I head to the bakery, overwhelmed to say the least. Tina just appeared out of nowhere, literally. She just appeared out of the night. I hope she doesnt freak out while I am gone. I left a note. I had to get out of the house. I didnt sleep, I have a headache, suddenly I feel stifled. I dont get any of this because all I have wished for is to have her back in my life. My wife, my lover, my best friend. I walk into the bakery and ask for two juices and a grab some fresh bread for toast. The lady who is always so kind to me is there.
Lady : so, she found you hun ?
Bette : pardon ?
Lady : you have two of everything, she found you ?
Bette : Oh ok, yes. Yes she did.
Lady : Mind some free advice ?
Bette : Uh.
Lady : Hun, whatever you did last time, it didnt work. Go to her. Tell her.
Bette : Sure, ok, thanks.

I walk home a little less sure, as if that was possible. Go to her, tell her, what does that mean ? Tell her what ? Go to her, she is already here. I must have been in a daze because I walked in and Tina was up and showered and waiting for me at the table. It wasnt until she spoke I realized. I thought she was still in bed.
Tina : Good morning Bette.
Bette : Hey Tee, Tina.
Tina : Bette, I came along way. She hadnt moved from the table where she was sitting. I detected unhappiness, a lot of it.
Bette : Tina ? I frowned, not knowing what she was getting at.
Tina : God damn Bette, I came A LONG way and the first thing you do is get out of the house. Is being here with me that bad ?
I say nothing.
Tina : Answer me Bette, now. Do you even want me here because I am wondering if I made a mistake ?
Bette : Tina, please, please, let me say something. Suddenly I am desperate, she might leave again. You are right. I needed some space, not because I dont want you here. I was just a bit stunned and really we had nothing to eat. Somehow it didnt come out right. I tried again.
Bette : Tina, last time I saw you, you were, withI just couldnt say it, I couldnt do it. I hadnt looked up.
Tina : Bette, OK, I am sorry, maybe I jumped on you a bit quickly. It must have been a shock to see me. We just need to be really honest with each other Bette.
Bette : Can we start again, I dont mean us, well maybe us, I say rubbing my forehead with my right hand and my left hand on my hip, because this is not what I envisaged. I mean start over since you got here, this conversation.
Tina : (In a lighter tone) Sure. Whatd you get us for breakfast ?
We ate and I excused myself for a shower. I took a long shower, cool because its hot. I know Tina must be wondering what the ***** but I know the minute I step foot out of this bathroom, THAT conversation is going to happen. Tina must be tired but she doesnt seem to want to wait. Maybe I am making it worse by stalling. The words go around in my head : tell her, go to her. What does it mean ? Maybe it doesnt mean anything. Perhaps I should go on the offensive. Thats the plan, take control. I am out of the shower in a flash, Bette Porter is back, gone is the spineless wimp whos life was falling apart and groveling for forgiveness. I will apologise, I should but she is on my patch now. Dressed and head up I opened the door. Tina was still seated at the table. I walk straight to the chair opposite. Before I sit I ask her if she would like anything. She says no. I sit. I look straight into her eyes. She smiles. I know I dont fool her, she sense the fear.
Tina : Come on Bette, you dont fool me.
Bette : All the resolve is gone is a second. Tina, why are you here ?
Tina : do you not want me here ?
Bette : thats not it. I shake my head.
Tina : well Bette why I am here depends on a lot of things.
Bette : I start to feel unease. Tina how did you find me ? I told Kit to sign the papers, is there a problem ? I know its coming out disjointed.
Tina : Your father, the photo at home. (No response about the divorce and property papers)
Bette : I know instantly which photo. My mouth drops open. She called my father ! You called Melvin ?
Tina : Bette, is that your only question ?
Bette : Is everything really OK with you and the baby ?
Tina : Yes.
Bette : OK, maybe you have some questions.
Tina : do you not have anymore questions Bette because you could have asked me those over the phone.
Bette : Whya re you so angry with me ? I have lots of questions, I just wanted to give you a chance to ask anything you might to. Im not really sure what you want me to say ?
Tina : well Bette, my questions are much more complicated, I doubt you can answer them in one conversation. Do you really have to ask why I am so angry. You ***** another woman and then do a runner when I am 4 and a bit months pregnant.
Bette : What about Hele..Suddenly I feel childish and stupid.
Tina : There is no Helena. Its finished.
Bette : Oh.

A few seconds go by. Tina : Bette do you really not know why I am here ?
Bette : To be honest Tina I am somewhat confused. I thought
Tina : what did you think Bette ?
I feel that nauseated feeling again. I cant say it.
Tina : Bette ? WHAT DID YOU THINK ?
Bette : Tina, the divorce papers are drawn up, I said you could have whatever you wanted, you have, had, another woman in your life. You are having a child. I blurt it out, as if saying quickly will get it over with and be less painful.
Tina : Bette ! she raised her voice
Bette : I thought it was over Tina, that thats what you wanted. And I dont know what you being here means.
Tina : Bette, look at me for once. I am here to see if there is any chance for us, our future, our family. I didnt sign the papers. But Bette there is a lot to sort out first before we could think of being a family.
Bette thinking : (Oh my God, did she just say what I think, that there is still a chance for us ?). I start to cry, I couldnt help it. I dont want to but I do. Family, maybe she doesnt mean us, she just means parenting.
Tina: I want you to listen to me Bette. She comes around and kneels down, puts one hand behind my neck and one on knee. Bette, we have a lot to work through before we can even know if there is a chance. I am willing to do that work and take that chance, thats why I am here and frankly that is more than you deserve. Dont expect it to be easy and Elizabeth Porter, you answer my questions about her. I am sorry, truly if I frightened you. What about you Bette, is that what you want ?