Chapter 3

As Tina stepped over beside Bette she laid her hand on her
shoulder as she sat down beside her. Both women sat quietly for a few moments
collecting their thoughts.

“Bette first let me say I am sorry…it was just such a shock
to see you here in my parents home. I have not been trying to keep Angie away
from you. When you came to the house yesterday for me to sign the papers I will
admit that I was glad that Angie was in school but not for the reason you are probably
thinking. I was not sure she would remember you after all this time and I did
not want to hurt her. I was afraid if she knew who you were she would be angry
that you had not been a part of her life. And that is my fault.

Thank you for loving her so much that you secured a future
for her financially so she can pursue her dreams.

Second, I did not know that my family was going to pull what
they did last night and today. I am sorry if we made it difficult for you by
being there last night. Although I must say you were flawless in your presentation.
That has always been one of the things I have admired about you the most…your
ability to pull your professionalism around you no matter what the
circumstances and do what needs to be done at the moment.

Third Bette I forgave you a long time ago for the way our
relationship came to an end and the affair. The way I treated you afterward you
did not deserve that Bette. It was wrong of me to strip everything that made
you who you are away from you. With the help of other people I took away your child,
your job, and your dignity. Please forgive me…I am sorry.

I never imagined for one second that I could become so
vindictive, set on revenge, and so uncaring toward you. I just never thought of
myself as that kind of person. But at the time I wanted to make you hurt as
much as you had hurt me. It was wrong Bette. But you took it and not once were
you anything but sup portative of me even when I was breaking your heart a
little more each day.

Finally as a measure of desperation…now I understand that,
that was what it was when you took Angie. I realize that losing me and her
forever was your greatest fear…I think somewhere deep inside I always knew that
although it took me years to admit it to myself.

But I played upon your greatest fears Bette. And even though
that was the thing you were most afraid of you still faced your fear and
brought her back to me. I can never thank you enough for being so brave Bette.

I can not replace the time you have missed with Angelica but
if you still want us to be a part of your life and have a relationship with
your daughter I am willing to help you both have that now.”

“Tina…I don’t know what to say. This is all so very
overwhelming. I have always loved Angie from the moment she was conceived and I
would like nothing more than to have a relationship with her. I too regret all
the time I have missed out on in her life but if you would allow it I will do
everything I can to make up for it.

I know that I lost the right to be her other parent a long
time ago but maybe I can be her friend if that’s ok with you.”

“Oh Bette you will always be more than just a friend to her.
Your place in her life is much more important than that. She needs you Bette.
And I’m sure you will be there for her.”

“I heard what you told my mom and dad Bette…I’m sorry you no
longer have Kit in your life. I know it is a great loss for you and I’m sure
you miss her every day. Has the relationship between you and David gotten
stronger since her passing?”

“Yeah it’s been really difficult but after two years I think
I am finally managing to deal with all the emotions of grief and loss. I went
to a grief counselor for a while and that helped some. Shane has been a huge
help as well in accepting it. You know Shane if anyone knows how to cope with loss
in one’s life it would be her…she’s had lots of experience.

But no David and I are not close. In fact, we don’t even
speak. Even in death he could never forgive her for succumbing to the disease
of alcoholism and the fact that she chose to share her life with freaks. And to
him I am a freak.