There Bette was calmly sitting at the kitchen table, tea cup in hand.  She was looking down at the weave of the tablecloth when Tina finally emerged in the kitchen.  It didn’t take long for Bette to look up at Tina standing in the entrance.  Suddenly a buzz was in heard in their ears, Bette and Tina both heard the static.  Bette with her large soulful eyes and Tina with her vision clear for the first time in a long time felt the connection flow between the two of them.  There was a peace between them that didn’t exist yesterday.  Bette knew she had nothing to hide, she was ready for whatever would come.  Tina knew that this woman deserved more than she has given so far.  It was in this sense of honesty and civility that Tina stepped forward to accept a seat at Bette’s table.

“Good morning Bette, thank you for the tea.” Tina starts their encounter over fresh.

Bette smiles, recognizing Tina’s effort.  She nods not really sure what to say next.  “It’s me who should be thanking you.  Your daughter is an amazing person.”

Tina nods in agreement because it’s true, Angelica is amazing.  This gets Tina to smile while she busies herself fixing her tea.  It was only after her first sip that she felt ready to move forward.  “I never thought I’d be sitting here talking to you.  Wonders never cease do they?” Tina offers to get his conversation started.

Again Bette smiles a smile that reaches her heart.  She was happy at how Tina was trying.  It was more then she ever expected.  “No I don’t imagine you did but all the same I’m thanking God above that you are.”

At this confession Tina felt tears start in her eyes and fought to keep them at bay.  She was sure now that they were going to have ‘the’ conversation.  Taking a deep breath she launches in, “I never thought I’d be ready for this discussion but yet here we are.”  Tina starts pausing before she says any more.  “Bette it’s taken me years to get on with my life.”

Looking around the kitchen the irony of it strikes her.  “At first I was afraid of the change you had forced upon me.  You see I had built my life around you, given up anything that wasn’t us.  Changed my life, my beliefs, my being for you.  All willingly because I believed in our love.”  Raising her right hand, Tina waves it around to take in the kitchen around them.  “I believed in us and because of that belief this is what we built.”