got my words in, though. Before all, I was able to talk to Tina. But did she hear me? She’s not here. She’s out, and she’s out with her.

*****!

Bette remained on the couch, drowning in her thoughts for what seemed like an eternity. The door opened. Tina entered. Bette let out a breath as she realized that Tina was alone. The alternative would have been beyond the pale.

Although she was alone, the damage had been done. It was too late to pretend otherwise. "You did it." I couldn’t have kept the words in if I’d tried.

"You went out with Helena Peabody while you’re living in our home." I didn’t try. She knew what she was doing to me, to us, to our baby.

And she thinks she can get out of that now by just walking away. She barely slowed to my words. She just kept walking away.

But damn it, I deserve an explanation. Tina knows how I feel about her, and she knows how I feel about that Peabody woman. How could Tina not know?

Bette propelled herself from the couch, bare feet padding after Tina, and caught her just before she entered the guest room. The door jam, a perfect block. She can’t hide. No more hiding. Now she’ll have to talk.

Now she’ll have to understand that this can’t be. She can’t want this, not while the two of us are under the same roof. I won’t let this happen. Now while the two of us still have a chance. "You can’t want her. You’re living here."

Tina turns before me, brushing against me. I feel her, and our baby within her.

"I’m staying here. I’ll be moving out as soon as I can." How can she say these things? It’s as if this doesn’t affect her. As if she doesn’t care what she’s doing to us, to the possibility that there remains an us.

Damn it! Tina don’t cheat me on this! "For her? Is that why you want to be out of our home?"

I see her, take in all of her. It’s the first time I’ve been this close since the news of the baby. She’s beautiful. Still dressed from the party, the black dress accenting her *****, her body. Hiding nothing. Absolutely ***** beautiful.