“Don’t ever give up hope sweetie. Just because Tina and I didn’t work out doesn’t mean that you won’t find that special someone.”

“Yeah well it still sucks. You two are just meant to be.”

“I thought so too. If anyone had told me we weren’t going to last forever I wouldn’t have believed them. These past seven years have been the best in my life Shane. I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything in the world. Granted this past year was very difficult for both of us and the way things are now I can’t see us staying together but that doesn’t mean that my love for her is diminished in any way.”

“If you still love her then why are you letting her go?”

“It’s because I love her that I have to let her go Shane. It’s my love for her that puts her happiness before my own. She’s not happy with me, our marriage, our sexuality, our lifestyle, our diversity. It’s like we no longer have anything in common. Emotionally she left me months ago and to be honest that was more painful than her leaving me now.”

“How can you say that?”

“Shane she checked out of our marriage without even a hint as to what was going on with her. At least now I know what I’m dealing with.”

“Couldn’t you have asked her to stay … to at least try to work things out?”

“How could I ask her to stay or to try to make a go of our relationship when we are so far apart right now?”

“So you’re just giving up?”

“I didn’t give up Shane. Tina did. I suggested the separation so we could both think about what we wanted and so she could ‘explore’ her feelings for men. I mean what else could I do? She’s not in love with me anymore. I can’t give her what she wants.”

Bette broke down and cried on Shane’s shoulders. Shane didn’t say anything else. She just held Bette close and rocked her until she was able to stem the tears. Bette got it under control and Shane released her. They stood up from the steps.

“I’m sorry Shane. I didn’t mean to fall apart on you.”