“Christina, you know your father, even if he’s on his way to acceptance, he’s not quite there yet. And you not coming for Christmas will hurt Megan and Michael.” Joanne says.

“Mom, I want to come, but I want Bette with me, if she can’t come, I won’t come either. Bette is a part of me now, you all have to get used to that.” Tina says.

“Okay, I’m sorry off course you’re welcomed, but I can’t guarantee what your aunt and uncles reacts or say. But Bette is welcomed in our house. I’ll make Michael temporarely move back into his old room, you and Bette will have the garage. How does that sound?” Joanne says.

“I love you mom. And thank you.” Tina says.

“I love you too honey. And Bette is a really great person. I’m still sorry for the way we acted when we met the first time.” Joanne says.

“Yeah, she is. She’s the best.” Tina says and smiles as she looks into Bette’s eyes as Bette walks in with the hot chocolate and takes a seat next to Tina.

“Well, she’s welcome, just tell her that aunts and uncles might be a little difficult on her, and on you Tina.” Joanne says.

“I will mom, thank you.” Tina says.

“When will you come down here? Just so I know when I should kick Michael out.” She says, giving a little chuckle.

“I’ll talk to Bette and I’ll call you back in a few days.” Tina says.

“Okay honey. Be safe, and tell Bette I said hi.” Joanne says.

“I will mom, do the same to dad.” Tina replies.

They both hangs up.

Tina smiles at Bette. “I called mom.” Tina says.

“I figured, how’d it go?” Bette asks.

“Good actually. You’re more than welcome. If you want to come, mom’s gonna kick out Michael from the garage and we’ll have that. It was where I lived the last 5 months I was home. Dad made it into a small apartment.” Tina says.

“You want to go don’t you?” Bette asks, looking at Tina who looks at Bette seriously.

“I do, but as I said, I’ll be where you are. I meant that. So if you don’t want to go, then we’ll stay here or some other place. I don’t want you to be alone anymore.” Tina says.

“I’ll check my calendar tomorrow at work. Any particular day you want to go?” Bette asks.

“Well, Megan is in the Christmas pageant back home. And that’s on the 22^nd. I really want to see that. I’m done with school in the 17^th.” Tina says.

“Okay. I’ll see tomorrow. On new years eve, do you want to come to my summerhouse? Spend new years with me?” Bette asks.

“I would love to.” Tina replies with a huge smile.

“Great.” Bette says as she leans in and gives Tina a loving and soft kiss.

“Well, it’s not long till Christmas, only 10 days. I’ll check first thing in the morning about when I’ll be free to go.” Bette says and puts her arm around Tina’s shoulders.

“You want to stay the night?” Tina asks.

“I do, but I have a really early meeting tomorrow morning. It’s important too, I’m trying to secure a young artist that is wanted in a lot galleries around town and also in other neighboring towns. I really want the paintings in my gallery.” Bette says.

“I’m sure you’ll get him or her.” Tina says.

“It’s a him. I surely hope so.” Bette replies. “I should get going.” Bette says and stands up. She pulls Tina up with her. “Walk me to the door?” Bette asks.

“Sure.” Tina replies as Bette grabs her bag.

“How’s the leg?” Bette asks as she opens the door.

“It’s better, but still hurting a little. Maybe hold off the walk tomorrow or at least not walk so far.” Tina says.
“We’re not skipping the walk, but we’ll take it easier tomorrow.” Bette says as she takes Tina into her arms and kisses her passionately. “Love you, sleep tight and sweet dreams.” Bette says.

“Thanks you too. Love you. Drive carefully.” Tina says and leans in for a last kiss.

She watched Bette drive away before she closes the door and goes to bed.