Chapter 29

After a little while, Emily enters with Bette right behind her. Sean is still awake.
Hey, is there any chance that I could persuade you to stay a little longer? Emily asks and looks at Tina.
Well? Tina starts and looks at Bette, who smiles and nods her head, giving Tina permission to bond more with her family. Tina smiles back.
You can stay with us, we have extra guestroom. We would love to have you, please. Emily pleads.
Okay, well stay a little while longer. Tina says.

At the end of the day, Sean was out of the machines, only a heart monitor left. He has a broken foot and several broken ribs. He also had a punctured lung, but that has also healed nicely. His head also took on a hard hit, so he has a concussion.
Bette and Tina had been out eating, and were now returning to the hospital. They walk up to Seans room and enter. Emily is there. Sean hadnt properly met Bette yet.
Hi, you must be Bette? He asks as he reaches out his good arm.
Yes, I am. Bette says and smiles.
Hey, Emily I want to talk to Tina for a second, would you mind? Sean asks his wife. She nods and walks towards the door.
Ill join you. Bette says but is interrupted by Sean.
No, please stay. Tina looks at Bette and is a bit surprised.
Emily leaves the room.
Tina, I dont know where to start, except for the Im sorry part. Sean starts.
You dont have to say anything. Tina says.
Yes, I do I was stupid and scared I guess. I hate myself every day for what I did or maybe I should say; what I didnt do. And I will hate myself forever for missing out on your life for 8 years. We are family, and I shouldve been there for you, supporting you when you needed it the most. I am so sorry for that. Sean says. His eyes have watered up. Tina takes a hold of his hand and rubs it gently.
I know you cant help who you fall in love with. I can see that you have a happy and good life with Bette, I see it in your eyes. Sean says as Bette move in behind Tina and places her hand on her shoulder.
So how long have you been together? He asks not knowing.
8 years. Tina says quickly.
8 Years? Is Bette the one? Sean starts.
Yes, I met Bette on that trip with Eric. It has only been Bette, my first, last and forever. Tina says and looks lovingly back at Bette.
Wow, thats good. Im glad you found love. I knew that you and Eric wouldnt last. Sean reveals and smiles.
Could we just put this behind us, and move forward? Can you forgive me? Sean asks seriously.
Yes, I forgive you. Tina says and leans in and kisses his cheek.
So, how did mom and dad take it? You being back, I mean. Sean asks.
Well, I probably wont see them again. Theyre the same. We was asked to dinner last night, but mom acted like a, excuse my word, *****, so I told her what was on my mind, and we left before dinner started. Tina says with a sad look.
Ill talk to them, as soon as Im out of here. Sean says.
You dont have to. I think they are a lost cause. Tina says.
Ill give it a shot. Sean says and smiles.
Emily enters carefully again. Can I come in? Ive brought someone who wants to see their daddy. She says and Christina and Scott run to Seans side.
Hey, you two. Sean says.
Tina and Bette looks at each other and smiles. Bette places her hand on Tinas stomach and gently rubs it. Tina places her hand on top of Bettes.
Look, well leave for a little while, go down and grab a cup of coffee and come back later. Tina says and takes Bettes hand and walk outside.
Theyre walking down the hallway towards the elevator. Suddenly Tina stops.
Bette looks at her surprised, then she sees what has caught Tinas attention. Eric is walking towards them. They stop and wait for him. He stops in front of them and give them a little smile.
Eric, what a surprise. Tina is able to say.
I can say the same thing about you. How are you? Wow, youre pregnant. He says looking down at Tinas stomach, he looks over at Bette. He shakes her hand and gives Tina a small hug.
So I see you two are still going strong. He says.
Yeah, weve been lucky. Tina replies and sends a loving glance at Bette.
Im glad. He says. So how is Sean doing? He asks.
Hes doing better. ***** probably go home in a day or so. Tina replies.
Thats great. He says. Theyre all standing there not knowing what to say next. Then Bette breaks the silence.
So Eric, do you still collect art? She asks.
Not so much as I used to. But it is still a passion of mine. You, still have your gallery? He asks.
No, I sold it three years later and got a job as the Art Director at The California Art Center. But about 8 months ago I quit and now I am working as an Art Teacher for the West Hollywood Social Justice Dept. Bette replies.
Wow, a teacher? I would never have thought. He says.
Well, you are not the only one who thinks that. But I like it. She replies smiling.
So how long are you two in town? He asks.
Well, we were leaving today, but Emily asked us to stay a little longer, so were staying with them, I dont know for how long yet. Time will tell. Tina says.