“I thought I was strong enough. I want to get past her and I don’t understand why I can’t.” There was a desperation in Tina’s voice that was betraying how deep the hurt was.

“Two years Tina.”

“What?” asked Tina, confused.

“They say that getting over the break up of a long term relationship is like overcoming bereavement. And do you know how long the average bereavement process lasts?”

“Please don’t tell me I’ve got two years of this.”

“Maybe, I don’t know, but what I am saying is that you need to give yourself time. I guess there are some things that won’t be rushed.”

“No matter how much you want them to.” Tina looked at Kate and wondered why she was telling someone she barely knew all of this. She never really expressed a desire to give up on Bette to Shane or Alice as she knew how much they both cared for Bette. Somehow telling them would make all seem so final.

“Shall we find somewhere to sit down? I’ll get us some coffee.”

“Yeah, that would be great, thanks Kate.”

They were mostly silent while they drank their coffee. Tina was deep in thought whilst Kate kept stealing glances at her over the top of her coffee cup. Eventually it was Tina that broke the silence.

“Bette’s been drinking….and smoking.”

“I take it you’ve spoken with someone from home?”

“Our friend Alice. It’s so out of character for Bette to do that.”

“What do you think it means?” asked Kate gently

“That she’s hurting.” Tina looked down and again silence surrounded the table. This time it was Kate that spoke first.

“Is she still calling you?”

“Every night.”

“Do you want to talk to her or do you want her to stop?”

“Kate, I already feel like I’m drowning, if I talk to her then I know that I’ll hit the bottom.”

“Have you ever considered that when you hit the bottom that’s when you’ll get set free?”

Tina stared off into the middle distance until she felt Kate touch her arm.

“Should we go check out that view from the big wheel?”

“Yeah, we should.” At this Tina smiled hoping for a distraction from the confusion that was still raging inside of her.