“I’m sorry.” Tina says in a comforting voice.

“Christina, I’m really sorry about what I said and did to you all those years ago. I wish I could take it back.” Nicole says.

“Yeah, me too. Nicole, I don’t go by Christina anymore. I stopped calling myself that when I left. I’m no longer that person. I’m Tina now.” Tina says looking at Nicole.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Nicole says.

“It’s okay. Tina Kennard-Porter, that’s my name now.” Tina says with a smile.

“Tina I like it. It suits you.” Nicole says and smiles.

“Thank you. So can I ask you something?” Tina asks.

“Yeah, sure go ahead.” Nicole replies.

Tina thinks for a second.

“Why?” She simply says. Nicole thinks about that question for a few moments.

“Why God Honestly, I don’t know. I know it’s a clich but, the way we were brought up, that was sin. And then to hear your best friend liked girls I just couldn’t handle it. I guess I was trying to protect myself. From what, I don’t know exactly. I have to be honest with you. I still don’t understand why you can be attracted to someone of the same *****. And I still don’t ‘approve’ of the lifestyle. But I respect your decision and you as a person. You are a great person Christina sorry Tina. I hope you someday can forgive me. I would very much like to be your friend again.” Nicole says as she wipes away a single tear that has escaped down her cheek.

“Thank you for that. It means a lot to hear you say that. And yes I forgive you, the friend thing will take time. You have to give it time.” Tina says.

“Thank you. And I’ll give it all the time in the world.” Nicole says.

There a moment of silence again.

“You said that you have a baby on the way?” Nicole says after a few seconds.

“Yes, I’m pregnant, 9 weeks.” Tina says and smiles.

“Wow but how did you do that?” Nicole says. “I mean, Bette is a woman, right?” Nicole asks.

“Yes, she’s a woman, in every sense of the word. I got inseminated at a clinic. The sperm came from a friend from college. An African American man.” Tina says.