Well into what started out to be an aimless drive, Bette turned onto a street they finally recognized.  A place they’d visited in happier times.  The asphalt pavement led them to a generously sized park with paths and bike trails that led to smaller open areas.  Circling the vicinity, quite a few brought those who followed them to the beach some four miles away. 

Taking a parking spot close to the entryway of two walking paths she stilled the engine’s hum.  Clutching the steering wheel Bette inhaled deeply.  Somberly she recognized the emotion that prompted this journey.

“It still hurts.”  So much she thought.

The damage borne of her own collapse.  The wound her act caused.  The ache from Tina’s wanting someone else.  Desire, albeit passing, for a different life.  That they forgot and looked elsewhere.  Personal losses. 

In the mix the uncertainty they had faced given their financial situation.  Parenthood and all that encompassed while their bond continued to be thoroughly assaulted. 

“I love you.” 

Fiercely holding onto the truth she knew would serve as a beacon Bette quietly affirmed with certainty, “I do.”  

They were trying.  Again they were trying.  Slowly building a routine and fostering an air of comfort after all they’d been through.  Still apart in many ways but they’d agreed to try.  For themselves.  For Angelica.

Living under the same roof as they had been before she left for the retreat – though still in separate bedrooms – they shared more now than when were together behind a closed door that separated the couple from the rest of the house and the world outside. 

Indeed they had made progress.  All of which now seemed a struggle to remember after the afternoon’s proceedings.

“Sometimes…” she didn’t finish.  Heavily, Bette exhaled a full breath through her nostrils.  Patiently, Tina waited for her to continue.  She half expected her partner to just start the car and bring them elsewhere.  But inside she was willing Bette to not let go.  Not now.  Not after what her heart knew and believed to be mirrored in her once and again life partner. 

Looking across the way, Bette spotted a couple moving with ease as they ended their outing.  Working their way towards a dark sedan two rows away with hands clasped, their look was warm.  So much lay in wait for them.  Had they just found each other?  Had they already shared many years together?  Regardless, they looked so … unencumbered.