After getting comfortable in their “around the house clothes” and taking bathroom breaks, Tina and Bette sat down next to each other on the couch. Bette swallowed her nervousness and began to finally clear the air between them.

T.I owe you an explanation. I want to explain some things to you, so that you can really understand where Im coming from and that maybe you can truly trust me again.

Tina nodded, Okay, she said.

Losing Daddy really made me realize that life is too short to just do the bare minimum and hope for the best. Tina, I love you and I really want to make us work. I need to start over on a fresh slate with you and I want to clear up my poor behavior so that we can really move on. Okay?

That makes sense. Tell me whats on your mind, babe., said Tina, hiding her uneasiness at this situation. She knew that they needed to have this conversation, she just dreaded it with every ounce of her being.

Bette took a deep breath and began. Ive been seeing Dan Foxworthy about some things recently and he and I have finally figured out why I had the affair.

The word affair sent a dagger through Tinas heart and she visibly winced at hearing it. Bettes stomach turned at seeing the residual effects of her indiscretions, but she decided to continue on.

Tina, I can never tell you how sorry I am for what I did to youwhat I did to us. But I hope you find that Im a much better persona much healthier person than I was then. When you lost the baby, I just flipped out. It was the one situation in my life that I could do nothing to control. Thats what I do, T. Its how I cope with life. I control things. There were so many aspects of my life that I didnt have the opportunity to control when I was growing up that now, I go overboard and try to control everything. Its how I cope with things. But I couldnt control us losing the baby and I couldnt control how broken you were. I couldnt control my pain and I couldnt control how you dealt with our babys death., said Bette.

Tears were slowly making their way down Tinas tanned cheeks as she listened to her wifes words.

Bette took another breath and continued.

I felt like you were leaving me out of things even before we lost the baby. You chose the birthing tank as a method of delivery. I felt like I was on the outside looking in and that was another loss of control for me. The night that I found out about the babyI came home to be with you and had been here only a few moments when I had to go and fight off protestors on our front lawn. Everything was spiraling out of control for me and I didnt handle it the way I should have. Instead, I found something.well, someone that I could control.

Tina tensed at hearing this, her eyes focused in on her hands in her lap.

I knew that Candace was attracted to me. I knew that she wanted me. And I used this to control the situation. I know this is going to be difficult for you to hear, but Tina.it was me that started the affair. I got into her car and told her to take me somewhere. Thats how it really started. I was.I was attracted to her. And I knew that I could make her do what I wanted. I used ***** as a way of controlling the situation with her. It was the only thing I felt I could control at the time. It was like I was addicted to the control. But, I lost control, T. And instead of me controlling being intimate with her, my body started controlling me.

And there I was, a horrible wife to youso horrible that you blocked me out after we lost the baby. I was on edge with my job, praying that the show would turn out alright because my ***** was on the line. I was still worried about the protesters and the harassments and death threats due to Provocations. I was just a mess and instead of turning to you, I turned to someone else. I totally lost it, Tina. And I want you to know that Im not just sorry, but Ive been working on ways to get a handle on my personality. Finding ways to release my stress so that I dont feel I have to control everything. I want to be a better wife for you, Tina. I want to be a good mother to our child. I want to be better., said Bette.

Tina was quiet, tears sliding down her face. You hurt me so much, Bette. Im still hurting. I feel like you gouged out my heart.

Now Bette was crying. Im so sorry, Tina. I was a total *****. I know I was. And Im so sorry.

Tina wiped at her tears and met her wifes eyes. I know you are. I know. But, it doesnt make the pain go away.

Bette nodded and hung her head.

Tina lifted Bettes chin and smiled weakly, You know, I owe you an explanation, too.

Bette returned the weak smile and waited for Tina to continue.

Bettewhen you cheated on me, I felt so unloved and so unworthy. I felt like I was going to be alone for the rest of my life.and then Helena walked into my world and made me feel as if shed make the sun revolve around me if I wanted it to. She was so charming and sensitive to my needs.thats what drew me to her.

The dark-haired beautys stomach was in knots listening to this, but she knew that Tina needed to discuss it.

Butshe was never you, Bette. She could never make me feel as special as you can. That day we made love, I knew in my heart that it was over with Helena. I knew that you were the only one I needed. But my head wouldnt let me come back home. I felt like coming home would make you think I was weak. I was so tired of being weak. I felt like being with her was taking a stand and showing how strong I was. But eventually, my heart won out babe. Youre the only woman Ive ever loved, Bette. The only one., said Tina.

Bette smiled at this. And youre the only woman Ive ever loved.

They were quiet for a moment when Tina said, So, are we okay? Are you ready to do this again?

Im more than ready. But I have one more thing to discuss with you, T., said Bette.

Tinas brow furrowed. Oh no. What is it?

Bette chewed her lip and looked away. I dont want you to worry, T. Were gonna be fine.

Tinas heart was beating a mile a minute in her chest. She had a sinking feeling her British devil had reneged on a deal.

What are you talking about, Bette?, asked Tina.

Twhen I went in to get my surprise for you and the babyFranklin fired me., said Bette, meeting her wifes warm amber eyes.

He what?!, asked Tina, her voice loud and her eyes wide with anger.

He told me that the board had decided to buy out my contract.

Youve got to be ***** kidding me., said Tina.

Im not. But dont worry, were gonna be just fine. ,

He fired you today? Just now?, asked Tina, standing up and beginning to pace around the room.

Bettes dark brown eyes followed her wifes agitated body. Yeah. Dont get so upset, T. You dont want to get too worked up.

Im not worked up. Im totally pissed off. We had a deal., she said, wearing a groove in the tan colored carpet.

Bette had no idea what was going on. Did I renege on a deal?, she asked.

Tina stopped pacing and stood before her wife. No. No, you didnt. Helena did.

What are you talking about, Tina?

Tina looked away, II made a deal with her?

Tyou made a deal? Whats going on?

Helena was harassing me. Calling me all the time. Threatening to have you fired from the CAC. So I made a deal with her., said Tina.

Why didnt you call me, T? What kind of deal are we talking about?, asked Bette.

I didnt call you because I didnt want you to worry. You had enough on your plate with getting things together for the funeral., said Tina.

T.what kind of deal?, asked Bette, all sorts of sexually themed promises running through her mind.

I made a deal that if she didnt stop harassing me and that if anything happened with your job.I would testify against her on Winnies behalf., said Tina.

Oh Tyou didnt, said Bette.

I did.

Baby, why would you do that?

BetteI did it for us. So we wouldnt have to worry about her anymore., said Tina.

Bette slowly shook her head. TinaHelenas like a regenerating demon. If you cut off her head, shell only grow a new one in the old ones place. And not only that, but the new head will be even meaner and angrier than the last.

Well, I did it. And I did it so you wouldnt have to worry., said Tina, walking away to their bedroom, her words trailing behind her.

Bette followed after her angry wife and found the flushed blonde sitting on their bed, getting ready to make a phone call.

What are you doing, T?, asked Bette.

Im calling her. She totally fucked you over. We had a deal.

Tinahang up the phone., said Bette.

Bette, Tina began.

Bette walked to her wife and gently eased the cell phone out of her grip. Tina..please.

Bette, I have to do this. She had no right to play with your job like that. I have to, Tina began.

The bronzed woman kneeled down on the ground before her wife and held onto Tinas hands. Baby, please dont call her. Thats just what she wants. Tinathis has been one of the longest days of my life. Today, I watched them put my father into the ground and my boss fired me on one of my days off. I think I deserve a little break. And all I want to do right now is crawl into bed with my wife and our unborn child and read to you both about little monkeys going on a strike.

Tina looked down at her wife and momentarily forgot her anger. Monkeys going on a strike?

Thats my surprise, T. Its this childrens book I used to love growing up. I wanted to make us some nice warm cocoa and curl up together in bed while I read the book to you and the baby., said Bette.

Thats the surprise?, asked Tina, a slow smile creeping across her face.

Yes. I left the book in my desk because sometimes Id pull it out and read it when I missed you or thought about the baby. But I wanted to relax tonight and share it with you.

Tina sighed and let her anger and frustration at Helena Peabody roll down her back. Come here., she said.

Bette moved closer to her wife and Tina pulled the caramel beauty into a tight embrace. Tina was moved that Bettes surprise was so pure and simple and uncomplicated. Just a simple act of love and endearment. All shed wanted to do was read to her and the baby and who was Tina Kennard to deny such a request.

Bette Porter got her wish. The two emotionally drained women made cocoa together in the kitchen before crawling into bed, with Bette lying on her back and Tinas head resting against her *****. They snuggled up for a loving evening as Bette read to Tina and their baby about a group of monkeys going on strike.

TBC (To Be Continued)