Yet what he had asked of Bette, though entirely innocent, sliced her heart. It tore at her soul.  She could see it still, with the clarity of the morning when the scene unfolded.  He looked up at her with eyes full of excitement.  Her daughter in the background, in the arms of the blonde who was preparing to leave.  He asked with a keenness that brimmed with enthusiasm for the day ahead. 

A picture, he’d asked kindly. 

A picture she wished for herself with every breath she took.  A crystallized portrait that shattered who she was, not to mention the life she’d lived for eight – approaching nine years.  Making all her dreams fade away. Crumbling at the very hands of the woman who was critical to their realization.

She pulled herself back from the memory and honed in as Henry lengthened the conversation, cordially asking whether her position as Dean was unfolding as expected.  Bette answered with a quick overview of how things were developing positively.  She returned the inquiry and Henry similarly obliged.  Apparently business was strong. 

“Jobs are flowing in at a good clip,” he shared.

“…and Angelica?” Henry pursued.  Remembering the shared experience of hearing the baby’s giggle from tickling her tiny feet after a diaper was changed or floating with her in the pool.  Asking after the girl his son had kissed on the head with affection.  The baby he had carried in his arms during the time shared with Tina.  In the very house the darker toned woman called home.

“She’s wonderful,” Bette returned.  The glow in her look was clearly evident.  Her tone of adoration unquestioned.  “Growing up so quickly.”

It was at that exact moment Tina found them.  Her step faltered, arguably indiscernible to any observer though not escaping the notice of the person who knew her so well. 

As the women moved nearer to one another Henry saw why his time with Tina was never meant to last. He smiled discreetly without baring his teeth, looking from one woman to the other.  With some regret, he looked upon them understandingly.

So there they stood on a Sunday just after the lunch hour.  Together, in front of the man whom Tina had desired instead of Bette.  The woman upon whose shoulder her palm now rested.  They stood, side by side.