“Clearly a determined and talented young woman “ Melvin agreed “

Bette sat up after a few seconds and touched Tina’s face. Tina opened her eyes and laughed at something that Bette had said.

After a few more seconds – Bette kissed Tina very lovingly on the lips before slumping on the grass beside her – both spent out after their race

“And loves Bette very much “ Peggy observed

“I cannot believe how much Bette has changed – her confidence has just soared. I am even more proud of her if that was possible “

“She has certainly shown a side to her that few of us saw before she went to England “

“Peggy – how much of it is just being away from home and how much of it is Tina ?”

“Well Helena puts it down to Tina – Bette was still in her shell before she met that young lady “

“She is pretty amazing as well – very driven “

“I think she must be one of the few people who makes the Porters and Peabody’s seem idle and unmotivated “

“She has pulled herself up from a bad place “

“Do you know that even though Tina told her father where she was going to be there has been no contact – no Christmas card or gift or attempt to get in touch “

“The man wants horsewhipping for letting that young woman be so neglected. She is better off with us – as you say my dear — she is remarkable “

“I wonder if she has decided on a option “

“A lot to take in “

“It is – but I know we are doing the right thing Melvin “

Melvin looked down to see Tina reach out and take hold of Bette’s hand.

“I worried for a long time about not being able to deal with her being gay “

“I know “

Melvin lent against the window to get a better view of his daughter

“And now – it looks the most natural thing to see her holding Tina’s hand. She was such a lonely child – always reading when all the other kids were outside playing. Last kid to be picked for things, bullied for a while – I have been a bad father to her “