Madison slammed the door to her parents home and got to the bottom step of the porch before she realized she didnt have her car. Damn it! She turned and kicked the step and then plopped herself down. Tears were streaming down her face, her mind a jumble of thoughts. Why did she react so strongly to the news? Why did it happen? How had they gotten back together? Why didnt they ever tell her or Jake? Oh God what did I say in there? What a ***** night. I need Zoe. What time is it? Too early to call her to come pick me up she must still be at her dinner.

Back inside the house.

Im going to see if she is all right. She cant go far she doesnt have her car.

No Bette, I think we should let her be for a bit. Let her calm down and then we can talk with her.

Let me go Shane said She has no reason to be angry at me. At least right now.

Thanks Shane, Bette and Tina said simultaneously. They looked at each other and smiled.

So how about you two explain what happened to me? Jake said.

Come on sweetie, lets go sit in the living room and get comfortable. Bette said.

Bette, Im really sorry about this Alice tried again to apologize as they moved to the living room.

Please Alice, its something we probably should have discussed with the kids a long time ago but time seemed to go by and there didnt seem to be a need. Its okay, it happened and we need to discuss it with them and get it all out in the open. Bette walked over and gave her old friend a hug. How about I get you some coffee to compensate for the wine?

Let me do that Dana said. Alice, Julie why dont you help me in the kitchen.

Tina smiled, understanding that Dana was trying to give them some privacy. Thanks Dana.

Outside on the Porch.

Shane walked down the steps and sat down next to Madison. Madison looked over and tried to smile through her tears. So you got elected to come see if I was okay?

Actually I volunteered. And the answer is?

A bit better. I sure did blow up in there huh?

Mmmm, Id say that about sums it up.

Its just that I look up to them as my role model you know? They have this wonderful marriage that gets stronger every day. Now I find out that theyre not so perfect and my world is thrown off its axis.

Look Madison youre perspective of their marriage is right. They got it right the second time around and have been together for over 20 yrs. Seven years before that with a 5 year break in between. They never stopped loving one another and their love today is stronger than it has ever been. That is something to try and aspire too. Their breakup shouldnt tarnish that. Dont dwell on the past, learn from it like they did. Build on it, let it make you stronger.

Madison sat and listened to her aunts words. She was right of course. Her parents had never told their children of their breakup because it didnt matter. In the long run it was a blip on the timeline of their life together. Madison wiped the tears off her face and turned to give her aunt a hug. Thanks aunt Shane for knowing the right thing to say. I guess I better go back in there and apologize.

Come on, lets go make a grand entrance.

As they stood the door opened and Tina walked out. Shane can you give me a moment with my daughter?

Sure Tina, we were about to come in anyway. Ill see you in there.

Tina motioned for Madison to come sit beside her on the porch swing. Madison did so avoiding eye contact until she got close. When she looked into her mothers eyes she saw nothing but unconditional love. Im sorry mom. I dont know what got into me.

Madison sat down next to her mother and Tina put her arm around her. Madison youre such a hot head. You might not want to hear this right now but you are exactly like your mom was when she was younger.

Madison just sighed. Tell me about what happened? I just need to know for closure.

Bette was the first and will be the last person Ive ever truly loved Madison, aside from you kids of course. I wasnt always ***** Madison.

Madisons eyes opened wide, she had no idea.

When I met Bette there was an immediate connection, both physical and emotional. It was if we were destined to be together. Of course I resisted at first thinking that my feelings for her would go away. After all I was a straight girl. But Bette was persistent and patient and I finally gave myself to her completely. Mind, body and soul. She gave me the same thing. It all started to go bad when we decided to have a child. I quit my job to concentrate on getting pregnant and the dynamic between us shifted. We ignored it thinking once the baby arrived everything would be better. But I had a miscarriage and we drifted further apart. Yes, Bette was the one who went outside the marriage but both of us contributed to the disintegration of our relationship. Bette just put the final nail in the coffin. I was devastated and chose to run away from everything I knew here. I rebuilt my life in New York, had you the child I always knew I was destined to have and love dearly but something was missing. No matter who I dated and how hard I tried my love for Bette wouldnt die. So I decided to go back when the opportunity presented itself. You were there for the rest.

Im sorry I said you were weak mom. Listening to what happened I realize youre the bravest, strongest person I know. I love you mom, and Im sorry. Madison reached over and pulled her mom in for a hug. They stayed that way for a while, Tina rocking Madison back and forth like she did when she was a baby, rubbing her back for comfort. Tina pulled away first.

I think we better go back into the house. We have dessert to eat.

And I have apologies to make.