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Tina, Tiny Pieces Chapter 25
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Saturday evening, at Bette’s
Go to sleep, may your sweet dreams come true
Just lay back in my arms for one more night
I’ve this crazy old notion that calls me some times
Saying this one’s the love of your life
A bone-weary Bette rocks slowly, cradling a sleeping Angelica in her arms. Bette bends her head down, laying a soft, silent kiss on Angelica’s tangled, damp hair. She whispers
I love you baby girl. I’m sorry. Mama’s sorry.
Angelica had fought sleep, fought sleeping in a strange crib, in a not-yet-familiar room, struggled against settling against a mother she did not yet remember. Bette had paced with her, gently swaying in that innate motion familiar to anyone who has held a baby who needs soothing.
She had laid her down, Angelica’s eyes drooping, her mouth stretching open slowly in fatigue. She was still, still enough for Bette to creep out of the room, pausing only long enough to slide the dimmer switch down and cast one hopeful glance back.
Almost to the kitchen, she heard a tentative, sad “Owma.” She drew in a deep breath, her exhalation almost a cue, as Angelica began wailing.
Hurrying back in, she lifted her from the crib.
Ok sweetheart, it’s ok. There, there Angel, Mama’s here. Shhhh, it’s ok. I understand.
Cradling Angelica’s wet cheek against her own, one hand softly rubbing Angelica’s hair, the other patting her back. Again she paced, again she sat and rocked, again she spoke soothingly, sweetly, the merest hint of a plea in her voice.
It’s going to be ok, Angelfish. I know, Mama knows. It’s hard, isn’t it?
A third time, laying her down, sitting in the rocker, shushing her sweetly. Angelica twisting and turning, her pajamas rustling against the sheets. Quickly grabbing a book, Bette read rapidly, the hyper-perky tempo of her voice quickening, keeping up with the increasing energy of Angelica’s movements.
Big B, little b, what begins with B? Barber baby bubbles and a bumblebee.
Bette cast a worried glance at Angelica, whose eyes were closed but whose tiny brows were furrowed, her mouth working furiously, the cries seemed close.
Big C, little C, C, C, C? Oh sweetheart, come on, settle down for Mama. Camels on the ceiling … come on baby, it’s so late.
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Thank you for posting…boy we are getting the treats tonight. Bette will have some difficulties at first getting to know Angelica again but it will be so worth it. Why is Tina holding on to this jerk? She’s gonna end up snapping if Henry dosen’t first. I am mad that Tina thinks Bette is still gonna run, she practically has her on house arrest with Shane being the jailer. I love this story. Please post again soon.
It’s great to see Bette and Angie deal with each other well. I want to suffocate Tina sometimes. She’s torturing everyone. Maybe she enjoys it.
Tiff….your writing is amazing and so is this story. I hate Tina and I feel sorry for her. Naw, not really. She’s effed up but she’s an adult and got herself into this situation. Henry is a putz. If you’re not familiar with this word, it’s a Yiddish word meaning a jerk but literally translated means a penis. I don’t know how one segues from one into the other. I agree w/skycaptain that bette seems to be on house arrest. How terrible for Bette to be afraid of an intimate relationship w/another person b/c she #1 doesn’t want to fall in love again and #2 she doesn’t want to upset Tina. Tina might think that Bette would have sex w/Meg in front of Angel or in the next room, maybe against the door. Tina, Tina, Tina. Ain’t she rich??
Well done. I feel Bette’s exhaustion and elation and how hard she is trying and my heart goes out to her. As for Tina – how much longer can she actually live with Henry? I hope she takes the car keys and I hope things don’t turn ugly and violent when they get home.
Congratulations, kid. At least Bette had some non-cranky moments with Angelica. Sounds better than Tina and Henry’s night out. For a guy who doesn’t drink much, Henry’s going to be fucking plastered. Why don’t those two have someone minding them? They need it more than Bette and Angelica. By the way, who the fuck is Tom?
cant tell you how many times ive read that book to my granddaughter. she loved it. remember well those types of nights thinking you are the only one on the face of the planet awake. but good memories. sad, sad, sad. thanks again.
Congratulations Kid, a very well deserved award! None of your chapters, in my opinion, could possibly be perceived as otiose, they all served a very useful purpose. Transitional or not, they either add another complex layer or provide some form of insight that is intrinsic to your story – and I love every darn one of them……For me, this chapter was about relinquishing and regaining control and unfamiliar territory…..Bette quickly learns that she must let go of her desire to control Angelica’s agitated state, she eventually allows Angelica to dictate the evenings events. In an effort to regain some measure of control over her heart and her new life she sorts through what is ephemeral from that with more lasting importance. Bette and Meg are still in new and unfamiliar territory with each other, which alone can cause tension. Add to that information that can change the landscape of that burgeoning relationship and it escalates exponentially – they each have a stake in what happens between them and they’re both feeling put upon for different reasons. Perhaps Bette didn’t divulge Angelica to Meg because she was still uncertain if she would get Angelica back, and in doing so she might have had to explain why she didn’t have her and her role in why Tina took Angelica away from her. It makes her appear less than perfect. I also get the feeling the reason that Bette doesn’t want to make Meg her inamorata is that she fears that somehow that may demonstrate that Angelica isn’t her main priority – and thereby she fears that Tina would once again take control of Angelica. It is this fear that causes Bette to truckle to Tina’s dictates. There is also possibility that she believes that by having a relationship with Meg she would once again relinquish control of her heart, something that for now is very fragile. It makes you wonder if Bette isn’t subconsciously sabotaging her future with Meg with her irascibility. Personally, I like Meg and would like to see Bette pursue that avenue. Meg is the antithesis of Tina – she is open and honest about who she is and what she wants. She doesn’t play games, what you see is what you get……I loved the way you have Bette using Kit’s “baby girl” term of endearment, very nice touch. I also liked the inclusion of the theme from Gilligan’s Island – excellent commentary of all that has transpired between them, something that began as a wonderful journey turned into something that was cast upon the rocks leaving them alone and isolated, castaways in some respects, an island unto themself……Shane is navigating unfamiliar territory as well, she is putting herself in the middle and not acting as simply a support system to one person. She is the conduit for Tina relinquishing her control over Bette and the pathway for Bette to regain some measure of control through a display of positive actions. Shane’s “babysitting” of Bette isn’t just about abrogating Tina’s fears about Bette’s improvidence; Shane is Tina’s most accessible lifeline to Bette…..Your “raging bladder/cocaine habit” was riotous!……Tina’s in unfamiliar territory too, she is standing outside her old house, with an old friend, yet she is not part of it. Tina joking about the car keys was inappropriate, but that’s because she is looking for any segue back into the life that she once knew. She is skating on the fringe of the unfamiliar by relinquishing control of Angelica to Bette. She wants to trust her and I think she wants to use that trust to build a bridge back to her old life……Henry is still fighing a losing battle. He refuses to relinquish control over the idea that Tina has a past and that past was with a woman. He knows that Tina doesn’t like his tendency to prevaricate about Bette’s place in her history, yet he continues to do so believing in some distorted way that his ill-behavior will somehow allow him to regain control of Tina…..Tina’s exposure of the “babysitter”, albeit tinged with a bit of Schadenfreude, is a truth that she is finally ready to reveal – and possibly the first step in regaining control over her deamons and relinquishing the control over her doubts about her life choices. We’ll see…..As for Henry’s drunkeness – that could possibly be his undoing – perhaps a Mel Gibson like faux pas aimed at his belief in the mutual exclusivity of homosexuality and motherhood? Ooooh, now that would be some dinnertime WWF Smackdown!…..Brilliant as always Kid, utterly superb.
absolutely amazing.
when are you going to post again. I have being so busy but i stop by just to read your story.please post soon.
Well again you manage to bring a deep layered situation to light. I get entirely frustrated with Tina and her ability to stay with someone who doesn’t respect yet didn’t want to hold on to nor work for her relationship with Bette. Bette and Angie’s reunion was very realistic and it’s sad that it had to come to that so thank you for being the brave one and writing it. Just one question ok no I lied two questions: Is Tina going to kill Henry? (LOL) and WHy haven’t you answer my question about your other fics?? Hmmm?? Well I guess the Hmmm qualfies as another question! Eagerly awaiting another chapter from you!
Oh yeah, I am glad you did not make everything with Bette and Angelica all peaches and cream ’cause in real life, Angelica would be a bit unsettled in a new place without the mother she remembers. AND, because your story is so realistic, I just wanted to remind you that in real life B&T would TOTALLY end up together :).
Okay, I don’t think you have posted since they announced the winners so, congratuations on the FanFic award. To say it is deserved is a complete and total understatment. You are so freaking fabulous! Poor little Henry, he is unraveling a bit, huh? During this chapter, was my Tibette heart wrong to have felt a glimmer of hope for an eventual B&T reunion *crossing fingers and toes and everything else*? Thanks kid.
Hey lasty, I just nticed that you have a little pointy pen thingy by your name,after it was mentioned in the notes..yes I agree I am VERY observant..Well done, lasty!! I have not abandoned you to greener pastures because there aren’t any..every single other story except for a few are about B/T…and none are of the caliber of yours. It is nice to be missed, and I’m with you in spirit, lasty, through your seemingly endless torturing of Bette!! :) Now, about Tina in tiny pieces..I am thinking of the Eskimo tradition of putting the old folks on ice floes…who needs a nursing home, just turn Gramps into a Grampsicle! I have a floe reserved for Tina. What, she’s not old?? That’s her problem. How dare she tell Bette, yeah I trust you, yeah I’m going to do the right thing by you, and then have Shane check on her every f’ing hour, and even want to take Bette’s car keys.How could she do that to Shane, she can’t even do her own dirty work. If that is trust and respect I’d rather have the liver and onions.I think it was a little soon to leave the baby there overnight as Bette is unfamiliar to her again, but she is adjusting. How about.. come ride a little train as it’s rolling down the track….or come listen to a story about a man named Jed…Tina deserves henry and Bette and the baby deserve neither of them. I don’t think I like Meg…and can you repost your previous story where Bette was attacked by helena?? Now lasty, when is Tina ever gonna be on the business end of some of this grief!!! Love ya always
Tina…
Thank god we didn’t have to endure much Henry this chapter. I’m with B&TF that Tina needs to leave his ass whether she and Bette get back together or not. And WTF I was digging Meg and you made her into this tactless chick. *sighs* Four months must’ve been a long time for Angelica if she’s acting like she doesn’t really know Bette. :( But Bette definitely gets points for trying.
I just get excited when I see your post. Even though I have no idea where you are going to take B & T! Your writing just keeps me coming back.
Lastkid…I’ve never read one of your fanfics. I think this was my very first chapter. I’m glad I started reading…it’s so smooth, steady, subtle, and enjoyable to read, yet somehow burgeoning…it’s fully loaded…the characters and their inner stuff are really coming through. I’m hooked and can’t wait to enjoy the next chapter. Sorry, I’m a bit wordy. Can’t help it. Cheers.
thanks for reminding me about the grape..er..raisin.. it’s now, well, neither.eewwww… it seems Tina’s gonna learn the hard way,frailities or not, that we sometimes make mistakes with life long consequences.per Bette, it’s a hard realization for new mothers but you can “have it all” just not all at once.Meg is rather “cutting” is she not?sue
Tina is a train wreck and I can’t turn away! She needs to leave Henry or Henry needs to leave her, either way they both need to leave that sham of a marriage. Nobody should have to suffer through that mental abuse, not even Tina. Tina totally wrecked Bette and left some deep cuts. If I were Bette I would be afraid to fall in love again too, but there will come a time when you will have to let it go and move on. I am not sure about this Meg chick, but I like her less than tactful approach. You can either take it or leave it. Post soon!
Kid, you’re better at prolonging agony and leaving us clueless as to where you’re going than anyone I’ve ever seen. But you do it so skillfully, you keep me coming back for more.
Kid, great as usual. As much as I hate to admit it, I kinda understand and feel bad for Tina. Of course she’s nervous about Bette and Angelica, but she’ll get over it. What she won’t and hasn’t gotten over is Bette. Henry dudes gotta go. We all make mistakes, some bigger than others. Tina and Henry, huge. Bette taking Angelica huge. But whats meant to be is meant to be. So, you so need to have our two girls getting back together with Angelica.
first…thanks for the 411 tip, it was brilliant, at least i can scream and cry and all i get back is “what city please…” cool, i like when i can be rude and childish without consequences….second…bettelica together is just priceless, Bette will find her rhythm soon and Angie will adore her mama B again, this was cute…third…no matter if you get B&T back together (which by the way my greatest wish since i’m hopeless and i know in your story it seems highly impossible), but at least i want to see Tina leaving that ass Henry…enough is enough, can’t she see that this is not her life? not anymore and never was…fourth…i also read all your comments and i must say, they are so entrtaining that if the chapters will get too hard to read i might just stick with the comments…fifth…i didn’t like Meg
LK…I am embarassed. I inadvertently addressed you as tiff. As in tiff_duke. My bad.
Henry can go f*ck himself. …And that’s all I’m going to say about that. …Thanks for taking the time to detail the re-acquainting process, it was very realistic. …Goodnight Angelfish, goodnight chair, goodnight Bette, goodnight moon….
Again I’m getting emotional, please try to tell me another joke….I just love this story, you really touch my very soul. Thanks.
Well another excellent,Excellent chapter LK. Out of 5 stars, i think you deserve a 10 all the time. I’m on board LK.Congrats on the award, you know how i feel about your writing already so,offcourse i was giddy with joy upon the announcement. Onto the chapter.First.I hate Meg.She’s too nosy. But if Bette likes her, then she should go for it.However,I can fully understand Bette’s fears,besides it’s only been a few months since she separated from Tina. A girl needs time. Bette and her baby were so heartwarming to read! HEr POV was ever so clearly depicted. I really hate Henry, this is your story, but when is he going to die? And just like Bette needs time to get over her fears of falling in love again, i think Tina also needs time to fully trust B with baby A. So Shane keeping an eye on Bette was understandable. I miss Tina’s little conversations with herself LOL. I need 10 pages or more next time.
You can only imagine my dissappointment when I got to this page and went to click the “Next Post by This Author” button and it did not work! I have been obsessed with your story for the past three days, starting at the beginning and just running through. I love it. I really like how you are taking Tina’s perspective. Very insightful and I really enjoyed her dream sequence. And I felt so humilated for her the night that she went to Bette’s house and ended up at Alice’s. (poor Arden) I kept thinking, there was something more…Poor Tina, to be so rejected in so many ways, true, many she brought on herself, but ultimately began around Bette’s affair. Not that she shouldn’t just let that go. Most times, when I read these stories, I try and decide if the writer is ultimately going to be able to repair the damage with a resounable explaination and allow these two to reunite. In most cases, that is the goal, and while some are more plausible than others, well, that’s how things are. So with your story, I see Tina is on the road to reunification while Bette doesn’t seem able to trust again. Is Tina going to be able to get Bette is buy into their relationship and family again? Is she going to be able to get her to talk to her and say her name more than once? While I am not sure, I am thrilled that this story is far from being over! Your newest fan thanks you for all your time and hard work with this story. Looking forward to your next post…I am now off to your author page to see how frequently you post…