I stand up before she reaches the door. You hurt me, I say. Before the affairbefore the miscarriageyou hurt me. That statement took so much out of me; I have to sit back down. A few seconds later, I hear the door open and close then Bettes footsteps down the hall.

God, TinaIm so sorryI shouldnt have let her inI just thought that

Its okay Alice, I stop her apologies. We needed to talk anyway. I just wish I could have said more.

I feel like theres so much I need to get off my chest with her. Tina, I think you said a lot with that one statement.

Do you really think so? I hope Bette feels the same way.

Of course. Listen, I dont know every underlying issue that you and Bette haveand Im betting her affair is just the tip of the iceberg, but I do know that you two love each other. That being saidI also know that love isnt enough sometimesand relationships take work.

I knowbut I dont know if I can do it.

I think you can. What you said heretonightproves it. And I think you and Bette share a love that will inspire you both to work your asses off for this. Alice has a point. Bettes affair isnt the only thing wrong with our relationship. Are you hungry? Im starved. Her words make my stomach sing with anticipation.

Yeah, I could use something to eat right about now.

Good, she say. Standing up she pats my kneelike Bette always does. God, I miss that so much. I take a deep breath to compose myself and head to the bedroom to change. Uh, Tina, she catches my attention.

Yes?

UhI hate to bring this up nowbutlast Saturday last Saturday? She seems nervous..

Whats wrong Alice? I ask, approaching her.

Bette asked me to give this to you. Bette? What did she leave? She turns to face me.

Give what to me?

This, she says, handing me something. Im sorry. She brought it with her last weekend and asked me to give it to you. You were in bed all week and it completely slipped my mind. Im sooo sorry.

Its okay Al, I tell her, extending my hand.

She places the item in the middle on my hand, revealing what it is. My ring! Bette brought it here. She DID find it with the pictureI thought if she did she had put it away somewhere. I feel the tears begin to form and take a deep breath to compose myself. Thank you Al, I say, looking in her eyes, for everything. I embrace her in a hug then go to my room to change. While getting dressed, I decide that I do want my ring close by. I cant wear in on my hand, but I can put it on a chain and wear is around my neck. I need to go see Bette tomorrow. I can do thisI have to get everything out in the openbefore I can consider forgiving her. Placing the ring against my lips, I kiss it as I close my eyes. I am going to have an enjoyable evening and worry about what Ill say to Bette tomorrow.

The rest of the evening with Alice turns out to be pleasantly filled with light conversation.

To Be Continued