Because he never accepted you and what he thought was a lifestyle and you tried so hard for him to be proud of you. You ran out of time to show him your happiness. I know dear I was there.

I know mom and I’m grateful you were but you also needed your life and I wished you had told me about him. I know now that it was my fault you wouldn’t give him the time of day so he loved you from afar.

No it was mine, I did put you first. You’re a grown woman but the mother in me loved the fact that you needed me, not your father.

Bette was quiet for a few minutes. The words just spoken hit her and hit her hard. It all made sense now. She had put all her time and energy to make her dad proud even if he didn’t see it her mother did. Bette had always assumed her mom would be there for her no matter what even if she didn’t show her the attention she had for her father. No wonder her mom was hovering over her so tight after he passed. She finally had the spotlight. Bette was so upset with herself for not seeing it before. This was the reason for the speech at her engagement party. She was venting the hurt from all those years and now Bette had Tina in her life and she saw it as another replacement.

I’m so sorry mom Bette was now crying, you were never his replacement you were and still are my rock. You’re my mother, my friend and I love you very much and I am so happy that you have Carl. I see how happy he makes you. I just wish I knew how hurt you were with me. I wished you would have told me what a jackass I was making of myself knowing father was father and I was wasting my time proving myself over and over.

Dear it was something you had to do. I could have told you that but you would have resented me for talking bad about your father back then. Even though you lived with me your heart seemed to stay with him.