Chapter 1

Waking up the next morning, Bette had been sitting thinking of what Tina had confessed she had done; she was not sure what course her life would take now. Realizing she wasn’t happy, and at this point, maybe Tina wasn’t either. Maybe, staying together was something that was just comfortable. As much as Bette loved Tina, the last 6 months had been really hard. Tina had become cold and distant! The more Bette sat and thought things through, the more she realized that maybe love wasn’t enough anymore! Just then the phone started ringing, bringing Bette out of her deep thought.

Caller: Bette Porter, please.

Bette: This is she.

Caller: It’s John Whitney, Bette. How have you been?

Bette: Good John. How have you been?

John: Great, actually. I have some great news Bette. We would like to know how you would feel about being the new Director of the Whitney.

Bette: Oh my god, are you serious?

John: Yes, Bette, I am! We would like you to start soon.

Bette: I’d love to.

John: Great, Bette. Can we get you to come by Monday to discuss salary and the fine details?

Bette: That would be great.

John: Great, Bette. I’ll have it arranged. I’ll send you everything you’ll need. My assistant Susie will get back to you later this afternoon.

Bette: Thank you, John.

John: Thank you, Bette. Looking forward to seeing you on Monday.

Bette: You too, John. Goodbye.

John: Goodbye.

Bette sat in the living room with the greatest feeling of relief. But the more she sat, the more she thought about what consequences this was now going to have. Tina had said she wasn’t sure that moving was something she really wanted to do. She was going to have an easy decision to make. The only thing she knew was that she wanted this job.

Moments later, Angelica had woken up from her nap and was now demanding for Bette. Bette went and picked her up. Looking at her now, she realized that walking away from her baby would be the hardest thing. She loved Angelica more than she ever thought she could love another human being. Bette really wanted to be part of her life no matter what happened with her and Tina. Bette would have a great deal to think about!

That night, Tina arrived cold and more distant. They had dinner with very little conversation. While cleaning up the table, Tina broke the silence.

Tina: Bette, we need to talk.

Bette: Sure, Tina (thinking, I have things I need to say).

Tina: I have… I have feelings for someone else.

Bette stood there in complete silence with a look of hurt, and was somewhat dumbstruck.

Bette: What kind of feelings?

Tina: I don’t know.

Bette: Who is it?

Tina: Josh Cisco.

Bette: Well that explains a lot.

Tina: Well, what the hell does that mean, Bette?

Bette: Maybe you need to find out what this means.

Tina: What are you saying, Bette?

Bette: These feelings, Tina. You have to find out what they mean to you.

Tina: Are you telling me to sleep with him?

Bette: Do what you need to find your answers, but know that I won’t be here after you find them.
(What did I just say? Do I really feel this way? Did I just decide something that important because I’m jealous and hurt?) Tina, I have been given the Whitney position and so will be leaving. We’ll have to discuss how this will affect Angelica because I really want to be part of her life, if you let me.

Bette gets up and walks away leaving Tina at a loss for words.

Tina sat thinking, WTF? What just happened here? Is this what I wanted? I feel relieved and sad at the same time. I had thought about whether staying with Bette was something I still wanted, but do I really want her out of my life? Do I still love Bette? Yeah, I love her. But am I still in love with her?

Bette slept in the spare bedroom that night and thought about what happened. Was this my way out? I’m beyond hurt, but maybe that’s what we need, to be apart in order to be happy because being together is not working?