The door swings open to reveal a teary eyed Alice. Alice? Whats wrong, I ask her.

Uh, InothingI was just talking to Tina. My heart quickens at the sound of her name. Shes here. My palms begin to sweatsuddenly my mouth feels like cottonI feel myself gasping for air.

Can I see her, I ask, almost pleading. Alice looks awaytoward the living roomthen back to me. She steps aside and waves me in. I dont want to come in unless Tina says its okay.

Its my place Bette. I decided who can come in. Besides, she leans in closer and whisper, shes miserable without you. This single statement raises all my hopes and gives me more courage than I thought I had.

I walk into the living room and stand in front of herthe love of my lifemy heartmy soulmyTina. I can tell shes been crying, but resist the urge to comfort her. Youll only make it worse Bette. Shes still angry with youI can see it in her intense glare. I follow her gaze from my eyesdown past my torsoto my feetthen back up to my eyes. Shes sizing you up Porter. Shes ready for a fight. Dont do that Bette! Dont pick a fight with her. You came here for a specific reasonyou need to get back on the right trackwith yourselfand with Tina.

Ive met someone, I blurt out, immediately realizing how it sounded. Shes in anguish and it shows on her face. Before you get the wrong idea, I sigh, never mind its too late for that. But let me just explain. Its a man. Her anguish quickly turns to confusion. Its notsexual. Hes more like a friend How am I going to dig my way out of this? Take your time Bettetell her the whole storythenlet HER decide. This mana priest approached me about hosting an art exhibit at the CAC. I dont know if all priests are like this or not buthejust his presence made me want to talk. I think it was a combination of all this pent up emotion, coupled with the fact that me bottling up my emotions is what got us into. I trail off, not wanting to finish the sentence. Anyway, hes helped me realize some thingsabout myselfthings that contributed to my infidelity. She looks into my eyes. I see the moisture build up. Keep going Bette, before she changes her mind and kicks you out. Tina, I came here for two things. I focus my sight on my feet. First I need to apologize. Its up to you to accept it, but II wont blame you if you dontI just need to say the words. I pause, taking a deep breath to muster my courage. Looking back into her eyes, Im sorryfor not trusting in youin your strengthin your love. I pull away again and walk to the window. The second thing I came here for T turning to face her again I see her jaw clenched. Tina God I cant look her in the eye when I say this. Shell never forgive meand shell hate me for even asking. Dont take away her choice Father Andys words ring in my ears. Can you everfind it in your heartI meanwill youpleaseforgive me. I almost choke as the words come out. The lump in my throat has grown considerably since I walked in. She brings her left hand up to rub her forehead. Her ringits not there. I knew she wouldnt have put it back on yetbutseeing her hand without it. I gasp, not able to breath. No, Bette Porteryou have no right to cry in front of her. I better leave before the tears start to flow. I walk past Tinapast Aliceand down the hallway to the door.