Helena nodded “No mother and absent father would rather make that an issue “

“For as long as Bette can remember she’s just had herself to rely on. If she is sick – she goes to bed until she is well enough to get up and when she is well – she goes back to work or school. “ Tina lifted her glasses and rubbed her eyes. Even talking about it made her emotional for Bette “Its been hard for her to let me take care of her “

Helena touched Tina’s arm “How hard ?”

“She’s been great with me but there have been times when it is obvious that she is uncomfortable with what I want to do – even if its something silly like sending her to bed because she’s ill. But with this illness – she’s had to give in –she’s had to admit that she isn’t superwoman and that she doesn’t need me to make her some breakfast but its appreciated if I do “

“All couples have different hurdles to get over “ Helena said

“I don’t know if it will change when she is totally recovered from the meningitis but since she came out of hospital she has been a lot more open about her weaknesses and she’s been honest in telling me that she just needs to go to bed or to just sit quietly and not talk “

“Not talking is a tough one for you “

Tina smiled “ Bette has always been self sufficient to an extent that I think is unhealthy. Its what she was taught by her father – stand on your own two feet – don’t rely on other people – don’t ask for favours “

“Sounds like he makes Peggy sound like a candidate for Parent of the Year “ Helena said dryly.

“He has done more damage to Bette than I could ever find it in myself to forgive. I hate him for the way he’s treated her “

“Stealing her money was shabby “

“Telling her that her mother left because she didn’t love Bette was worse – way worse “ Tina said harshly “I hope for him sake that I never cross paths with him “