Tina : “That must feel better.”

Bette : “Yes” I half smile, happy and sad at the same time. I decide to take the initiative. After Tina and I seperated I let Tina walk all over me, maybe it was deserved but I’m not doing it again. I pick up my second cup of coffee Tina poured for me. I silently walk into the lounge having assessed sitting at the table opposite each other was stupidly formal and too confrontational. Tina follows me in. I extend my arms in a gesture that invites her to sit. I know it is still her house but clearly she is mindful that I am one the living here.

Bette : “Soooo” Unsure of how to start this conversation, given I don’t even really know what it is about.

Tina : “Sooooo” Unsure how to start or respond.

Bette : “Tina, I hope it is OK I am staying in the house.” I privately wonder if I should offer it to her, I decide to wait and keep that though private. “Thank you for looking after it.”

Tina : “Bette, of course it OK.”

This has gone far enough, this dance around each other.

Bette : “Tina, I hope you don’t mind me getting to the point, why are you here ?”

Tina : “I am wondering the same thing Bette, why are you here ?”

I am momentarily flawed, what the ***** does that mean? I take my time in an effort to stay calm. “Tina, this, LA, this house, the girls are my home, my family that is why I am here.” I remain unsure whether to include anything about her and Laurel. “Actually Tina, what I meant was, why are you here, as in here in our house, with me, and our daughter.” I say it rather pointedly.

Tina : “Well, Bette, I should think it is obvious we have some things to sort through. You sneak back into the country, now you know about Laurel, we need to sort out about the house and finances as well.”

Bette : “I see.” Is my concession to why Tina is here. I am getting cross, how about a ‘sorry Bette I forgot to mention I was pregnant.’ “What do you suggest ?” I place my empty cup loudly on the coffee table to demonstrate my annoyance.

Tina : “I really don’t know, I don’t know where to start.”

Bette : “Tina, start anywhere, here let me start. I didn’t sneak anywhere, least of all back home.” I say it matter of factly. “I didn’t know how to contact you when I was away but I had certainly planned to call you within a few days of being here.” I am beginning to think this was not a good idea. I go on the offensive. “Tina, I want to see Laurel regularly, I want to be part of her life” I say it as a statement not a question and I do not enquire as to why Tina didn’t tell me about her.