Tina: Babe are
you okay answer me

Bette: (stammering) I I don’t know what to say or feel or even
think right now.

Tina: I just need some time. Believe me, deep down,
I want to take that ring back, but I know that if I do that, things will go
back to the way they were right before Candace. I just don’t think that I can
go back to just being the “happy little homemaker” that I was before. Bette,
we’re partners in this life that we’ve created. I love you, but sometimes you can be extremely self-centered and
harsh to those around you – to me. I mean I can understand it when you do it
to Alice. (Jokingly)

At that, Bette mustered a half-hearted attempt at a smile
to which Tina responded with her own grin and wink.

Tina: but I’m your girlfriend your wifeyour
partner and soul mate. I deserve no I
need more.

Bette’s eyes started to pool with unshed tears. Deep down,
she knew Tina was right. Her pride had cost her the one thing that she
cherished most – her relationship with Tina. What more was there to think
about? If she wanted Tina back in her
life, things needed to change – Bette needed to change. As difficult as it was
going to be, Bette needed to prove to Tina that she could do that and she would
have to start right now.

Bette: You’re right. You deserve more – so much
more. (Fighting back the tears) I I think (Long pause) that I need to be
alone for a while. If I’m going to make some positive changes to my life, I
need to do this on my own.

I know Tina that you are my future, but my present
is what I need to work on. I can’t do that and make you happy at the same time.
It’s not fair to you. I can’t afford to fail you again.

My life is so empty without you in it but I truly
believe that I could not bare it if I didn’t believe you were one day returning
home to me.

Tina could not believe what she had just heard. Had Bette
Porter actually put Tina’s needs ahead of her own?