“Nothing irreparable,” Bette whispered.

The tone of Bette’s voice, coupled with the strong arms around her, was too much for Tina. They only encouraged the tears to flow freely.

“Hey,” Bette pulled away slightly to regard the blonde. “It’s going to be all right.”

“How do you know that?” Tina sobbed. “How can you say that, after all that we’ve done to each other?”

Bette moved to wipe Tina’s tears away, flashing a quick smile at Angelica. She shifted them a little, finding a comfortable spot for all of them. With mother and daughter leaning against her on their side, Bette loosened her hold on them.

“Love, Tina. Love will help heal all wounds.”

“We loved each other so much, and look where that got us,” Tina continued. “The more we love each other, the more hurt we inflict on each other.”

“You know what that tells me, Tina?” Bette tilted her head to regard the blonde. “That tells me you still care. That it also bothers you I’m no longer a part of your life.”

“Do you want me to be a part of your life?”

“Tina, I thought we agreed to table the heavy stuff,” Bette smiled.

“I needed to know,” Tina replied sheepishly. “Don’t think I didn’t realize you have yet to answer the question.”

Bette sighed. “I wish I could give you an answer right now. Truth is, I don’t know.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push,” Tina looked away.

“Don’t be,” Bette answered softly. “If we’re going to try, we should be honest with each other, right? That means communication.”

“You’ve changed,” Tina voiced her surprise. “What happened to the famous Bette Porter?”

“She wised up,” came the reply. “Plus she has a beautiful daughter she absolutely adores.”

“You’re calmer. Still easily stressed out, I bet,” Tina added.

“Angie helps. For all that is going on around me, she has been my constant.”

Tina burrowed her head closer to Bette’s shoulder, letting out a strangled laugh when she saw Angelica trying to chew on her hair. Gently pulling her locks away from the little girl, Tina planted a kiss on her forehead before resting her head against Bette’s shoulder once more.