They chatted for another 45 minutes – Tina trying constantly to ring Kate but it went to voicemail every time. At 6:15 the door opened and Bette came in
“Bette “
Tina jumped up and ran to her girlfriend
“What the hell was that message ?” she said
“Kate has left Emma “
Matthew saw Bette almost visibly biting her tongue – she opened her mouth but closed it again and took hold of Tina who she could see was upset. Bette hugged Tina tight. Matthew watched them – this was going to be a trial for both of them for very different reasons. Tina was in shock and wanted answers – regardless of this being permanent or not this would be hard for her to get her head round. And for Bette – well Bette hated Emma – she had said so to him on several occasions. Up to now she had been able to voice that to Tina who was in full agreement – but this changed things. Bette would have to support Tina  – which he knew that she would. But she would have to stop with loathing of Emma or it would be bad for their relationship.
Bette held Tina for several minutes and even when Tina eased away Bette held her hand
“What on earth has been happening – have you seen them ? When did all of this happen ?”
“Emma came to see Tina a couple of hours ago “ Matthew said
“And she seemed really odd – very reserved almost and she said that she wanted to tell me herself that Kate had moved out of the apartment”
“Because you are dating me ? That cannot be the reason “ Bette said looking at Matthew as well as Tina
“No  – she said that we weren’t the reason “
“Nice to know I am not getting the blame “ Bette said dryly
“She has begged Kate to stay but she has left “
“And what’s Kate’s side of the story ?” Bette asked
“I don’t know – she’s not returning my calls”
Bette sniffed “ This is serious “
“I want to know what has happened “ Tina said “ I want both sides of the story”
“Did Emma say where Kate has gone ?”
“No”
“Well there is nothing you can do until she calls you – there will be a good reason she’s not answering the calls “
Tina still looked upset – Bette took hold of her again. Matthew reflected that regardless of what anyone thought about their relationship there was no doubt that there was a tremendous amount of love between the two women – and that that moment – love and support was exactly what Tina needed. But then the same applied to Kate and Emma and Tina was going to get drawn into picking sides which was hard regardless of the age of the child. He had acted in lots of divorce cases and it was always messy.
“Why don’t the two of you go to Tina’s apartment – the signal down here is not always 100% – it seems better the further up you go”
Bette nodded and picked up her bag “ Come on sweetheart”
“Thanks dad – will you let me know if you hear anything “
“I promise I will “
He caught Bette’s eye and he nodded – she was in good hands with Bette.
“If Kate rings let me know as well – I will be at home worrying about my little girl”
Tina ran to her father and hugged him – she whispered something in his ear and he grinned
“I feel the same – you know that and I am very proud of you as well”
“Thanks dad – for everything”
“My pleasure – try and take it easy  – as Bette says there is nothing you can do until Kate gets in touch with you – I am sure she will tell you everything you want to hear”