”Yeah. We were married for two years. We weren’t in love but we thought we could make a good home for Bub. We were miserable. After we divorced I didn’t date or anything. I mean I haven’t been with anyone since Philip. Or before Philip” Tina said as she looked at the picture and smiled at her son

Bette sat there feeling her heart swell

”I wasn’t with anyone after I moved until I met Victoria. I got real good at exploring my body if you know what I mean” Bette smiled as Tina chuckled.

”Yeah. Me too. I didn’t want to give myself to anyone but you. I guess part of me still thinks that way” Tina answered sadly

”Tina? When you didn’t show up at the fountain I lost myself. I went into a deep depression that Kit literally had to drag my ass out of my room to get me help. I stayed at a facility 90 days and finally got some of my life back. I started working for JP Morgan in New York and got transferred here 5 years ago. I met Vic at a meeting and we dated three years and married last year. I still didn’t feel totally complete even though I was happy. But seeing you now and talking to you I feel like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire–You complete me” Bette said reaching her hand out motioning for Tina to accept it

Tina’s eyes glistened with tears as she hesitantly put her hand inside of Bette’s. Feeling the comforting squeeze made both sigh at how utterly right it felt. As they each mirrored each other with their tears Tina laid her head down on top of her hand that Bette was holding.

”Tina? I’m so sorry” Bette said sadly

”Me too Bette. Me too” Tina replied with equal sadness

They both stayed that way until Bette fell asleep. Tina turned her head when she heard Bette let out a slight snore and chuckled at her. She removed her hand from Bette’s and got up from the chair. She leaned down and kissed Bette on the forehead.

”I’m not letting you leave me again. I know we can only be friends but not having you in my life at all would be more unbearable than me not being able to ever have you romantically” Tina whispered in Bette’s ear

After stroking Bette’s hair for a few minutes and watching her sleep, Tina turned and walked out of the room smiling that her beloved Bette was back in her life even if it wasn’t how she wanted.

tbc