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Am I Really Over You? (1)

Bette has a new girlfriend, Jolie. Although they sometimes do not complement each other, having so many differences, they're trying to make their relationship work. Bette is no longer bitter about Tina. She has accepted the fact that she and Tina are no longer together. She reckons they're finished; that Tina must really love Henry for her to stay with him this long. She's happy for her, thinking that Henry is a nice guy who is taking good care of her. She has opened her heart, took away all the hurt and hatred, and she believes she has finally moved on.

One day late in the afternoon, Bob, the nanny is in Tina's house to pick up Angie. But Tina and Angie left. Only Henry and Mikey are in the house; Mikey is playing while Henry is relaxing as he watches a sports channel.

Henry: Well, Tina and Angie left three days ago. I don't know where they're going. Tina didn't want me to know. I thought Angie is already at Bette's house?

Bob: No, she's not there that's why I'm picking her up. Our arrangement last time is that, Carlos, your nanny will bring Angie to Bette's house and that's supposedly yesterday, but he didn't. So Bette asked me to fetch Angie now.

Henry: Well, they're not here and Tina is not answering my calls. I even thought she is at Bette's house.

Bob: No, she's not there. Anyway, I'll tell Bette then.

Bob immediately calls Bette who is currently so occupied in her art gallery. He tells her what Henry said about Tina and Angie, leaving three days ago. Bette gets worried.

Bette: Okay Bob. I'll call Tina. Thank you! I'll call you again when I need you to oversee Angie, okay?

Bob: Alright! Bye.

Bette immediately calls Tina's phone however, it is directed to the voicemail. She then leaves a message, asking Tina to call her back immediately. She's anxious and restless as she waits for Tina's call. After five minutes, she tries to call again, and Tina finally answers. But her voice sounds so sad.

Bette: Hey Tina! Bob went to your house today to pick up Angie, but Henry said you went away and he has no idea where you are. Where are you? Where's Angie?

Tina doesn't respond. The truth is, she's crying. She's controlling herself so that Bette won't notice or hear her sobbing. But Bette immediately senses that something's wrong.

Bette: Tee, is there something wrong? Where are you? Where's Angie?

Tina still doesn't answer but this time her sobbing can be heard by Bette.

Bette: Tee, what's wrong? Why are you crying? I'm worried. Did something happen? Where are you? Where's Angie?

Tina: She's here. She's sleeping.

Bette: Where are you Tee? Can you please tell me where you are, for Christ's sake?!

Bette is panicky and rattled. She's begging so hard at Tina to tell her where they are. But Tina finds it hard to talk as she sobs. She stammers.

Tina: We're... at the... Roadside Hotel.

Bette: Okay, I know where that is. Text me your room number. I'll be there in less than an hour. Okay?

Bette hangs up. Immediately, she puts on her blazer and talks to James, asking him to cancel her meeting with an artist because she has an emergency. She rushes to her car and heads to the Roadside Hotel.

She's quick! In 25 minutes, she reaches the place. She walks while reading Tina's message about the room number then proceeds immediately. Tina opens the door. This time, she's already calm, not crying anymore. Bette is relieved when she sees Tina calm, holding a book she was probably reading earlier, and Angie is sleeping on the bed. She closes the door while Tina sits on the bed. And then she pulls the chair, drags it close to Tina, sits as the faces her. Tina can't look at her directly in the eyes. Bette gives her a worried look.

Bette: Tee, what happened? Why are you here?

Tina doesn't talk. Bette holds her arms and looks concernedly. She pleads.

Bette: Come on Tee, tell me. Please? Did Henry hurt you? Did he hurt you physically?

Tina: No, Henry has never hurt me physically. He's not a violent man.

Bette: So then, why are you here? Did you fight? Is it about someone else? Come on Tee, please tell me.

Tina: No, I just wanted to be away from home for a while that's why I'm here.

Bette: What?! I don't believe you Tina! That's bullshit! I know there's something wrong. Why were you crying when I called you? Tell me the truth, is it about Henry? Is he cheating on you?

Tina: No. Henry loves me so much. He would never cheat on me.

Bette pauses and then takes a deep breath. For a quick moment she looks down on the floor then looks at Tina again.

Bette: Then what is your problem Tee?! Is it about work, a colleague, your boss, is it about finances, is it about you or what?! For God's sake, please tell me Tina!

Bette is getting a little impatient. She keeps asking Tina but she's not cooperating. Bette pauses and tries to calm down. After a while, she talks again, her voice is soft, apologetic.

Bette: Tee, you can still trust me. I'm a friend. I'm sorry about last time. I was so mean to you and I said hurtful words because I was angry. I'm sorry for that. But don't worry, I'm no longer mad at you. I've moved on and there's no reason for me to be mad anymore. You can trust me. I'm willing to listen and help you in any way I can. I promise.

Tina starts to sob; tears are freely flowing from her eyes as she wipes her cheeks. Bette watches her, wanting to hug and comfort her, but she controls herself. Angie suddenly wakes up and immediately sits on the bed. Their attention is suddenly directed to Angie, watching their cute daughter. For a while, Angie is not moving, she's looking at Bette. Then suddenly, she sweetly smiles; she's so adorable. Bette and Tina look at each other. It's like all the worries they currently have, momentarily disappeared when Angie gives them the sweetest smile. Angie is so glad when she sees Bette, like she has missed her so much.

Angie: Momma Beeee!

Angie immediately goes to Bette and hugs her. And then she sits on her lap facing Tina. She suddenly notices that Tina is crying silently. She gets up from Bette's lap and immediately climbs on the bed. She hugs Tina tightly then lies on her lap. Bette is touched by Angie's gesture. She immediately stands up and walks away towards the window. She's getting emotional, tears are flowing from her eyes but she doesn't want to show it to Tina and Angie. Tina wipes her own tears then she plays with Angie, showing fondness on her. They play for a little while, tickling and giggling. Bette is standing near the window, carefully watching Tina and Angie. But she is so worried about Tina.

Tina: Sweetie, you'll go home with Momma Bee today, okay? You want to go home with Momma Bee, right?

Angie nods and excitedly stands, jumps on the bed continuously. She stands near the edge of the bed facing Bette as she extends her arms, her gesture asking her Momma Bee to carry her, and then she puckers up her lips asking for a kiss. She's so adorable while she waits for Bette to get her and kiss her. Bette walks towards her, lifts her and carries her on her arms, and then she kisses her, showing her love for her sweet daughter. Angie kisses back.

Bette: Would you like to go home now baby?

Angie: Yes.

Bette: Okay. In a while baby. Are you hungry? What to you wanna eat? Huh? What do you wanna eat sweetie, or do you wanna play?

She continues to kiss Angie on her face. Tina smiles as she watches them. She stands up and comes close to them, and strokes Angie's back.

Tina: Sweetie, you'll stay with Momma Bee for a while, okay?

Angie: I'll play!

Tina: Bette, I'm going to Canada for 10 days. I've got something to do there. It's not about work, though. Angie will stay with you first. Don't bring her to my house until I call you when I get back.

Bette: Okay. Where in Canada?

Tina: Vancouver.

She continues to stroke Angie while Bette carries her. Then suddenly, Angie pleads to Tina.

Angie: Mommy, let's go home with Momma Bee. Let's go home!

Bette looks intently at Tina. They're both surprised but they try to display poker-faces. Angie is so naive and she wants to go home with both of her mommies.

Tina: Sweetie, Mommy will be away for a while cuz Mommy will be working. You'll stay with Momma Bee first, okay? You like to sleep at Momma Bee's house, right? Don't worry I'll call you so I can hear your voice. Okay sweetheart?

Angie nods at Tina then she pouts her lips and laughs playfully. Tina looks at Bette while she puts her palm on Angie's back. Bette looks intently at Tina and holds her hand.

Bette: Tee, you could've just called me or came to my house and used the guest room instead of staying at this hotel. The house is big so you're welcome anytime if you want to get away from your house.

Tina looks down and pulls her hand from Bette's grip. She doesn't respond at Bette's last statement; she walks toward the chair.

Bette: When are you leaving for Vancouver?

Tina: Tomorrow.

Bette: Would you like to stay in my house tonight so you can spend the night with Angie before you leave?

Tina: No, I'll be very early tomorrow. My flight's at 6AM. I haven't packed yet. After I check-out here, I'll go back to my house so I can prepare my stuff.

Bette: Do you need a ride? I'll just drop you off in your house.

Tina: No, I'm okay. I have my car with me.

Bette: Do you want to eat dinner first before we leave?

Tina: No. I'm okay. I'm still full. Just take Angie with you.

Angie: Mommy let's go home!

Bette: Yes sweetie, we're going home now.

Angie: With Momma Tee?

Bette looks at Tina but Tina averts her eyes and looks down on the floor. Bette kisses Angie instead, ignoring Angie's request. Tina prepares Angie's stuff. After a while, she accompanies Bette and Angie downstairs, going to Bette's car. Bette is still carrying Angie as they walk. They're not able to talk about Tina's problem. Bette is certain that Tina is going through a rough time but doesn't want to discuss it with her. She grabs Tina's hand.

Bette: I'm worried leaving you here by yourself.

Tina: No, no. I'm okay.

Bette: Are you sure?

Tina: Yeah!

Bette: Well, I trust you won't do anything silly.

Tina smiles inwardly and looks at Bette in the eyes.

Tina: No, I'm not.

Bette: You promise?

Tina: I promise. Don't worry, I'm fine now.

Bette: Do you want me to call you on your cell phone later... to talk maybe?

Tina: NO! Please don't! Please don't call me on my phone.

Bette: Alright, alright... I won't! I'll just wait for you to call me when you get back from your trip.

Tina gets Angie's attention. Angie puckers-up her lips and kisses Tina on the lips.

Tina: Bye-bye sweetie pie. I love you!

Angie: Luv you Mommy!

Bette buckles up Angie at the back seat of her car and says goodbye to Tina.

Bette: Bye Tee. Be safe! Call me if you need anything.

Tina: Thanks Bette!

When Bette and Angie arrive home, Bette sends Tina a text message.

Bette: "Hi Tee, I hope you'll be okay soon. I'm sure everything's gonna be alright. Just don't stress yourself too much. I'm here if you need help. Don't worry I'm not angry at you anymore. I have already moved on and I really hope we can still be friends. Always take care of yourself."

Tina reads Bette's text and she has a smile on her face. She replies.

Tina: "Thanks!"

Tina checks out from the hotel, goes back to her home and packs her clothes for her trip to Vancouver. The following day, she leaves LA.

...

Continuation: Am I Really Over You? (2)