Tina had given a lot of thought to everything Bette told her during the ride over to the hotel that evening and much too late to do anything about it she now believed every word. She’d been such a fool to get sucked into Helena’s web of deception. She berated herself for trusting a total stranger; a woman she’d known for mere weeks over one that she’d known, loved and lived with for years. Even now after being separated for two Tina still loved Bette with a passion she couldn’t deny. They were no longer in love but they would always have a special bond that would keep them connected and an integral part of each other’s lives always.

As much as she loved Bette and she knew Bette loved her, Tina conceded that Emma was the better partner for Bette. There was no jealousy or animosity between them and given time they would become good friends. Tina could see how happy and content Bette was these days. Much of it was due to the relationship she shared with her new life-partner. Witnessing Bette and Emma’s love for each other and knowing the joy that this baby has brought them made Tina take note of her own life. She knew it was high time she took a step back to do some soul searching; to figure out exactly what she wanted in her life and what it would take to make it happen.

She wasn’t sure what she felt for Helena at this juncture and after tonight she wasn’t sure what Helena’s feelings would be towards her. They’d made plans earlier in the day to go back to Tina’s house after the event to talk but she would need to gauge Helena’s mood very carefully before she let herself be left alone with her. She could tell Helena was furious when she’d exited the limo with Peggy and it no doubt added fuel to the fire when she saw Tina and Bette standing together outside the hotel entrance.

Helena walked up to Tina; took her elbow possessively and walked her into the hotel ballroom without even glancing at Bette. Tina didn’t want to cause a scene so she went willingly but she didn’t like it one bit. She glanced back and saw that Bette had taken Peggy’s elbow as mother and daughter walked in step both beaming with the happiness of finally being reunited after the long separation.