‘I think we were in denial.  Now we have to go upstairs and face the reality of what infidelity does to two people who love each other.’

‘What are you saying?’

‘All I want is to spend the rest of my life with you, but this ***** I’ve put us in  You’ve heard the saying  “You can’t get there from here”, well I may have taken us some place we can’t come back from.’

‘I don’t want to believe that.  I’m just afraid.’

‘Then get up and come with me so we can figure this out and stop hiding from what you’re really feeling.  If we go through this and you don’t want to be with me I’ll learn to live with it, but I won’t be able to take it if you don’t even try.  Won’t you at least try?’

* * * * *

After the longest, quietest elevator ride here they sat waiting on Dan Foxworthy.  The last time they were here together it was Bette that was uncomfortable and reticent.  This time she was nervous, anxious, but eager for this to bring them some kind of relief.  Tina, on the other hand, was feeling raw and exposed.

Foxworthy came in and took his seat.

‘Ready?’

They both nodded.

‘I spoke to you each individually, but I’d like to reiterate that nothing said in your individual sessions will be brought up in your joint session unless you bring it up.  First thing I’d like each of you to do is tell me why you’re here.  Bette, why don’t you start.’

‘I had an affair and Tina and I are separated.  I’m seeing you to try to work through my issues that put me on that path, but I need help in trying to work through the hurt I caused Tina.  I hope that we will be able to move forward and eventually reconcile.  Also, I have no problem with you bringing up anything from my individual session, I don’t want to keep anything from Tina.’

‘All right, Tina?’

‘I’m here because Bette asked me to come.’

‘Just along for the ride?’

‘No, I just meant, before it was me that insisted we try counseling and this time it’s Bette’s idea.’

‘Would you rather not participate?’

‘We talked about this earlier and you know how I feel.’

‘Does Bette?’

Tina looked at Bette.  ‘I’ll be glad to listen to whatever you want to talk about.  I’m not sure I’ll have anything to say since I can’t even talk about some of this in my own sessions.’

Bette got up and walked over to the window.  After a moment she turned, walked back, knelt beside Tina and took her hand.

‘I’ve tried to be open and honest with you about everything, the way I felt the past few years, why I think I was unfaithful, I’ve even told you what I’ve talked about in my sessions.  I know I hurt you and I’m sorry.  I’ve promised to continue therapy for myself and to try to become the partner you deserve.  The only things we haven’t talked about are losing the baby and your anger over my affair.  I need you to help me grieve for the baby, so it doesn’t look like that will happen any time soon.  As far as your anger, well I guess you haven’t punished me enough to be able to let go of it.  When you’re ready call me and maybe we can try this again.’

Bette lightly kissed Tina on the cheek and said, ‘I love you T’ and she was gone.