“Did you see the guys today?” Bette was skipped the trip to the Planet after another one of her rare case of dizziness. They were having their regular breakfast there with the whole gang again these days and it was another highlight of Bette’s day.

 

Sure, Alice is too annoying and does border on being obnoxious sometimes but her kind heart and adorable comments, however tactless they may be, have earned her a special spot in Bette’s renewed heart. Shane on the other hand is a total mystery to Bette but she recognizes the loyalty in her and for that Bette is grateful to have her. Kit is also quickly becoming her closest confidants and so far, Bette doesn’t understand how they had been ‘distant’ as Kit described.

“Yeah, I did. They missed you… Oh, and before I forget, Alice is getting you a whole new set of paints and brush.”

“Huh, why is that?”

“She said she saw some of your sketches the other day and wanted you to draw her a nude. Says she’s got to get one done before her breast relents to gravity’s woes. Her words, not mine…” Tina broke into a long laughter.

“You realize I might go blind from that, don’t you…”

“Nah… It’s nothing you’ve haven’t seen before!” Bette just rolled her eyes in reply to her cheeky remark. Of course, Alice had given her the brief look into their past failed relationship.

“I saw some of the paintings today. . .They’re magnificent.” Tina made sure to calm herself enough to say that. She had to that she meant it. Bette was still fragile and for now, painting or sketching is her only outlet of any feelings. That, of course, comes behind therapy.

“I… Er… Thank you.” Lost for words and her cheeks burning a nice healthy hue, Bette just settled for the first thing that came to mind. Gratitude.

“No need. Let me clear this for you.” The blonde kissed her forehead and shook her head at the adorable expression of an embarrassed, shy, and very pregnant Bette squirming in her seat.

–

“Bette… Bette…”

Mmmm…

“Bette… Wake up, Bette…”

                                                Wh- what is it… Isabelle?

“Hi, Bette.”

                                                It can’t be…

 

“It’s me, B…”

                                I- I miss you…

“I missed you too, Bette.”

                                Why? Why are you here? Why now?

 

“I need you to listen. Can you do that?”

                                                …yes

“We never meant to leave you behind. It was an accident. Mamma didn’t realize…

She was in panic. She was in shock, he- he never hit her before… Not like that…”

                                                                No, you’re- you’re lying!

“She meant to take us both. Mamma didn’t mean to leave you behind and I didn’t mean to…

I’m sorry. I- I should have held onto you. He- he was so strong. She just… We just ran.”

                                                                                No. No. No!

“It’s true. By the time we realize you were still with him, we turned back…”

                                                                                                NO! Stop lying!

“We turned back… That’s when… it happened. I’m so sorry…”

                                                                                Stop it! I don’t want to hear!

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry we left you behind… I’m sorry we left you.”

                                                                                No…

“Please, please promise me you’ll take care… Take care of your family.”

                                                No! Don’t go… I don’t want you to go…

“I have to. Maybe. Maybe someday… We’ll be a family again…”

                                Please… Don’t leave me!

“I won’t. I won’t. We never did. Just, remember us. We’ll be together again, B…”

                                Don’t go… Please…

“I have to. I love you…”

 

–

“Bette… Babe? Wake up. It’s ok. It’s ok…” Her forehead was damp with sweat. Her eyebrows furrowed in fear. The fear evaporated as soon as she heard Tina but it only fuelled the blonde’s concerns.

“It’s just a dream, babe. It’s just a bad dream…” She placed small random kisses on her head, forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose.

“Thank you…” Teary brown eyes of gratitude tugged her heartstrings.

“I love you… It’s ok.” Her cold hands caressed my bare stomach lovingly…

“I love you too, T.”

And then came love.