Helena: I’ve been there. Go ahead.

Tina: I’ll be right back. Excuse me.

Helena watches Tina walk away, a strange smile playing on her lips.

***

Tina opened her office door with a force that makes Bette glad she was standing a few feet away. The energy in the room changed as soon as Tina entered. Bette admired the woman for a few seconds taking in her appearance and couldn’t help but smile knowing that she was with child. Although they hadn’t yet talked about it Bette was hopeful that Tina would allow her to be a part of the baby’s life. Bette stood in the middle of the room looking contrite with an apologetic smile on her face carrying a bouquet of white flowers.

Tina: What are you doing here?

Bette: I’m – I’m really sorry that we fought. I just – I want to try to make it up.

Bette holds the flowers out as a peace offering. Tina grabs them and slams them down on the desk. A few of the delicate white petals come lose and fall away from the stem. Tina is obviously irritated and still mad but Bette didn’t expect such fury.

Tina: Well, maybe. But not right now. Right now, I’m doing something.

Bette certainly didn’t mean to cause her any undue stress, but she thought Tina was being unreasonable.

Bette: Well you know you said some pretty hurtful things too. I’m just here to say let’s leave this behind us, and… you know… We were doing well.

Tina: Yeah. And I’m saying you can’t just throw flowers at it and expect it to go away. Not everything can be on your time Bette.

Bette stared at her ex. Even though angry her beauty showed through. Bette couldn’t believe that she’d been so blind not to notice the subtle changes in Tina’s body when she’d first come to the house. A body she’d loved and worshipped for over seven years; a body she knew better than her own. She could blame it on the hideous pink poncho that Tina wore to hide the pregnancy but she knew it was her own self-absorption. It was one of her biggest faults. After the temper tantrum at the office she’d realized how she’d overreacted and wanted nothing more than to make amends. Coming here was her way of showing Tina that she was trying to change and do better but apparently her timing was off. Her gesture wasn’t welcomed at the moment.