Changing Places – Chapter 7
Bette took a nap after Tina left. She was emotionally and physically drained. She thought the meeting had gone well, better than she expected. Still, she had no idea where she stood with Tina. What was she thinking?
When Bette awoke she went downstairs to write Tina a quick note.
T,
I just wanted you to know how special yesterday and this morning were to me. To finally be able to see you again, connect again. It meant everything. I know you have a lot to think about. As I said earlier I am okay with however long you need. Please know that more than anything else I want you to find happiness. Do whatever you need to do and be happy. My love forever, Bette.

Bette wanted this to get to Tina today so she drove into town and sent it via Fedex.
The rest of the day passed quickly with Bette caught up in her painting. The phone rang around 4pm. It was Tinas lawyer telling her that Tina had decided to allow her to use the paintings of the two of them in the gallery showing. The faces were abstract enough for Tina to feel comfortable. There was two catches. First, Tina wanted the right to jointly decide with Bette who the paintings got sold to. Bette told the lawyer that wouldnt be a problem. The second surprised her. Tina wanted to set up a trust fund for the baby. The proceeds of the 5 paintings would go into the trust fund. The real reason Bette was doing the show was to get money for the baby anyway so she agreed.

Bette was full of mixed emotions after the call. On the one hand she was elated that Tina had agreed to her using the paintings in her show. The addition of the trust fund was an interesting twist but Bette knew it was Tinas way of telling her she accepted her being pregnant. On the other hand she was disappointed that Tina hadnt called her. She felt it was very cold and distant of Tina to have the lawyer call. Was it sign of things to come? Did she need to finally accept that she had lost Tina forever? Tears flowed down her face as she once again sat looking at the ocean, searching for answers she had no control over.

The following morning Bette received a Fedex package from Tina. Inside were a CD and a sealed letter. The attached note was simple: Listen to the CD first, and then open the letter.
Bette popped the CD into the player and sat down to listen.

I was alone in the dark
Never let down my guard
Closed the curtain on my heart
So the world could not see
All the demons in me
Told myself I was free

Then you showed me how wrong I could be

Chorus:
Now Im standing on a mountain of rubble
That once was a wall
Took years to build around me
And you came along
And you tore it down
Like it was nothing at all
Now its a little scary
Learning to fall
(End chorus)

When you looked in my eyes
Past the fear and false pride
You saw goodness inside
I cant believe how I feel
I believe love is real
And Im ready to heal

You show me how right I can be
I was holding on now Im letting go
I was holding on now Im letting go
I was holding on now Im letting go

Repeat chorus

Bette was smiling and crying tears of joy when she reached for the letter.