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Love’s Recovery
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“Babe?”
Bette’s eyes opened slowly, working to focus on Tina, and instantly tears welled up in them.
“You want to talk about it?” Tina asked as she massaged Bette’s shoulder.
Bette took a deep breath and tried to focus on organizing her thoughts when Tina offered a comforting smile.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Tina said as her smile grew wider, “just talk.”
“Well I saw her,” Bette said as she pushed herself up to lean against the headboard but kept a hold on Tina’s hand for support. Tina brushed her thumb over the back of Bette’s hand, waiting for her to continue. “I wasn’t expecting to be launched back into the past by all of her watercolors hanging throughout her house.”
“I bet that wasn’t easy.” Tina offered her support, desperately wanting Bette to rush into conveying what had happened but knowing she needed to process and talk at her own pace.
“Her style hasn’t changed much. As an artist she is so damn good but as a mother I can’t help but to feel anger and some level of disappointment.” Bette shook her head as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “It was so strange that she didn’t actually blame Melvin, now that I know what I know I have so much hatred toward him, but she actually defended him. It’s amazing what people will try to justify using love isn’t it?”
“She actually defended him?”
“She said that he loved me so much and that him lying was perhaps his way of protecting both Kit and I. That he loved me so much that he should basically be forgiven for how he treated you, because my relationship with you and us starting a family wasn’t what he had envisioned for me. So basically he shouldn’t be blamed when I didn’t measure up to his standards because he didn’t know how to take that.”
Tina felt herself tense over the rationale that Bette was conveying to her. She thought that she had dealt with her anger toward Melvin prior to his death, but found it rising again.
“But the true problem isn’t Melvin,” Bette continued. “He’s dead and buried and there isn’t anything I can say or do to punish him for his lies or the damage that he caused that will make any difference whatsoever.”
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Wow…powerful arguments on both sides. Amazing how you are able to capture the heart dilemma for Bette. I really like how you have Tina try to give perspective and balance to Bette. But at the end of the day, Bette will need to come up with a decision that she can be peaceful for herself. I think this is one of the most courageous walks a person can do…forgive, and move the relationship to a new chapter. Bette is no longer the “little girl abandoned.” She is an adult that can “own” the new relationship with her mother, whatever that maybe. Be courageous, Bette. Gumpy…you are simply amazing!!!
can totally understand bette’s dilemma…it’s good that she’s talking it out with tina and not just running away from it…wonderful update
vowing silently to take care of them tomorrow morning. – “Or breaking them over Maxine’s head tonight if she’s hurt my wife” – love your smart thoughtful Tina, and vulnerable Bette :)
In a chapter full of depth and drama and Bette’s dilemma with her mother, I am shallow enough to admit that this is what I loved most about it: “But in all fairness she’s three and really doesn’t have much to say on many subjects that don’t have to do with TV characters.” To insert humor in all that is truly a gift. Thanks for the post.
You are a truly amazing writer. Mixing Bette´s heartfelt dilemma with next mornings Zhu Zhu attack. Beautiful update. Thank you.
“At some point Maxine needs to be judged on her own actions and not just because someone thinks that Angie needs some societal idea of the perfect nuclear family.” Right on! When I have to force myself to write it’s usually crap…when you have to it’s so damn good!!! Thanks!
i understand how bette feels. i had a great loving mother. my father was never in the picture for me and my brother but was there for our oldest brother always. the oldest brother got killed in a car accident. now our father wants to be apart of my brothers life but constantly excludes me…makes me wonder if my brother were to die before the father if it will be my turn. i want so much to give him a chance but it is on him and he is not talking it and it is hurting my kids as well because he is their only grandparent. so yes i believe she should give her a chance but limited at first and not tell angie who she really is just yet
Yhos was an amazing chapter a lot of thoughts and feeling love the story thanks
I understand how Bette feels and why. Having said that, I think she needs to give her mother a chance, and they all need the opportunity to get to know one another over time and I believe that is the only way Bette will be able to make up her own mind about Maxine and to know that she did or did not make the right decision to allow her in their lives. I think given time Maxine will prove to be the mother that Bette lost and needs in her life. She can’t do this for Angie or anyone else, only for herself. I also think Kit has unduly influenced Bette about her mother. Kit still harbors resentment about Maxine being with Melvin because he left her mother for Maxine, so her opinions will always be tainted. Now that Melvin is deceased, no one will ever know what truly transpired between them. whether he threatned her if she ever tried to see Bette when she was a small child after she left or not. We only have one person’s side to this and that is not enough to make an informed decision. Bette is going to have to go on her own instinct and/or inner voice for the best choice. I’ve said more than enough. Thanks for posting.
I went through the very same thing in my own life with my father. You are writing a very realistic portrayal of a parent who was absent suddenly wanting to come back into your life now that you’re an adult. I’ve felt every emotion Bette is going through right now. Great writing! PPS
Have missed this story! Thanks for the update.
Tina is really good with how she handles Bette. She lets Bette talk out all the different angles/sides with the issue at hand.
I understand Bette.How can she trust her mother?Realy great story.Thank you.
My mom died when I was 9 very difficult growing up without a mom I can only wish I’d had a second chance. I see both sides and don’t know the answer
Wonderful and thank you for updating so quickly. What a delimma bette has. Love your writing.
I am thoroughy enjoying this story. I am happy to see that Bette at least went to talk to Maxine, and was even more thrilled that when she arrived back home she found that she had a loving and supportive partner in Tina. I love their scenes together in this fan fic.
Such a shame that this was the last post on this story.
Starting with ‘Sweet Memories’ leading to ‘Believing in Love’ and then going on to the wonderful stories ‘On Centre Stage’ and ‘Enter Stage Right’ featuring the truly funny Kennard Family Gumby shows as a brilliantly talented Writer.
I’m on re-reads now and still finding ‘gems’ I missed first and second time round.
Gumby, i really hope you will find the time to update this incredible story!
Like SassyGran said, i reread all your stories several times and truly loves them.
It has been a few years but there are a few writers who came back after a few years and i still hope you will be one of them.
I sincerly hope everything is going well with you !