‘How do you feel now?’

‘I know we weren’t being punished, I’m truly sorry I wasn’t a better partner and I know you’ll make a wonderful parent someday.  Would you excuse me?’

Bette disappeared into the house before Tina could respond.  Tina wasn’t sure how to interpret Bette’s last comment it sounded so final.

Bette made it half way down the hall before her emotions took over, her knees went weak and she tried leaning on the wall but she just slid down.  Tina found her sitting in the hallway sobbing.

She helped Bette up and into the guest room, ‘come on Bette, I’ve got you.  What’s wrong baby?’

‘I did want the baby Tina even though I would have been a horrible parent.  You do believe that I wanted him, don’t you?  I really need you to believe I wanted our baby.’

‘I believe you Bette; I never should have said that, I’m sorry.’

They lay there in their guest room holding each other and crying for everything they once had and lost, everything they wanted back, knowing all the things they would do different to make it work this time, each wondering if they would get that chance, until they finally fell asleep.

* * * * *

Tina woke first; Bette was holding her so tight she decided not to try to get up.  She stayed still listening to Bette breathe, feeling the warmth of her skin and wondering how she found so much comfort in their closeness even though she was still so angry.  She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice when Bette woke.

‘Penny for your thoughts.’

‘Hey, how long have you been awake?’

‘Not long.  Dollar?’

‘What?’

‘For your thoughts.’

‘Oh!  I was just’

‘It’s okay T I like the closeness too.  You don’t have to worry, I won’t read anything into it.’

Bette started to move but Tina didn’t let go.

‘Wait.  Let’s just stay like this and talk a little.’

‘All right, what about?’

‘Peggy’s job offer, are you going to take it?’

‘I think I would be happier, but I might have to travel some.  I told her I wouldn’t be able to go on any extended trips.’

‘Why?’

‘I don’t want to be away from you if  I’m getting ahead of things, sorry.’

‘I’m glad you want to consider me in your plans; it shows how much you’ve changed.  When are you going to resign?’

‘I thought I’d talk to Peggy on our trip and then set a date.’

‘Come on, I’ll fix us some lunch and we can talk about the kid’s show.’

* * * * *

They spent the rest of the afternoon planning the show for the kids.  Outlining everything James would need to do in Bette’s absence.  Tina would get the artwork the kids had done at the center and take it to James.  Bette left it up to Tina to decide on a date and arrange it with James.

‘When will you be back?’

‘Really late Thursday night, there is some dinner Peggy wants me to go to.’

‘I can pick you up.’

‘It will be way too late, I’m sure she’ll arrange a car.’

‘Then I’ll take you Tuesday afternoon.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘I really should go pick up my car.’

‘Your car is here.  It was here when I got back from the market yesterday.  I thought maybe you walked over and got it.’

‘No, it must have been Alice.  She has the extra set of keys.  I guess I should go and let you get some rest, you have a long week ahead.’

‘Or you could stay and we could order pizza and watch a movie.’

‘Thai food and it’s a deal.’