“Please try to understand what I have been saying during the time after we lost our baby we were like passing ships in the night neither of us took time to share our feelings even as much as a hug I think we were both lost soles” crying out loud “Tina you are so much stronger than I am I might try to project strength but I am so weak.  Baby please believe me she meant nothing to me I have had no contact with her and have dated no one since our breakup.” wiping her tears “I’m so sorry”

“I know Bette Alice keeps me pretty informed.” Taking a big breath “Babe I knew this conversation would be hard for us in some ways I feel better, I hope you do.” Wiping the tears from Bette’s cheek “Why don’t you turn around and lean against my knees let me rub the knots out of your shoulders” smiling at Bette

As Tina begins to gently rub her shoulders slowly working the knots away thinking how much Bette has changed, how so amazing beautiful she is and admitting for the first time how much she truly misses her.

“Babe you mentioned two reasons can I ask what they were”

Trying to breath deeply feeling how wonderful Tina’s hands feel on her neck “T that feels so good I miss your touch.” Gently rubbing Tina’s leg with a loud sigh “The two reasons, well the first one is easy to admit and I do have the answer I was unwilling to even entertain seeing other women until I completely understood why I failed our marriage.  I also needed to feel absolutely and completely sure I could trust myself and it would never happen again.  From what I learned the characteristics of a strong marriage are compassion, honesty and communication. If those qualities are present both partners will support each other and the relationship will be strong and withstand the tragedies of life.” smiling “You know me, the more intricate the lesson is the more I will learn and this has been one huge learning experience for me.” shrugging her shoulders

“Ok that was the first reason what was the second” Tina still wanting an answer

Shaking her head “You’re not going to let me off the hook are you.  Ok here goes remember you wanted to know” leaning her head down speaking in a soft whisper “I am so much in love I have met my soul mate” taking a moment before she continues, “I won’t give up on my family”

Tina realizes what she is saying and is overwhelmed with emotion she begins to run her fingers through Bette’s curls “Baby I don’t know what to say” leaning her head down next to Bette’s ear “I love your curl’s”

“My hair” chuckling “At least you still love my hair” shaking her head

“Babe I never quit loving you but with all the pain I became so afraid of you and my feelings. Thank you for your honesty I know how hard it is for you to open up.” hugging her with her arms “UnderstandI need to do some thinking  let’s promise each other to keep communicating.”

Bette taking Tina’s hands to her lips “Thank you  softly kissing her fingers “Tbaby you and Angelica are everything to me I will do anything to prove my love to you again.”