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Chapter 12 – Progress
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Bette was only too happy that Tina and Angie were beginning to regain the degree of intimacy they had had a few years ago, before their divorce. She gave enough space for her girls to be alone, but she was also not deprived of her daughter’s attention. A couple of days ago, Bette, Angie and her friend Natalie took part in a campaign to save the natural climate and switch to renewable energy sources. After that, they had lunch together, and later took a walk in the Park.
”I feel happy right now. No matter what happens, it seems to me that everything is going right.”
That’s what Angie said during that walk and what’s stuck in Bette’s head. A short line, spoken casually, without further conversation or focus on it, but these were such important words. What made Bette think that maybe their drawn-out, unsolvable reconciliation with Tina is actually what’s going to happen. Perhaps they didn’t need to start serious conversations right away, think about what would happen tomorrow, make plans. Maybe they just need this time when they can be crazy lovers again, feel young and in love, do strange, dizzying things, secretly kiss, feel the adrenaline and escape from the whole world together. Perhaps the constant problems, the course of life and all this ”seriousness” so engulfed their relationship in the past that now the universe just wants to plunge them into something new, something unthinkable and seemingly so frivolous, but something that reanimates them as a couple and in the end will be right.
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Natalie invited Angie to go with her to her grandmother’s vineyards for 5 days. Bette wasn’t happy with the idea at first. She was worried that her daughter would be so far away. Yes, and together with unfamiliar people. Natalie is a good girl, but they have only recently been in contact with Angie and this is not the person who is part of Bette’s circle of trust. Especially for such rather long trips. In the end, Tina convinced the brunette that nothing terrible would happen if Angie had a little fun with a friend and lived at least 5 days on her own. At first, Bette wanted to argue with this, but then accepted defeat. She sometimes forgot that Angie is no longer a little girl, but almost an adult, independent person who is most likely able to live without her mother’s control for 5 days. This was a frequent problem for Bette, but she tried to work on herself and give Angie as much space as possible. Inside, she knew it was best for her daughter, but it was difficult. The same can’t be said for Tina. She easily separated what is called care from what is called hyper-care. Especially now, Tina wanted to give Angie as much free space as she needed, so that she could build her personal boundaries correctly and understand how much control she could have over her life outside the home. This trip was a good opportunity and Tina promised Angie that she would talk to Bette, when Bette immediately flatly replied ”no”. And the conversation worked. Angie had been near Santa Cruz for 4 days and of course called Bette several times a day to tell her that she was fine.
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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.