As she sat back on the couch, sipping coffee while T put Angelica down Bette had to admit that Tina’s assessment earlier in the year that when she felt out of control she overcompensated had angered her. She had felt it was unfair and tainted by their history. At least now she was able to admit how true it was…she had wanted to control everything when she had walked through the door earlier, the only thing that had stopped her had been Tina and her response. Instead of giving in as she had in the past Tina had stood her ground and at this moment Bette could not be more thankful that she had.

Tina

As she placed Angelica into her crib and said goodnight Tina thought of Angelica’s happiness at Bette’s presence today and how heartwarming it was. It had helped to balance the hesitation and fear that had went through her on Bette’s arrival earlier. There were so many traps and snares them making it work this time that she had never considered. The biggest snare was the ingrained patterns they both had and how easy it was to do and think the way you had before-even if it was all wrong. You know there are no guarantees all you can do is focus on today and do the best you can. So get in there and break some new ground Reaching into the crib Tina pulled the Angelica’s blanket up to her chin and kissed the little girl on the cheek, smiling she headed toward the living room and prepared herself for the details that were missing during dinner.

As she entered the room Tina felt her breath catch as she took in the soft, dancing light from a cluster of candles that had been lit on the mantle. It bathed the woman that sat sipping coffee and gazing at the painting across the room from her. As Tina stood trying to take in Bette’s profile she was speechless. The weight of the day was there to see on her face, the pain, the frustration, the fear but there was a strength somehow that Tina was sure she had not seen before. My God she is so beautiful

Slowly Bette turned her head and smiled and chuckled as she spoke, "Are you going to stand there all night? If you are I just might get self conscious."

Tina could feel herself blush and chide herself silently as she walked over and sat down on the couch next to the brunette What’s wrong with you? It’s Bette for God sake its not like you just met her. Pull yourself together we need to talk about the future. You need to be able to think!

"Angel was asleep almost before I left the room. So tell me what happened baby?"

Leaning toward Tina, Bette reached out and caressed the soft cheek of the woman she loved and wanted so much and said "Not until you tell me what happened with Kit T. I want to know. If we are going to help each other it means both of us need to be honest with the other."

The next hour passed without either woman noticing its passing.