Chapter 30

Bette finally reached the house. She threw ten dollars at the cabby and jumped out of the cab.
She paused at the front door. She could see Tina. Bettes heart swelled at the sight of her in the house again. It didnt take long for her to remember why Tina was there. She was packing up some pictures. Bette recognized them as the wedding pictures.

Bette: Dont do that, Tee. ( Bette thought to herself).

Bette took a few more moments to watch and the worked up the courage to go inside.
Tina turned abruptly.

Tina: Bette.

She was shocked to see her.

Tina: What are you doing here?

Bette: I live here. We live here.

Tina: Lived, Bette.

Bette: I got your letter. I got your ring.

Bette held the ring out for Tina to see.

Bette: This is REALLY what you want? You want us to be over?

Tina: I do.

Bette: I need you to hear me out Tee. Just for a second.

Bette gestured to the couch.

Bette: Sit…please

Tina shot Bette a look of nervousness.

Bette: I wont bite. Just for a second

Tina caved in and sat. Bette placed herself next to her.

Bette: Tina, I screwed up. And Im not talking about just Candace. I threw myself into work, I was never around for you. For the pregnancy…I practically made you leave. But here I am now. And maybe Im late, but Im here. I want to spend the rest of my life you. I want our baby. I want to experience all of the ups and downs in life, but I want to experience them you.

Tina: Bette please, you know I cant do this.

Bette: No you can Tee.

Bettes eyes were red and her cheeks were stained from tears.

Bette: I want to sit in our kitchen and admire you like a beautiful sculpture as you read on the couch. Give me that chance to prove this to you. I need you.

Tina was fighting to hold the tears in. It was becoming more difficult with glance at Bette.

Tina: Bette, this isnt what this is about. You know I love you. And I know without a doubt that you love me. I know that if we stay together you will show me just how much. I know you will adore me, I know you will be there for me. But I am the one with the problem now.

Bette: What do you mean?

Tina: Trust Bette. Its everything to me, you know that. How could I ever trust you again?

Bette: Tee, I would show you.

Tina: Maybe so, but that isnt a risk I can take.

Bette: I would do anything for you Tee, anything. Name it.

Tina thought for a moment.

Tina: Would you leave the CAC?

Bette: Yes. I;m miserable there anyway.

Tina: Would you go back to therapy?

Bette: Three times a week.

Bette grabbed Tinas hand. She didnt pull it away.

Tina: Would you let me have my own identity?

Bette: We could be Tina and Bette.

Tina was feeling weak. She slid down to the floor. Tears flowing freely and frequently.

Tina: God, Bette, I would have died for you.

Bette: I live for you.

Bette dropped to the floor to join her. She wrapped Tina in her arms. The two cried in each others arms. Bette ran her hands through Tinas hair. She kissed her forehead.

Tina: I love you Bette Porter, but trust has to be earned. Can you do that?

Bette: I can try. Ill try for us.

The two were silent.

Bette: What do we do now?

Tina: If you really think you can do this, We can try.

Bette: Oh Tina, thank god!

Tina placed her finger on Bettes lips to quiet her.

Tina: We try slowly. I am still not completely sure divorce is out of the question. I want to stay seperated.

Bette: But Tee…

Tina: Let me finish . I want to live separately . I want us to date. We need to get to know each other again. Weve both grown. I dont want ***** right away. That has to be earned with the trust. And I want to see other people. I need to know, as Im sure you do too, that you are all I want. And to do so, I need to be free to meet other people. I dont want us to spend every waking moment together. We need time to miss one another. Bette, can you handle that?

Bette: Tina if I can spend even 2 hours a week in your presence, then I am lucky. I will do whatever you want.

Tina: Ok then. We have an agreement.

Bette leaned in for kiss and Tina stopped her.

Tina: Earned Bette.

Tina hugged Bette tightly. She sighed audibly. Bette was just happy to have Tina in her arms again. She slipped Tinas wedding ring in her own back pocket, hoping one day she would be able to put it back on her finger.


****Will this arrangement work out? Can Bette handle just dating Tina? Will that be enough? The next part of the saga begins tomorrow ladies. It is titled The Arrangement Stay tuned…*****