Kindness now replaced the wrath that had been in Tina’s eyes as she looked at her wife. ‘Bette, you need to decide what it is you want.’ She said softly and paused to make sure Bette had heard her and understood what exactly she meant. ‘Thisthis can’t be my home and I can’t be your wife -’ Bette sat forward and opened her mouth to protest Tina’s words but Tina raised her hand in a silent request for her to let her finish.

Tina would not allow the tears she knew were waiting behind her eyes to cloud her words so she fought them back. ‘I can’t. Not if she’s in your life.’ Again Bette tried to speak, and again Tina silenced her without saying anything. ‘If you see her. If you talk to her. If you even think about her.’ She started to shake her head slightly, ‘Then I can’t be any part of your life. You need to decide.’

Bette’s lower lip started to tremble as the gravity of Tina’s words sank in. As the silence permeated every corner of the house Tina realised that her answer would not come tonight. She looked once more at Bette and if she had been able to she would have offered her the smallest of smiles; if, she had been able. Slowly she got up from the table. She glanced behind her at the stove, ‘Your dinner will be ready soon.’

She turned back to look at Bette who was staring up at her looking like a lost child, ‘You should try and eat something.’ Concern layering her words, ‘Kit said you haven’t eaten much lately.’ Bette didn’t speak. Tina tilted her head and looked at Bette not sure whether to kiss her goodbye, place a hand on her shoulder, or try and hug her. She decided on none. She simply said, ‘I have to go.’ When Bette still did not reply she began to walk towards the front door praying for the strength to make it to her car.

‘You told me I could fall apart.’ The words barely above a whisper coming from Bette stilled Tina. She stopped and turned back and saw that Bette had not turned to face her. ‘You said you’d be there to pick up the pieces.’