Bette ? I am momentarily stunned, actually it is longer than a moment. I slowly turn my head to make sure I really heard it, her voice. I stare at Tina like she is a ghost. In a split second I am on my feet facing her. Am I going mad is she really here ? I see her watching me intently for a reaction, my body language will be more important than anything I say. Still I stare, trying to make sense of it. She is waiting for me to speak. Her eyes tell the truth, she comes here unwilling to hide anything. In that instant I know it is all or nothing. I put both my hands on my head, a gesture that might be confused but I cannot make sense of it. It must be after 1am and I am in another country, with my estranged wife who for weeks would not even speak to me and who can apparently find me anywhere. How did she find me ?
Tina : Bette. She says it again.
Tina : Bette, I know this is a surprise
Bette : Tee. Its all I say, I reach out and take her hands, she lets me. In my head I think I have so many questions. After a few seconds she breaks away. Im not sure I understand, she follows me all this way but I cannot hold her ?
Bette : We need to talk.
I nod, looking at the ground. I am suddenly embarrassed. How much this woman must love me to come here, 5 months pregnant and after all that has happenedsuddenly I think the worst.
Tina : Bette are you going to say anything to me ?
Bette : Tee, tee, you must be tired. Tee, what are you doing here ?
Tina just looks at me with the, you know full well why I am here look. I feel under the spotlight. This was the one thing I was not prepared for. I feel a little rush of anger at being intruded upon, or is it exposed ?
Tina : Bette, I am very tired. I wonder if we might go to bed and I will answer any questions you have tomorrow. But Bette, understand this, you will answer my questions. Do we understand each other ?
I nod, I dont look up. She asks me if I am OK. I say yes. I realize I forgot to ask her if she is OK. I ask if she is OK, if the baby is OK, she says fine but tired. The baby is fine. Relief. I understand nothing more will be achieved tonight. I pick up the rug and shake it free of sand, I see Tina looking. I have no shoes on, maybe that is what she is looking at. She takes the glass. We go inside. I get her glass of water without asking if she wants it. Suddenly it occurs to me, where will each of us sleep ? I decide tonight, the best plan is to be honest.
Bette : Tee, I am glad you are here, so glad. I move closer as I say it. I tell her the bed is made up, she will sleep there and I will sleep on the couch. I am not sure if she is happy with this but she doesnt tell me otherwise. She cleans her teeth, takes a quick shower. I sit on the couch and wait, trying to comprehend. She comes out. She looks beautiful with the baby. She comes over to me.
Tina : Tomorrow Bette, try and get some sleep. Goodnight. She kisses me on the cheek. Instinctively my hand goes up to touch her cheek. She catches it gently, saying nothing but her gesture tells me she is in control. This is far from over.
Bette : Goodnight Tina. I realize the music is still on. I rush to turn it off, I know the next track is Fallen by KD.

Tinas thoughts : Bette is clearly stunned to see me. I cant be sure she is happy to see me but she does not seem unhappy for me to be here. Typically she bought expensive cotton sheets but curiously there seems to be little else here. Just the tuilips. I plan to sleep, I am exhausted from the trip. I look up at the ceiling and think about just how hard the next week or so will be. I must have fallen asleep because the sun is coming through the window. I open my eyes, I still look for Bette in the morning, only this time I can smell her in the bed. It feels good. I hope thats a good sign. I put my feet on the ground. Here we go, now or never.

Bettes thoughts : I hardly slept at all last night, I never expected to see Tina here, why is she here, how did she find me ? I guess I will follow her lead. I am caught out a bit. I hadnt planned for this. My head is spinning, can she tell ? I am glad she is here, I think. I need to get up off this couch. She isnt up yet. I will go to the bakery and get some breakfast and juice. I better leave her a note. I leave the note and walk out the door. Suddenly I feel flooded with relief, why is that ?