Bette’s head was swirling. Here she was, learning about a family she knew nothing about a few days ago. «It was really hard for you back then, wasn’t it?», Bette almost whispered.

Mrs Stone stared at the ceiling as she relived that period of her life. «No, it wasn’t, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world. I was so thrilled when I learned I was pregnant. I used to think that I didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, but deep down I was hoping for a beautiful baby girl… I would spend countless hours sitting in my living room, rubbing my tummy and talking to you… I would tell you what we would do together when you were born… Take strolls around the block, go to the park, play for hours and hours. Sometimes you would answer me back by kicking…», Mrs Stoned recalled, giggling.

Bette listened to her in stunned silence, not wanting to interrupt her story. «Letting you go was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I never regretted it because I couldn’t have given you what your father and Angela could. Oh, they weren’t rich or anything, but your father had a good job with security. It was more than I could give you… I hope you understand that…», Mrs Stone said, looking at Bette to get her approval.

Misty-eyed, Bette nodded. «Of course I do… Mrs Stone… Irene, do you know why my mother never told me about this ? I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out why she never said a word, but I can’t find any logical explanation», Bette asked.

«I’m sorry to say I don’t know the answer to that one either, Bette… I take it she was a good mother?»

«She was the best… She was always there when I needed her and she used to tell me all the time how proud she was of me», Bette admitted.

«And what about your father?»

A look of sadness fell upon Bette’s beautiful face. «My relationship with him wasn’t easy and it didn’t help things that I was a lesbian. From the moment her met Tina until his death last year, he never called her by her first name, always referring to her as Ms Kennard»