Chapter 31

Tina breaks away from Jeffrey, and turn her attention to her mother, she walks slowly towards her. Joanna is still crying. Tina reaches out her arm and gently touches Joannas shoulder.
I love you mom. Tina says softly, and hopes her mom will listen to her.
You know, I am making an effort here, and I am not the one who should need to do that. You are. You hurt me, like no one ever should have to be hurt. You took out a piece of my heart, only you can put that piece back. I live a wonderful and normal life with Bette, we have a house, we both have work and we are expecting a baby, were just like you and dad. Tina says as tears falling from her eyes. Joanna looks up at her daughter. It seems that Tinas words are finally getting somewhere.
I want my baby to know its grandparents. Will you give him or her that chance? She asks and looks at Joanna then back at Jeffrey.
You have the hand now, its you choice, whether to take it or not. Tina says and holds out her arm. Suddenly her mother grabs the arm. They both break down crying. Jeffrey joins them, so does Sean. They sit on the floor in the hallway for a long time.
Im sorry, so sorry. Joanna whispers in Tinas ear. Tina closes her eyes and let out a sigh. Finally she has her family back. They sit like that for a while longer. Then Sean breaks the silence.
Tina, maybe we should get back, I promised Scott to tuck him in tonight.
Yeah. Tina loosen her grip on her parents. They help her to her feet, after all she is very big now.
When are you due? Joanna asks
Six weeks, but the doctor said it could happen sooner, since its my first time, or technically my second. Tina says but is interrupted by Joanna.
You second?
Yes, we lost out first, when I was 3 months pregnant. That was about a year ago. A baby boy. Tina gets a sad look on her face remembering.
Im sorry. Joanna says.
Christina, we should go. Sean says and reaches for the door.
Yeah, coming. Tina says. Joanna grabs Tina and pulls her into another hug. Tina breaks away after a few seconds. They stare at each other.
Dinner tomorrow? All of you? Joanna asks as Tina moves out the door.
Tina turns and smiles.
Yeah, Id love that. Tina says as she continues down to the car. Sean is already seated in the passenger seat. She gets in and embraces Sean while tears are starting to fall again.
Thank you. Shes able to say.
Im just sorry it took 8 years, I will never forgive myself. Sean says and looks into Tinas eyes.
Lets just concentrate on now. Never look back, only on the future. And when you are healed you can come to visit us. Get some sun on your pale body. Tina says and laughs.
Yeah yeah, just drive. Sean says and joins in laughter.
They get back. Bette is in the kitchen making coffee, when she sees Tina and Sean parking outside. She quickly finishes the coffee, and run outside.
The first she saw was Tinas cried out face, and immediately thought that it hadnt gone well.
Baby, howd it go? She asks.
Tina jumps into a hug and starts crying.
Baby? Bette says.
Sean walks by and smiles, letting Bette know that it went well.
Baby, what did they say? Bette asks again.
Tina loosens up the grip she has on Bette. Bette moves her hand up to Tinas face and wipes away the tears with her thumb.
Tina looks into Bettes eyes and breaks down again, 8 years of emotions was now pouring out. And Bette was there to hold her, to embrace her.
Baby its okay, let it out, let it all out. Bette says in a soft comforting voice, stroking Tinas back.
Sean had moved inside, and joined his wife in the kitchen. She was watching Tina and Bette. She got tears in her eyes. Sean pulls her into a hug.
Their love is beautiful and so strong. Emily says between her tears.
I know, I wished I had done something about it 8 years ago. Im her brother, I always protected her, but when she needed me the most, I failed her. Sean says looking over Emilys shoulder and out on Tina and Bette outside.
You can make it up to her by being there for her from now on. Emily says.
Yes, I intend to do that. Sean replies.

Outside, Tina is beginning to loosen her grip on Bette and the tears are drying up. Bette takes Tinas face in her hands and lean in for a soft loving kiss.
Were going to dinner tomorrow. Tina finally says, smiling.
Thats great baby. Bette says. Lets go inside, get you off your feet for a little while. Bette says and takes Tinas hand and guides her inside. Tina walks into the bedroom. Bette walks by the kitchen.
Hey, were going to bed, it has been an emotional day for Tina, and she needs her rest. Well see you tomorrow. Bette says.
Yes, off course, well see you tomorrow, have a good night. Emily and Sean replies. Bette follows Tina into the bedroom. Tina had already gotten undressed and was waiting under the covers. Bette also got undressed and joined Tina. Bette moved to her side so she is facing Tina. She moves her right hand and traces Tinas face softly. Theyre just looking at each other, with a love that needs no words. Tina turns and backs up into Bettes embrace. Bette places her arm on Tinas stomach and gently rubs it. They quickly fell asleep.