Steadily, the more Tina contemplated it, the more she thought she was uncovering new meaning lying underneath all those strokes; and she began to mentally strip away the artifice of color itself that her eyes were registering.  It was a full world, a “loversworld,” that she thought she saw. Not perfect, and fragile, even. But full of life, and possibility.  Could this be what Bette saw, too?

Fresh tears began to form in her eyes, and she felt a wave of emotion rise inside her.  She bent her head, and wept into her hands; then drew her arms across her chest, to brace herself against the sobs wracking her body.  Struggling to gain control of her emotions, she sought to recall Bette’s past conversations about techniques they had each tried to use whenever things were about “to go off the rails.” Tina took deep, unsteady breaths, and then blew a long breath out after each one.  She repeated breathing in and out until her mind and body stilled.

When Tina felt herself momentarily calm down, she looked at her watch.  She saw that she had about an hour and a half to get ready for the challenging day ahead, and to make it to Liz’ clinic for the 8:30 appointment the doctor had suggested.

She’d have to tell Liz what had happened – it would be inevitable that she would ask; besides, there were lots of things she’d have to prepare for by herself.  With Liz’ help, she would resolve to have the healthiest pregnancy, for the baby’s sake.  Think positive, Tina.  For the baby.

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To unpack the dramatic events that unfolded two weeks previously in Bette’s and Tina’s lives, Dan thought it could help Tina come to grips with what had happened, and to also begin to face her own underlying issues that she was clearly beginning to come to terms with, if they began the day’s session by looking back to the point wherein things had been starting to improve between Bette and Tina.

He calculated that this turn could have occurred roughly over a month ago, and specifically around the third session.

Instead of starting at that point, however, Tina began by explaining to Dan, as they started today’s session, that Kit, Bette’s sister, had flown in from LA to see Tina, which was heartwarming to the blonde.  But, she said she was puzzled by Kit’s seemingly upbeat attitude about Bette, even if it was unclear whether anyone, including Kit, had been able to get in touch with the brunette lately.  Maybe Kit was a natural optimist; and she was being an optimist also to keep people’s spirits up?