The edges of the photo were tattered and worn for much handling. In places the photo was bent and creased due to being carried around for a long time. Some of the color was dulled in places as, if the photo had been rubbed with fingers repeatedly especially around her face.

Turning the envelope upside down two pieces of paper fell onto the table. Picking up the thinnest one Tina turned it over and was surprised to see it was a bank check made out to her in the amount of $500.00.

Unfolding the last paper from the envelope she immediately recognized Bette’s flowing script.

Dear Tina

I really don’t know what to say except I am sorry. I know I should not have just taken off on you yesterday. I should have said something. I know I am a coward but I was feeling so many different emotions at the same time and didn’t know what to say.  I want you to know that I am very proud of you and the life you have built for Angelica and yourself. You are a wonderful mother just like I always knew you would be.

Angelica reminds me so much of you she is beautiful and smart. She has your gentle nature and kind spirit. I see you in her smile. She is everything we dreamed she would be isn’t she T.

  However, I do regret that you had to go through everything alone. I know I have no right to ask because I was the one who threw our love and life away but please forgive me Tina and forgive me for what I am about to do.

I can not be a parent to her Tina. I am not the kind of person you want to have around your daughter. In case you forgot I am an ex junkie and a person who has been with more people than you can ever imagine. I have done things Tina that there is no forgiveness for.

I have done the kind of things that would take away her innocence and destroy the wonderful life that you have made for her. By association with me if anyone were to ever learn the truth life as you know it for you and Angie would be over because of the shame and humiliation it would bring upon both of you.