Tina: And we changed our viewpoint as well. Most of our problems were so intertwined with each other that it is impossible to look at the individually incidents now at this point. I think that it made us grow up and face things truthfully and honestly and with each other.

Bette: I know it did for me.  It caused me to be more us centered and not as much you and me centered.

Tina: I came to realize that you cannot be my everything. I have to take responsibility for my own happiness and my own path forward. It made me realize what a wonderful partner you are. Your North Star is what is best for all of us. Not just what we want but the ramifications of what we want and who we want to be. These past six months have been some of the best of my life. We have created a whole new life and whole new family. And you have been more attentive than even when we first started to see each other. And it fills my heart with love and joy. Thankyou Bette choosing me. I love you SOOO much.

Tina leaned over and kissed Bette. Bette’s eyes were tearing up.

Bette: Oh, Tina. Without you none of this would exist. You know that, don’t you. At any point you could have said “I’m not ready yet” and I would have put the brakes on. You have as much say in how we live as I do. That was the bargain we struck a long time ago. We were going to do this together. And I meant it. I love you, Tina. And if it’s possible, a little more each day.

Tina:  We had better get some sleep. We are going to do a lot of walking tomorrow. So, why don’t we drink some water and call it a day?

Bette: Yeah, I’m ready. I think I’m done with the lotion. I loved the way you talk to Angie. I think you gave her just the right amount of information without getting too much into our mistakes. I think you answered her question too. And more than that, I think you helped Susanne, Mary and Margaret too. Especially Mary and Margaret. Those two are making the leap to a lesbian relationship. I especially like the fact that you said I am who I was because I am a woman.  I really never thought about that, but you are right. I have always had a woman’s body and been treated as a woman. I have no idea who I would be if I had a man’s body and had always been treated as a man. My experiences would be completely different and therefore I would possibly be significantly different.