“She what?!” the letter fell out of Tina’s hand and landed on the floor. She suddenly felt cold and terrified.

“Oh damn…” Alice muttered and pulled Tina into a tight hug. She realized that Bette had never told Tina about her decision to go back into her time. Tina was shaking and Alice felt completely helpless, unsure what to say that would give Tina any comfort.

Finally Tina pulled back and wiped her teary eyes. “Why didn’t you stop her?”

“I tried, Tina, believe me. I even offered to go with her so she had someone there to support her but you know how she is,” Alice replied. “Bette can be so stubborn some times. If she made a decision, especially a very important decision, she would stick by it and nobody can change her mind.”

“Yes, so true,” Tina sighed, wiping her tears.

Alice rubbed her back, “I’m so sorry, Tina. Maybe you should read the letter.”

Tina picked it up from the floor and looked at her friend. “Do you know what it says?”

“No.”

Tina nodded and began reading out loud.

“My dearest Tina…Tee. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life…leaving you. Please know that my love for you is as strong as ever. My feelings for you will never change but…” Tina looked at Alice and smiled sadly, “I knew but was coming.”

Alice smiled back and Tina continued reading.

“…but this is something I have to do and I have to do it alone. I want to give myself to you completely and that’s why I need this closure with Christina. So my heart would be yours and yours alone.

Every time I looked at you I want to smile because I was so happy that you were part of my life. I looked at you and I wanted the rest of my life with you to begin, looking to a lifetime filled with love and joy. I look at you and I feel like I could do anything. I feel so lucky to be loved by you. I cherish every moment we shared. If I could only have one wish, it would be for us to be together forever.