“Yeah, I can imagine she’d do that. The only thing you can do, is to be there for her. Because eventually she’ll need you even more than she has these past three weeks.” Maryann says.

“Yeah, she had a small breakdown earlier but, I could tell that it wasn’t the real one. So I’m waiting for it. Giving her time to process everything, sort it out in her own time and way.” Bette says.

“Yeah, that’s about all you can do for her.” Maryann says. “So, what is going on between you two, is there something on the horizon?” Maryann asks silently with a smile.

“Well, I like her, I like her a lot, but she’s not ready for anything. But I’ve told her that I like her and that I’ll wait for her. She’s nothing like anyone I’ve ever met. She’s just simply amazing. And the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She just takes my breath away every time she smile or looks at me. I’m smitten for sure.” Bette says as she lets out a chuckle.

“Yeah, we can all see it. We see it in her too. She’s a really good person, seems kind and real.” Maryann says reassuringly.

“Yeah? That’s good, but as I told her, I’ll wait forever for her. I think she’s the one.” Bette says a single tear find its way down her cheek.

“Hey, when did you become so emotional?” Maryann asks softly.

“The moment I saw Tina. She took something from me that night. She managed to get inside the ice-castle in a way.” Bette says with a smile.

“Well, it was about time. You’ve been alone for too long Bette. You deserve someone to share your life with. After that last relationship you were in, what was her name… Jodie? My God, she was so not the one for you. I’m glad you finally saw it for yourself.” Maryann states.

“Yeah, she was completely wrong for me. She didn’t even like or want kids. And I want kids in my life. Even if I’m a lesbian, everything still works, I’m still a woman who wants everything a woman wants… you know?” Bette says.

“Yeah, I know that feeling of wanting kids, the need to be a mother. It’s a strong feeling. And when we had Mark, it just blew me away. I didn’t know how I could love someone so much, it just consumed me totally. It’s that famous unconditional love, it’s real, it’s not just made up.” Maryann says with a smile.

“Yeah, I’m starting to see what you mean. Falling in love is a wonderful feeling.” Bette says.

“It is… It most certainly is.” Maryann agrees.

What Bette and Maryann didn’t know, was that Tina had overheard most of their conversation. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop but, she couldn’t help herself, when she heard them talking about her. She wanted to know what they felt about her, talking about her without her there. Were their views different than when she stood in front of them? What she heard made her smile as tears fell from her eyes. “There are good people in this world, and I think I have the best of them all.” Tina says to herself as she silently walks back to the couch and takes a seat. The tears keep coming, she can’t seem to stop them. She feels like the weight of the world is being lifted off of her shoulders. This was it, her old life was over, and a new one is starting today.