It had been nearly three and a half years since Bette had been home to LA. She kept contact with her friends and even went back for a few days when Alice and Dana had their commitment ceremony. She had even been talking to Tina over the years. They never discussed their private lives and whether they were dating, it was mainly focused on the goings on in LA, their work, and their friends, but it was friendly and they got very comfortable with one another again even though they hadnt really talked anything out. It was as if they both knew that that incident was going to be that one major mountain in their relationship, they had both forgiven one another for past transgressions, and were able to be friends, at least on a limited basis, they didnt know if the other was seeing anyone. They agreed it would be better not to discuss it Tina stayed in their house. Not as a form of payment for the splitjust because Bette felt it would be more useful to Tina since Tina didnt have a paying job yet. Plus, where Bette was in her life, she had no use for it; she wasnt coming back anytime soon to live there with her wife. Yes she still considered Tina her wife, even if she didnt feel the same. Bette always knew that she wouldnt be able to live with anyone but her Tee. Bette had been living in Anguilla, Barnes Bay to be specificit was probably the most beautiful beach she had ever seen. Thats probably why she stayed there in that villa for three years, but now it was time to get her life back in order. She and Tina had been making progress over the phone and even though she didnt know if Tina was involved with anyone, she still wanted to try her best to get her back. This though mad Bette nervous though. Would Tina want to be with Bette again? Would Tina trust her again? Tina didnt know her anymore; Bette had changed considerably over the past years. She no longer had the desire to work and achieve and grand status among the best of the best. She was now focused on her photography, and Bette didnt know if she could be able to be there financially for Tina, not to mention that Bette now had a 2 year old to take care of. Yes she had a sonbut well get to that a little later. But there, in the back of her mind, was this voice that told her that Tina was the one. She would be there for her no matter how much money Bette made, no matter if she had an amazing job, and no matter if she couldnt buy her all the expensive things she used to. That though is what pulled her, even screaming and kicking in all the other parts of her mind, to this airport. Leaving behind the beautiful beaches that she had grown accustomed to lying on lazily during the days when she wasnt trying to pay the rent. * * * * * * * * * * Bette was running through the airport with Weylend bouncing on her hip as she dragged their bags with her right hand. Finally reaching the terminal as the flight attendant was closing the door. Wait! Waitoh god thank you; I wasnt sure if we were going to make it. She said giving the woman a tired smile. Its not a problem miss, but you should hurry and get to your seats. Bette smiled on last time and made her way to the plane. Looking at Weylend when she felt him kicking on her legs. Down? she asked, getting his hint. Yes pwease. He answered her with a smile. She gave him a kiss on the forehead and put him down watching him jump down the aisle of the plane until Bette stopped him and pointed to his seat. He hunkered down and buckled his belt at Bettes direction and then gave her a pat on the hand. Momma, where we going? he asked with the cutest frown on his face. Bette gave him the most loving look, a look only a mother could give to their child. Were going home Wey, then you get to meet your Auntie Kit and Grandma and Grandpamaybe even Aunt Alice, Aunt Dana, and Aunt Shane. He gave her a wide-eyed look and grinned from ear to ear. Weally? Yes really. Theyre going to love you so much sweetie. Weylend just kept smiling and sipping on his juice box scribbling away on his coloring book. * * * * * * * * * * Stepping out of the airport with her bags once again dragging and Weylend drooling on her shoulder Bette hailed a taxi since she no longer had a car to drive. Giving the driver the name of the hotel she was staying at he began driving and she started to doze off, thankfully getting in a quick nap before she was woken up by a small finger going up her nose. Weylend. She scolded. Thats gross, what did momma say about picking other peoples noses? She watched as he furrowed his little brow and shrugged his shoulders. She smiled and winked at him. Yeah I cant remember either. She laughed and started tickling him. As he erupted into a fit of giggles they were interrupted by the cab driver telling them they were at the hotel. Later that night; once Weylend was asleep on the other side of the bed with his little pajamas on, safely tucked in, Bette decided to let it be known to Kit that she was back in LA for good. Picking up her cell phone she punched in the numbers for Kits apartment and waited for her to pick up. Hola. Her big sister said over the pounding of a heavy bass in her home. Hey Kit, its me. Baby sishold on a second. Kit went to turn down the radio. To what do I owe the pleasure of this little chat? Just checking in, seeing what you were up to. How did the new video go? Oh baby girl it was amazing, but Im still wondering why you decided to call me, what are you doing? WellIm in a hotel room; lying next to on of the most handsome man Ive ever seen. Kit was totally stunned and had no clue what to say. Bette, you do remember youre ***** right? Bette busted into a hearty laugh. Kit, Im in LA, in a hotel. Weylend is sleeping next to me. Letting out a long breath, You scared me there for a minute girl, I thought you converted. When did you get in? And when do I get to see my nephew? We got back a few hours ago. He was so exhaustedok well I was exhausted. But we can meet tomorrow at the Planet for some lunch if youre not busy. Sounds like a deal. Ill see you both tomorrow. Night baby sis. Night Kit. * * * * * * * * * * Bette was running again, this time with Weylend on her back. He was cracking up as he bounced up and down. She slowed as the reached the Planet, opening the door she went inside only to be met with the shocked stares of her three of her closest friends. Bending down to let Wey off of her back he quickly signaled to her the he wanted to be picked up again. As she approached the table and Weylend buried his face into her neck. Hi guys. She said sheepishly. Shaking her head to snap herself out of the shock of seeing her best friend again after so long, Alice let out a squeal and jumped out of her seat rushing to give Bette a huge hug. Soon followed by Shane and Dana they were all involved in a huge bear hug and poor little Weylend is in the middle. Alice realizing this backed up as did the others. Whos this handsome little boy? Alice feigned her ignorance. This is WeylendWey you remember I told you about your Aunt Alice yea? The boy nodded and smiled as Al patted him on his head. Nice to meet you Wey. She said as they all took a seat. Bette pointed out the rest of them. And right there is your Aunt Dana and Aunt Shane looking towards the door as it opened, and that is your Auntie Kit. Weylend bounced up and down with excitement finally coming out of his shyness and all the girls laughed as he shimmied off of Bettes lap and went to hug his newly found family. Momma a gotta go potty. He said suddenly, Bette moved to get up but Kit offered to take him. Stay here baby girl I can handle it. Ill let yall catch up. Alice, of course was the first to speak. Bette! What are you doing here? We havent talked to you in almost three years, but here you areare you staying? Are you seeing anyone? Does Tina know youre back? Does she even know about Weylend yet? Dana quickly coming to her babbling wifes rescue decided to slow her down. Al. Sweetie, breathe, let Bette get in a word. She said rubbing her back and smiling. Woops, sorryspeak Porter. Well to answer your questionsIm here because I needed to be back home, and yes Im here for good, no matter what. Do you think I have time to see anyone when Im raising a two year old? No Im not dating anyone, but hopefully soon. Tee doesnt know yetabout any of it. Therehappy? Alice was confused, shaking her head she inquired, But wait, Tina has been so happy that you guys are friends and are talking and sharing and everything. How did you hide this from her for 3 years? Bette knew she was going to have to tell Tina eventually. We didnt talk about our personal liveswe talked about our jobs, you guys, some of my friends I had made, we just never broached the topic. But Im going to tell her, as soon as I talk to her. Porter. You truly are a piece of work. Thanks Al. Hows she doing…is she seeing anyone? Just then Kit and Weylend came back, Kit complete with a big wet spot on her shirt. Child, I have no idea how you do it. That kid is a handful. Bette smiled and kissed the top of her sons head who was sitting in her lap and playing with the zipper on his jacket. Yeah he is, but every second is worth itback to my question Al. No, shes not seeing anyonebut shes been dating a lot. So Im not for sure. Bette looked disappointed and her friends caught it. Even if she is dating Bette, you were and are the love her life. We all know this. Shane said quietly. She know that she made a pretty big mistake by letting you leave completely for so long, she always talks about you, how great youre doing how shes so proud that you are doing well. She is still in love with you as far as Im concerned. Alice said following Shanes declaration. Bette nodded. She needed to find Tina and talk to her. They talked for another hour or so and had some lunch until Bette realized that Weylend was getting antsy. Guys, I think were gonna go head to the park. Wey here needs to burn off some energy right kiddo? This caused the two year old to start jumping excitedly. Yayyy. Pawk! We go to da pawk! The girl smiled affectionately at the little boy who obviously mellowed out the oldest of them, she was no longer the high strung corporate art director she used to be and they all saw this. Ill call you all later; maybe you can help me find a place. Bye girls. Bette said as she turned and let Weylend jump on her back. Bye Bette, bye Wey! they all said as they watched her retreat. Wow. Alice said. She certainly isnt the same old Bette. Dana said after her wife. Shane followed. Definitely, shes verychill…and goofy, especially with Wey. Kit nodded in affirmation. Kidsll do that to ya, I guess she finally realized what was important. What do you think Tinas gonna say? Alice queried. TBC