Tina left work a bit early and arrived at Bettes place around 5. She stood on the porch waiting for Bette to open the door.

Bette opened the door and said, Hey Tina, come on in. I m really sorry to have ruined our dinner.

Tina walked in and pulled Bette in for a hug. Then she stepped back to look at Bette.
Im just happy to be able to spend time with you Bette. By the way, you look like youve been through the ringer. Are you sure youre feeling better?

Much better, especially now that you are here. Come on lets go sit outside by the pool for a little while. We can relax until Carol goes home.

As they walked through the kitchen Bette asked Tina if she wanted something to drink.

How about some cranberry juice on ice?

Sounds good, let me pour some into a pitcher. Could you grab two glasses from the cabinet and get some ice? The glasses are in the same place they always were.

Ghee youre not a creature of habit or anything, are you Bette?

Bette smiled, she liked when Tina was in a playful mood.

You know me too well. You know what the say, the more things change the more they stay the same.

The two made there way outside and sat down at the round table. Bette poured Tina a glass of juice and handed it to her.

So tell me how your day was?

Are you really interested or are you just making small talk?

I know that your work is important to you Tina so yes, Id like to know how things are going in the new job.

It never seemed to matter to you before.

That is not entirely true. I was interested, just not as much as I should have been. I let my work overshadow everything we had together. I was wrong and Im sorry but I cant go back, I can only move forward. I know better now. My family and friends are my priority with work a distant third. Thats why I quit the CAC and opened up my own gallery. It allows me to make my own schedule and I can spend as much time with the kids as I want. I have no one to listen to but myself. It really is a nice place to be.

I didnt mean to dredge up the past Bette. Thats not why Im here. I guess letting go is more difficult than I thought it would be. Being here with you, sitting out here just the two of us brings back so many memories.

Good ones I hope?

Yes, mostly good. After all it was better than good for the first 6 years. Maybe thats why it hurt so much when it all fell apart.

Do you think we can get past it? I know there were so many questions left unanswered when you left. Maybe we tackle those first. We have to try or well never even be able to be friends or anything more. Bette said the last part quietly, looking away from Tina, towards the pool.

Hey, can you look at me, please?

Bette turned back and lifted her chin so she could look directly into Tinas eyes. Bettes eyes were full of tears.

I know this is going to be hard, but youre right, we need to do it so Ill start. I have two confessions to make. First, I came back here with every intention of trying to get back together with you. Its why I moved back into the neighborhood, I wanted to be close to you. For so many years I was so far away yet I longed for you. Every tall thin brunette with curly hair that I would see on the streets of New York reminded me of you. I dont feel complete without you and once I admitted that to myself I had no choice but to come back and try again. I prayed that you hadnt found anyone else and now that I know we have a chance Im going to stay and fight. Not run like the last time.

Bette wiped the tears that had made there way down her face and reached across to take Tinas hands.

I told you I would wait forever and I meant it. It took you walking away to make me really understand that you and only you can complete me. Jacob and Alexis have filled my life but there is still a place in my heart that is empty and broken. Its the place where your love for me resided. I know no one but you will ever be able to fill that void. Bette paused to let her words sink in and then said, you said you had a second confession?

Promise me that you will count to 10 after I finish telling you?

Youre scaring me Tina, what is it?

Promise?

I promise.

The afternoon of the provocations opening I almost had ***** with Oscar.

Bette let out a loud sigh and released the grip she had on Tinas hands. She slumped back into her chair and just looked at Tina. Tina could see the hurt in Bettes eyes. The two were silent for way more than a count to 10. Finally Tina couldnt take it anymore.

What are you thinking? Please let me in.

Bette looked away and then back. She took a deep breath before talking.
Im in no position to judge you Tina. At least you were able to control yourself and stop. It makes my infidelity seem that much worse. It just hurts to know that we both got so lost that we couldnt find comfort with each other.

I have hated myself for the last 5 years. I let you think that the only reason I left was because of your affair. I left because of that but also because I couldnt stand what I had become. I let you think I was perfect and you were totally at fault. We were both in this Bette, me more than I ever admitted.

It was Tinas turn to cry. She cried for their past sins and was thankful for the fact that Bettes reaction to her last revelation was not the blowup she expected. Bette had always hated to see Tina cry and this was no exception. She got up from her chair and knelt down in front of Tina. She reached up and brought her into a tight embrace. As Bette stroked her back she softly whispered into Tinas ear Its going to be all right Tina. We just need to forgive one another, and promise to learn from our mistakes. Today was a huge first step. We were open and honest with one another. Thats what we werent doing 5 years ago. Lets promise one another to talk every day and really listen to what the other is saying. I think if we do that we can find our way back to one another and be stronger than ever. What do you think?

Bette loosened her embrace and pulled back to look at Tinas face. She had stopped crying but there were tears still rolling down her face. Bette reached over and used her thumbs to wipe her tears away. Tina smiled and said thats the best offer Ive had in a long time. Tina leaned in and brushed her lips gently against Bettes. I think Im starting to fall in love with you all over again Bette Porter.

Me too Tina Kennard.