They’re so bonded. Tina thought to herself with the utmost affection. I’m so glad I didn’t mess that up. I would have never forgiven myself.

Just as she was about to make her presence known, Bette said something that made her freeze in place.

"I kissed her, you know. Your mom. I hope that’s okay"

Tina listened quietly for what seemed like a lifetime, her heart beating hard and fast against her chest. She couldn’t handle the suspense and peeked around the corner, watching as Bette sat backwards on one of the kitchen chairs. The brunette straddled the wooden frame as she gave Angelica a baby biscuit, her eyes containing so much mixed emotion.

"You know I would never hurt her right?" Bette paused as if she waited for a response from Angie, watching as the baby girl sucked on her biscuit. "It’s just . . your mom can be so hard headed sometimes . . . No offense"

Tina snorted. Non taken.

"I really want to be part of both of your lives" Bette continued, "I just need the chance to prove that I deserve a place there"

Tina pulled back to lean against the wall again, her eyes filling with tears. She hated that Bette thought herself unworthy to have a place in her and Angie’s life. Bette was more than welcome, she more than deserved a chance.

It was time to prove that, Tina decided. No more running, no more hiding.

With a deep breath to settle the butterflies in her stomach, Tina pushed off the wall and stepped out from behind it. She cleared her throat and immediately caught Bette’s attention, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering full force.

"Hi" Tina said shyly as she made her way into the kitchen, silently willing her heart rate to slow. The sight of Bette had caused it to beat even faster than before.

"Hey" Bette replied breathlessly, her eyes slowly making their decent down Tina’s body. She cleared her throat nervously and brought her eyes back up to meet Tina’s gaze, a slight flush covering her cheeks. "Good morning"