Tina : Bette, did you sleep out there all night ?
Bette : Oh, um, I didnt mean to disturb you
Tina : Bette, please, please stop doing that.
Bette : frowning at Tina, a little confused Stop sleeping outside ?
Tina : Bette, no. Stop apologizing or saying you didnt mean to disturb me. It is not a criticism, just a question. I am trying to understand.
Bette : I make my way to the table. Trying to understand ?
Tina : Yes, why it is Bette that you spend so much time out there, just looking at the sea and the stars.
Bette : Simply. It gives me a sense of peace Tina.
Tina : Bette Porter, I know you are so much more complicated than that. There is a smile on Tinas face.
Bette : So, what have we got for breakfast ?
Tina : I went down to the bakery and got some bits and pieces and I made some nice fresh French Vanilla…Bette is just staring. Bette whats wrong ?.
Bette : You went down to the local bakery, the one just down the road ?
Tina : Yes I did Bette. Getting a little defensive, arms crossed. Bette is frowning.
Bette : why would you do that ?
Tina : Bette, what is going on ? It is the BAKERY for Gods sake. Wait a minute, the lady in there knew who I was, Christ Bette, did you ..
Bette : Dont even say that Tina and no I did not ***** sleep with her. But IF I had Tina, what ***** business is it of yours ? Its not like we were a couple Tina !.
Tina : So that makes it OK does it Bette, wait, why bother, you didnt worry when we were together.
Bette : Thats not fair Tina !
Tina : Isnt it Bette, isnt fair ? If I go and ask her at the bakery, will she say what you did, that you didnt sleep together. Do you even know her name ?
Bette : Standing up. ***** you Tina, GO ASK HER, and see what she says. And yes I know her name but not because we fucked.
Tina : A bit stunned. Thinking, go ask her, *****, they didnt sleep together. Silence.
Bette : Tina, ***** Im sorry. I did not sleep with her but if I had then I think I was entitled to. I just freaked because she is the only person I have spoken to about you since I have been here. She knows who you are because I told her all about you. It is just.private, thats all.
Tina : Screaming at Bette. Stop ***** starting every sentence an apology. I know you are sorry Bette, but that is not going to fix everything !.
Bette : Clearly. Literally dumps her dishes in the sink.
Silence.
Bette : Tee, can you tell me what will fix this, us, can it be fixed ?
Tina : Now we are getting down to it Bette, arent we, you never had any faith. The type of faith that means not walking or running away when things get too hard. Tell me Bette, do YOU believe it can be fixed, we can save our marriage. Come to think of it Bette, do you THINK at all, or do you just say what you think I want to hear ?.
Bette : THAT IS ENOUGH TINA. Pointing at Tina. That is not fair and you know it.
Tina : Bette, sleeping with someone else when you are married is NOT ***** FAIR ! Dont be talking to me about fair.
Bette : I am going outside.
Tina : No Bette, you are not, you are going to stay here and sort this out.
Bette : You know Tina how you asked if I can think for myself, here is example number one. I think I would like to go outside. Example number two is I would like to sort this out with you but NOT LIKE THIS. Shouting. I just walk outside and sit on the beach. The sun is shining, it is warm but not hot and I am left pondering how things escalate so quickly. Maybe Tina is right. I have no faith. I am seething, I have nothing but try to accommodate that woman since she got here. It is not even the Tina I know. Minutes later.
Tina : Bette. Sitting down next to Bette. Im sorry, you are right, it is not my business.
Bette : Tina, nothing happened, I talked she listened. It was just so painful, I struggled to share it anyone
Tina : Bette, why are you so worried I might find out how you feel ?
Bette : Tee, I think we have a lot of things to talk about but we should set some clear boundries.
Tina : OK, like what ?
Bette : Who slept with who, excepting Candace is off limits for the moment. Also, no shouting because thats when we stop listening. Lastly, each one of us must be allowed to finish what the other one is saying before talking, no interrupting.
Tina : I can live with that.
Bette : I dont know Tina, if we can save our marriage. Do you still want me ?.
Tina : Yeah Bette (playful slap on the arm). No one takes that long a trip if they dont still want you.
Bette : Laughing. I guess so.
Tina : Bette, that is the first time I have seen you laugh in so long.
Bette : Can I ask a favour ?
Tina : Shoot.
Bette : I am guessing there are a lot of things you want to talk about today. I wondering if we might pack a picnic lunch, no alcohol and go to this spot I know and we can talk and eat and take our time. Get some sun you know, like home.
Tina : (like home, first time shes mentioned home). Bette, I think that is a great idea.
Bette : Tee, I need to ask you something.
Tina : OK.
Bette : What did you mean when you said earlier Id done quite enough ?
Tina : Oh, Bette (holds her hand), Bette nothing bad, just seeing you out there watching the sunrise and looking all sun and sea swept. It inspired me to cook for the first time in such a long time.
Bette : Tee, thank you.

We went into the small town if you can call it a town, a pub, a shop and a bakery. I took Tina into the bakery to meet the woman who so wisely gave me the advice. I did it because I wanted Tina to feel what I told her was the truth, that there was nothing to be worried about, that nothing happened. We picked up some fresh bread, some sliced meat, some tomatoes and grabbed some sparkling water. I had packed us a thermos of coffee. I wanted to take Tina to this place, it is so beautiful. On the edge of the park that is opposite the bay the shack is on. On the top of the cliff you can see the vibrant blue sea below and the wind softly breezes by. There is a big old tree that will give us shade and there is never anyone there. My hope is that we will eat and we will talk some and generally enjoy each others company.

Tina : Bette ?(snapping Bette back to reality)
Bette : Yeah Tee, I was just thinking
Tina : teasingly miracles never cease, what were you thinking about ?
Bette : Us Tee, us. There are so many things I need to tell you. There must be things you need to tell me too.
Tina : Come on, we are here. Lets eat, enjoy, oh Bette, the view is breathe taking, and I promise you we will talk about whatever you want. And yes, Bette, I have things to talk to you about.
Bette : “That’s good because I’d like to talk to about staying here for awhile”.