It seems to me that sometimes to solve problems, you need to look at the situation from the other side. In their case, from divorced people who don’t live together. Sure, divorce is a hard and painful thing, but sometimes it also starts to be a catalyst for resuming a stronger, more thoughtful relationship. Of course, none of them were happy after the divorce, but he played an important role in making everyone understand something for themselves. It’s not typical, but it happens…
Hey Ada,
Engaging chapter.
Liked them working on their issues & owning their responsibilities in their relationship. & taking the steps to avoid the pitfalls this time around.
Thanks for the update!!!
Collins
Hi! I’m glad you took the time to read this chapter. I’m waiting for the moment when I can read your latest update – it’s difficult because we both write about gq. And I love your story so much, it’s so multi-faceted!
Thank you for your comment, Collins.
Hey Ada,
Always have time to read new chapters. As your fellow author, I want to support everyone as well.
Again, terrific chapter & thanks for giving us another view of Tibette.
Take care.
Collins
A
Love how Angie knows about what is going on between her parents, but is old enough to understand the need to let it happen at its own pace.
There are so many different approaches to explaining the end of a long term relationship. I love how you have captured the differing perspectives, yet being able to have each character see the others point of view. Communication is at the foundation of any reconciliation.
Love how this is unfolding.
K
Thank you very much! I’m happy when I see your comments. The process of connecting after a divorce is really an important part of the family experience and communication is the key to love without pain.