Fan Fiction
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Eternal Flames—Chapter 2
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“I know. And I’m not saying you should forgive her. But maybe… maybe you could try to heal together.”
The door opened, and Tina emerged, closing it softly behind her. “He’s out like a light,” she said, then noticed Edwin and Bette in the hallway. “What’s going on?”
“Just talking,” Edwin said, kissing her forehead. “I’m proud of you for trying tonight.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Tina waited until he disappeared downstairs, then turned to Bette. “Walk with me? Outside?”
They made their way to the backyard, where the old rope swing still hung from the massive oak tree. Tina sat down on the porch steps, and after a moment, Bette joined her.
“I used to come sit out here after everything and started Law School,” Tina said quietly. “Wondering what you were doing, if you were happy, if you missed home”
“I did miss home. More than I ever admitted.”
“But you never came back.”
“Because home meant you. And you had made it clear that you didn’t want me anymore.”
Tina was quiet for a long moment. “I was so stupid, Bette. So fucking stupid.”
“We were young then. We made mistakes.”
“I made mistakes. You were trying to protect me, and I threw it back in your face.”
“Tina, we don’t have to…”
“Yes, we do. I need to say this.” Tina turned to face her. “I need you to know that not a day has gone by that I haven’t regretted what I said to you. Not a day that I haven’t wished I could take it back.”
“What would you take back?”
“All of it. Choosing him over you. Calling you jealous. Telling you that you didn’t understand love because you’d never found it.” Tina’s voice broke. “God, Bette, the look on your face when I said that. I’ve never forgiven myself for it.”
“It hurt,” Bette admitted. “But you were right about one thing. I guess I had never found love. Not the way I wanted”
“Why?”
Bette was quiet for a moment, then stood up. “I think that’s enough for tonight. You’ve had a long day.”
“Bette, please. I’m not trying to pry, I just…”
“I know. But I’m not ready to talk about that yet. Give me time.”
Tina nodded, disappointment clear in her eyes. “Okay. I can wait.”
“Thank you. For understanding.”
“For what it’s worth, I hope you find someone that makes you happy. You deserve that.”
As Bette headed back inside, she found herself thinking about Carson’s innocent questions, about the picture Tina kept in her drawer, about the way Tina had looked at her during dinner. Maybe Edwin was right. Maybe they could heal together.
But healing would have to wait. Right now, they were still learning how to be in the same room without breaking each other’s hearts all over again.
And that, Bette thought, was progress enough for one day.
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Progress has been made, i agree with Bette.
Carson sounds as a really sweet loving boy who loves his mother very much and want her happy.
Tina needs to be careful, Bette warned her she isn’t ready to tell about her private life and still she asked it twice already, maybe not intentionally but still, she needs to be patient.