“No Angie we are not. We all have
apologized to your mom for our behavior back then many times over. Even you’re
Grandma and Grandpa soon realized how sad your mother was for a very long time
even with Henry in her life. We all will continue to love you and grow to love
anyone male or female who loves you too honey.”

“Mom why did you stay with Henry? I
heard you cry yourself to sleep so many times and when I got older I knew it
was him who gave you the bruises you always seemed to wear. You were not happy
mom. Hell I hardly recall you smiling let alone laughing when I was growing
up.”

“I stayed because I had made my
choices a long time ago and it was too late to change anything and a small part
of me felt like I deserved it. Angie I am sure Bette still hates me for hurting
her so badly, I took you from her Angie and I’m sorry I did that to both of
you.”

“Mom thank you for finally telling
me the truth and I still love you after all I’m obligated too I’m your
daughter.” She said cracking a small smile and squeezing Maggie’s hand tightly.

“But Mom if you want closure and
you need it to move on with your life you need to apologize to Bette too. I
know it is something you want to do in person and you would rather wait until
you heal emotionally a little bit from our talk but you are leaving town tomorrow.
Do it before you leave Mom for me please? If it makes you feel any better after
you go home I will speak to her as well. What do ya say mom?”

Tina nodded her head in consent as
Angie got up to retrieve the Dean’s home address.

“Angie why do you have Bette’s home
address? I know it’s not given out to students especially when they are not
studying under her department head?” Tina asked her child with the raise of an
eyebrow.

Maggie quickly filled Tina in on the night they ran
into her ex girlfriend in the club. Suddenly understanding that Bette was still
protecting and looking out for her child’s well being brought a smile to her
weary face. It was nice to know that some things about the Bette Porter she
once loved had not changed.