The lighter skinned woman lay forth her dispute.  “Bette I should have been more involved with more than just preparing to become a mother to our child.  After a while I didn’t even want to try.” 

Thinking it didn’t matter.  Not wanting to stir what was already murky.  Resorting to clandestine strategies to get by.  Ignoring the important discussions that should have taken place. 

Though he was mentioned, the conversation remained peripheral to one topic they hadn’t delved into yet.  Bette instead addressed the reference to Tina’s impression about her involvement.

“But I never meant for you to feel…” the puzzled art director began.

The answer came quickly. “I know Bette.”

It wasn’t just about her at times fiery counterpart.  Tina wasn’t only looking at their past.  Having admitted her mistake of being absent, of having needed to be more for herself.  For Bette. 

The inflexed form in the expressed distinction in time was not lost on either in what came next.  Tina clarified succinctly strengthening her earlier claim.  “I need to be more.” 

They looked at each other thoughtfully until Bette broke their gaze.  Her eyes were drawn outside.  To the serene picture afforded by the limited view given a pair of half drawn Roman shades.

The discussion had revealed what they already knew and grew to accept.  They became mired in the bewilderment of the loss in their connection.  Then in the series of decisions made that were lacking in focus, supplemented by those made without the other’s counsel.  Contradicting a healthy exchange.

Silently, they concurred.  Chaos didn’t work in their favor.  Solitary approaches did nothing but make things worse.

—

Bette reached to take a sip from the water bottle that rested in front of her.  Before laying it back down, she brushed away the circle of moisture that had formed with her left hand.  She shook the dampness that relocated to her skin with a quick motion. 

Then she felt it.  Tina’s eyes on her.  She sensed it before looking up.  Confirmed by her view as she slowly turned.  In her trance she hadn’t noticed the blonde’s return.  Tina stood where she paused earlier to appreciate her presence in the surroundings.  It was evident the surveillance had gone on for the entire time the seated woman was in thought.  Her gaze didn’t falter as she continued to look at Bette.