Chapter 17

Tina and Bette waited while Lena and Bianca joined them after parking their car.

Somethings changed, Bette murmured as she noticed how attentive Lena had become to Bianca.

You see it too? Tina asked as she witnessed the smile appearing on Biancas face when she took Lenas hand in hers and walked towards them.

Bette nodded.

Im glad you two were able to come over after all, Tina said as they walked to the front door.

I know that Bianca is very happy to have met you both – especially you Tina, Lena said before adding, Ive also enjoyed being in Bettes company.

They all laughed.

Sorry, I didnt mean for it to sound that way, Lena apologized.

Dont worry about it, I understood, Bette told her.

Come on in, take a seat, Tina said as she opened the front door.

Would either of you like something to drink? Bette asked as she closed the door behind them.

Milk… if you have any.

Okay… Bianca what would you like?

Ill have some water please. I really shouldnt…

Why not? Bette asked.

Bathroom, Bianca and Tina answered simultaneously.

Miranda is pushing on Biancas bladder…

Oh…

We havent gotten to that phase yet, Tina explained.
If youll excuse us, Bette said as they went into the kitchen.

Tina opened a kitchen cabinet and took out four glasses while Bette got the bottled water and milk.

Milk? She asked as she poured.

Maybe she doesnt drink, Tina replied.

Maybe, Bette answered as she put the carton back in the refrigerator.

Lena noticed Bettes questioning look when she gave her the glass of milk. Ah… I bet youre wondering about this? she asked as she held up the glass.

Well… yes I am, Bette replied. You dont seem like a milk drinker to me.

As Bianca can not have anything alcoholic to drink… and I am driving… she paused. I see youre not buying that.

Bianca reached out and placed her hand on Lenas knee. Actually… its a craving.

What about cravings? Tina asked as she sat down.

Biancas ob/gyn told me that I should expect to go through some of the same symptoms as Bianca…

Youre telling me I have milk to look forward too? Bette asked.

For me, its milk. I find that I need to have a glass every now and then.

I cant wait to see this, Tina said smiling lovingly to Bette.

Would you like a tour of the house? Bette asked after they had finished their drinks.

Please, Bianca answered.

As they walked around the house, Lena and Bianca were both taken by the sense of home they felt.

I love this place, Bianca told Lena as they stepped out into the backyard and took a seat by the swimming pool.

I do to. I feel very safe here. Perhaps when we get to Pine Valley I should look into the real estate situation.

Maybe I could help? Bianca asked.

Of course.

Well… what did you think? Tina asked.

Its beautiful.

Its truly lovely, Lena replied.

Thank you. Were partial to it ourselves.

Ive been meaning to ask, what do you do Bette?

Im the curator at the C.A.C.

Oh my God…

What is it?

Bianca was saying that she wants to go there before we head back home, Lena explained.

Really? Bette asked smiling.

Oh yeah. Ive heard so much about it… Bianca practically gushed.

Youll have to let me know before you leave, Ill give you a private tour.

That would be wonderful. Thank you so much Bette, Bianca said.

Lena…

Yes.

Would you mind if I borrowed Bianca for a little bit. I thought Id show her some of the things weve gotten for the baby.

Of course not Tina, she answered as she stood up and helped Bianca out of the chair. Have fun, she whispered.

You know I will, Bianca said as she kissed Lena on the cheek. Lead the way.

Lena watched as they entered the house and were out of sight before sitting back down.

You love her a lot dont you.

Lena smiled. She… she taught me how to love again. Its something I can never repay her for.

Excuse me for saying this, but you two seem different – settled somehow. I, that is Tina and I noticed that wasnt the case earlier this evening.

Youre right, Lena acknowledged. We talked – were still talking things out. We both believe that we are going to make it – that weve been through so much already, that we deserve to be together. As long as were honest with each other… that was a big problem for us in the past.

Really?

Yes. When Bianca and I first met… I wasnt exactly honest with her. It kept us apart when she found out, Lena slowly shook her head as she thought about the lies they had told each other. I never thought… never dreamed that I would fall in love with her, but, Lena looked back into the house – seeing Tina and Bianca sitting on the bed laughing at something. She stole my heart and I can say that Ive never been happier to have been robbed in my life, Lena concluded as she turned to face Bette once again.

I didnt expect to find myself in a relationship, but I knew as soon as I kissed Tina… this was what I was waiting for. She was the one. It doesnt mean that there hasnt been some uncertainty on my part. Can we make it where others havent? How long will we be together, Bette said as Lena nodded.

Ive felt the same. I wasnt sure if I was good enough for her. Her mother, Lena sighed briefly. She absolutely hated me once she found out about us. I was too old for her daughter… that I couldnt be trusted. Weve come to a somewhat peaceful truce for the moment. She knows what I would do to protect Bianca… how much I love her.

I can tell. Youre eyes light up when you look at her.

Lena blushed.

Im sorry… I didnt mean…

Its okay.

Tell me Lena… did you two have any problems finding a donor? We were having the… Bette trailed off, she stood up and quickly went to Lenas side. Lena… hey… are you okay? Lenas face had gone deathly pale.

* * *

Oh… these are soo cute, Bianca said as she held up the pjs with the teddy bear design.

I found them at Baby r Us and I had to buy them, I couldnt help it.

Bianca smiled knowingly. She had done the same thing, she had bought clothes she was sure Miranda would grow out of before she knew it. Are you going to have natural childbirth? she asked as she looked at the other baby clothes.

Ive decided to use a birthing tank.

I thought about that for all of a minute or two, Bianca chuckled.

I was scared about the whole thing, but the more I read about it, the more it appealed to me. Im having it delivered next week.

Youll have to tell me how it went – Im sticking with natural childbirth.

I will. Maybe… when the time comes, you two can come back out with the baby? Tina asked.

Id love to. Im sure Lena would enjoy coming back. She seems to like Bette.

They do get along.

Lena doesnt have many friends, Bianca said as she smoothed out the material of the blanket she had in her hands. The few she does have… shed do anything for them.

Bettes the same – the part about doing anything for them. I wish you could have been here a few weeks ago when we were trying to help our friend Dana

Bianca!!

Tina and Bianca looked at each other before rushing out of the bedroom and hurrying outside.

* * *

Marina parked her car. Taking a deep breath she got out and started walking to Tim and Jennys house. As she neared it, she noticed that Bettes car was in the driveway. She decided that she would pay them a visit before leaving.

Marina…

She stopped, looking for Jenny.

Over here.

She spotted Jenny at the entrance to her studio. Hello Jenny, she said as she reached her.

Come on in. Im not sure how long Tim will be out.

I understand.

As Marina begin walking inside, she caught a glimpse of Bette talking to someone in the backyard. Perhaps she would call before going over.

What did you want to talk about? Jenny asked as she sat down on the bed.

I need to talk to you about my past – about someone I knew long ago.

Is it the reason youve blew me off earlier this afternoon?

Marina flinched. Jenny was right. Not including what had taken place in her office earlier this morning she had been brushing Jenny aside. Yes.

Jenny closed her eyes. She had known there was something wrong, she felt it. Why dont you start from the top.

Marina took a seat. It started twenty years ago, in Poland…

Jenny listened quietly as Marina explained what had happened between her and this Lena person.

Marina had been speaking for ten minutes when Bettes voice shattered the still night.

Bianca!!