Tina guided Bette towards the dining room after having grabbed a couple of plates. She pulled a chair out for Bette and then proceeded to choose a sandwich and salad for her, placing the plate in front of her. She poured some of the sparkling water that the room service attendant had brought with him and put that in front of her as well.

Bette just sat there quietly and watched Tina prepare her meal for her. She was so confused. She knew that the movement backwards was picking up speed. Even though she was clearly not in LA, all of the emotions and waywardness had returned.

What had changed? Why did Tina suddenly want to be with her? Why did she suddenly wish to play the role of dutiful wife when for almost 8 long months, had been sickened by the mere mention of Bettes name?

She could not get her arms around this and the fear continued to make a home in her body, in her mind and in her soul.

After putting together Bettes meal, Tina did the same for herself and sat down across from Bette. She studied Bettes face, saw the stoop to her shoulders and wondered again, what was going on inside of her.

Hey said Tina.

Bette was again jerked from her thoughts by the sound of Tinas voice.

Without saying anything, she just raised her head and looked at her.

Where did you just go? asked Tina.

No where, just thinking about some work stuff she untruthfully said.

Tina just looked at her, knowing this not to be the truth, but agreed to let Bette slide for the moment.

She knew that they had to talk, was just hoping that they could eat something first in order to get a little strength for the conversation that had to come.

They ate in silence, each absorbed in her own thoughts. As they picked at their food, each wished for the food to hold out, as neither was mentally prepared for what they knew was ahead.

When it was finally obvious that neither was still eating, Tina stood up to clear the plates.

Here, let me help said Bette.

No, why dont you just go sit in the living room and I will come join you replied Tina.

Ok said Bette.

She wearily stood, grabbed her drink and made her way over to the sofa. She heard Tina in the kitchen putting the plates in the dishwasher cleaning up. It could have been any afternoon of their life, but it wasnt. That was a previous life, she thought and well, this is now muttered Bette.

Tina finished up in the kitchen and dried her hands. She surveyed the room to be sure that she had gotten everything. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her water and headed to the living room to join Bette.

Again, she knew that this conversation was not going to be easy, nor would it be the only one that the two of them would be having. Actually, she quite clearly knew that this was only one of many. It had taken a long period of time to get to where they were, and would take at least that same period to get them back to a place where they were surrounded by the love, trust and understanding that had once made up their lives.

Here we go she thought to herself.