“Bette you and I were not together. I was in a sexual relationship with her, what did you expect?”

“I know I didn’t have any claim on you in that regard. You had made it very clear that we were starting a new partnership as co-parents. You know I was grateful for that. “

“You also agreed that it was enough for you.”

“Because I had already resolved in my heart that I’d lost you Tina. I had no more strength to fight Helena Peabody if she was who you wanted to be with. Then out of the blue on the day we were assembling the birthing tank you declare that you want us to be a family … to share a home. You gave me hope that I could move beyond that pain. That I could have my wife, life-partner, soul mate, forever love, and the mother of my beloved daughter back in my life. That my dream was finally going to be a reality. I was a fool to believe that you actually desired me.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Tina there hasn’t been any real intimacy between us in over two years and I am not talking about sex. If all you were seeking was someone to provide you and the baby with a financially secure future then maybe you should have stuck with your rich bitch girlfriend. I don’t even know why you wanted to get back together with me unless it was to continue to punish me.”

With that Bette walked out of the house. Tina was devastated. Bette had spoken many truths and when she held the mirror up to her face she despised what she saw. After only three months they found themselves repeating the same pattern of behavior that resulted in the first breakup. It was just a matter of time before Tina packed her bags and left Bette for the second time taking Angie with her once again. The difference this time was that Angie bonded them for life. At six months Angie was fully adjusted to daycare. Tina worked full-time and she purchased a 3 bedroom condo not far from where Bette lived.

When Angie was a year old Bette took on the position as the Dean of the School of Arts at California University (CU). The job met all her requirements and the pay was exceptional. She would maintain her connections to the art world. She was able to share her passion with eager young minds, and the superior art program and funding afforded them the opportunity to express themselves freely. The job also gave her steady predictable hours. It was eight months after starting the job at CU that Bette and Tina agreed to the custody arrangement that they still shared 5 years later.