Fan Fiction
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Chapter 20 – The love of your life
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”I’m relieved. I didn’t think it would, but I feel this strange lightness. It was as if a huge concrete slab had been pressing down on me all this time, and now it had been moved”
”I thought we’d never be able to open this box, turn on these videos… I’m in pain, but at the same time I feel that this pain is not as hopeless as it was. Like it really got better,” Tina wiped away the tears that were under her eyes and on her cheeks.
Bette stared at her for about 5 seconds, then got up a little and reached out to hug her.
”This is such a long-awaited moment. We were able to do that”
They hugged, stroking each other’s heads, snuggling gently but firmly, holding each other in their arms. With their hugs, they woke Angie, who was still lying between them. She started to get up, without opening her eyes, and in a sleepy voice muttering something like ”I fell asleep, I’ll go to my room”. Bette let go of Tina, smiled, and pulled her daughter back to a horizontal position, lying down next to her but still touching Tina’s arm. They hadn’t slept the three of them in ages. Today was such an evening, after which they didn’t want to go to the different rooms, so that in a few minutes all three had already fallen into a deep sleep.
____________________
It’s been four weeks. Tina and Bette began visiting Salma together for couples counseling, also continuing to go to her separately on occasion. It was a useful and productive step that started to work positively for them. Their already good relationship began to gain that confidence, stability, which they had largely lost due to the divorce. They felt the movement forward and they undoubtedly enjoyed this development very much. There was something magical about it, because for the first time in their lives, neither of them forced themselves to change, it was not a turning point, they seemed to be quietly going with the flow, at the same time changing for the better, making their relationship the way they always wanted it to be, but at the same time not breaking each other’s characters. This was largely due to Salma, who tactfully guided women in the direction that eventually turned out to be the most faithful and healthy for them. Of course, she never dictated to them the conditions and a plan that must be followed. She talked to them in such a way that they themselves embarked on the path that makes their life together as comfortable as possible for both of them. An important part of this successful therapy was that both Tina and Bette were ready for it and gave it their full strength, both equally interested in it and needed it all to happen to them right now. They both realized more and more every day that the time had finally come when all the complaints, problems, unresolved issues that had accumulated over the years were really moving forward, being resolved and closed, turning only into an experience, leaving a clear space for something new, less difficult, more pleasure.
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Hi Ada,
Wow, such a powerful chapter. From Tina’s conversation with Margot – I loved Tina telling her not to disrespect her wife. So glad they put up pictures of Oli; the scene with them going through her box was so well-written and moving. I felt like crying with them. When Bette gave the ring back to Tina – I was just blown away. Just a beautiful moment.
Such a nice words!
Thank you, Westy!
The sadness of going through Oli’s things and watching the home movies of Oli. Then hanging the pictures of Oli in the house. The acknowledgement that she was a part of their lives and loved is very emotional. Committing as a family that she will never be forgotten is a true step forward in the healing process. The hurt from her loss will never go away, but grieving and acknowledge her and the joy she brought to their lives while with them, helps the soul to adjust.
The returning of the ring to Tina is significant of Bette trust that Tina is truly back. Tina’s suggestion of an exchange of vows also helps to diminish Bette’s fears.
So they are going to allow a 16-year old to plan and organize their twenty-fifth anniversary celebration? Wow…. that is a leap of faith. “Just let me know what you and I’ll arrange it.”
Thanks for the chapter….
A leap of faith strengthens relationships with children, I think. Thanks, Martha!
Ada,
I wont quote this whole chapter back to ya, but it really was a very fulfilling meal.
Like that Tina met quickly with Margot after returning to LA for good having finished tasks in Canada. Liked that Tina confronted Margot asking her flat out “What’s the matter? Do you have a problem with my wife?” She was respectful knowing that she & Margot were going to be working on future projects, but there was NO mistaken that she was going to side with Bette first if there was a misunderstanding or conflict.
Bette continuing to confide honestly with Selma wanting to understand why jealousy continued to arise in her psyche when thinking about Carrie & Margo. And they seemed to work through that nicely. It’s a scary thing to wonder if your beloved might be having thoughts that there may be something or someone better than yourself.
You were masterful in writing about the coming together of this family to deal with the “memories” of a lost baby was exceptional. How they opened that sacred box of physical memories and all three of them let the tears flow freely on what the items meant, and the emotions that were attached. Quietly they removed all the items and to their great surprise, the weight of the sorrow of that even lifted from each one of them.
Now they would be able to still have joyful memories that NO longer had the sting of death in them. They were going to decorate their home with the art that was Ollie. Reaching this point in momentous in life.
And then, Bette taking the chance to bring forth the commitment ring that Tina had left behind when she left never asking about its whereabouts. Twenty-five years together could now be celebrated with renewal of vows in the presence of family & friends. How cool is going to be that Angie is “in charge” of that upcoming celebration!
Bravo to Angie!! Now if she can just keep Bette out of the middle of it, it will be good-to-go!!!
Angie is a good daughter :)
I love reading your opinion on this story. Thank you so much!
Hi Ada,
I am mostly a silent reader, but want to tell you that i love this story!!!
Did i read it correct it’s almost finished? Sad to read.
It’s all coming together, they have made a major progress, dealing with their own issues and together and feel confident, Bette, that their relationship will last this time.
I love your therapist Salma, she is great and knows what she is doing, and Bette the anti therapy lady likes her as person and has made so much progress.
Glad that Tina spoke with Margot and set bounderies between them. If Tina made one little hint she wanted more then friendship, Margot wouldn’t wait for a second and jump her. But Tina is madly in love with Bette and has no interest at all.
About Oli, i agree with DumplinT comment, i don’t know what i could add, well said!
And the return of the ring and what it means, beautiful, the circle is round again!
Thank you so much for this incredible story!
That’s very kind of you! Yes, the story is coming to an end and it is so strange for me, as if during this time it has become for me some kind of native or something :)
Thank you, Bibi!
I’m a silent reader and want you to know I love this story.
I’m very pleased to know this.
And I’m so glad you like it!
Thank you for the chapter!
It was a great idea to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, but Angie as an organizer? Hmm, and Bette did allow her to do all work?
We’ll see what comes of it :)
Thank you for reading!
Also a silent reader and I have enjoyed reading your story.
Thank you! It’s important for me to know that.