“Bette, I am so sorry – for everything.  I know I didn’t feel very attractive at that time and to be honest, I think I was still punishing you on some level for cheating on me…” Tina said with sad eyes.  There was a long pause and the air was still, thick with regret.

“Is this the first time you two have verbalized these feelings?” Dan broke the silence.

“Yes,” they both said in unison.

“Ah, that’s what I thought.  Here is my observation, ladies.  Basic, honest, up-front communication seems to be a weakness of your relationship.  Most of what we have discussed here today could have been avoided if you all had talked about it beforehand and been honest about your feelings with one another,” said Dan.

“You need to tell each other how you feel, and often.  Now is as good a time as any.”  Dan waited for one of them to begin.

Bette looked up at Dan and then over to Tina.  She scooted closer and grasped Tina’s hands in hers.  “Tina.  You are the love of my life, and I am sorry for ever violating your trust.  You know, I constantly go over those events in my mind, wondering at what point I could have stopped myself and why I didn’t.  I just…” she couldn’t seem to find the words.  “And you know what else?  You are not ‘the other woman.’  You are my one and only – you have been so patient, just biding your time until my heart found its way back to you.  Honestly everything and everyone else since you has been a distraction at best.”  Bette began to tear up,”  I’m sorry it took me so long, so so sorry…”

“Bette, stop,” Tina said.  “It’s in the past, ok?  That was a long time ago and it is over, ok?  I love you, Bette, and I always have.  I know now that I always will and nothing is going to change that.  And I know you.  I know you need to be wanted so I am going to make more of an effort to show you from now on.  I won’t ever let our love grow cold like I did a year ago, never again.”  She had such a look of earnest sincerity in her eyes that Bette wanted to pull her into a kiss right then.