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The Truth Be Told - Part 1
An hour later, Bette wakes up but she doesn't see Tina by her side. The room is so dark and quiet. She feels devastated. Tina left her and deceived her. She cries out loud.
Bette: Tina!
Tina is awakened by Bette's scream. She looks up at her and gently holds her face, trying to wake her up.
Tina: Baby, you're having a bad dream. Wake up.
Bette opens her eyes, sees Tina's face looking concernedly at her, gently wiping the tears on her cheeks with her fingers. She realizes it's just a dream - a bad dream! Tina is still on her side and hasn't left. Relief courses through her. Tina kisses her on the cheeks, draws her head closer and hugs her tight.
Bette: Tee, don't leave by my side.
Tina: I won't, I promise. Go back to sleep Baby.
They both sleep again, hugging, sharing the warmth of each other's body.
The next morning, Angie wakes up at 8AM. She sits on her bed and looks at the other bed where her two mommies are lying beside each other, half naked. Tina is lying on her stomach, her head tilted facing Bette while Bette is lying sideways, her right hand is resting on Tina's bare back. Angie watches them as she sits steadily on her own tiny bed; she's not crying.
A couple of minutes later, Bette wakes up with a smile on her face as she sees Tina by her side. For a while, she stares at her calm face, sleeping comfortably. Then she turns her attention to Angie who's carefully looking at them. She greets her with a sweet smile.
Bette: Good morning my little angel! Oh sweetie, you're watching us sleep? Just like your Momma Tee, loves to watch someone sleeping...
Tina is not bothered by Bette's talking and movements on the bed; she maintains her position, comfortably sleeping on Bette's bed. Suddenly, a knock is heard on the front door. It's Kit. Bette cautiously stands up, quickly puts on her under garments and her robe and opens the door for Kit. She's still groggy; she had only three hours of sleep.
Kit: Bette! I've been calling your cell phone, you're not answering it. Where's Angie? Did you forget I'm bringing her to the zoo today? I thought you said you're going to bring her to my house so I won't come here anymore? You just woke up?!
Bette: Kit, it's still too early. Angie just woke up. She's in the bedroom.
Bette immediately washes up while Kit proceeds to the master's bedroom, looking for Angie. As she steps in, she sees her sitting steadily on the bed, looking at the woman lying on Bette's bed. She's surprised when she sees a half naked woman sleeping, lying on her stomach; her bare back is exposed and only half of her body is covered with the sheets from her butt to her feet. For a moment she doesn't recognize that it's Tina. But she's certain that it's not Jolie - Bette's current girlfriend. She stands motionless for a few seconds just looking at the woman. Angie glances at Kit then points her finger to the woman on the bed, and cutely whispers.
Angie: Mommy…
Kit eventually recognizes Tina. She is shocked. Slowly, she walks toward Angie and pulls her from the bed then carefully leaves the bedroom, making sure she doesn't create any noise. After putting Angie down, she looks for Bette, and finds her in the kitchen, preparing her morning coffee and Angie's cereals for breakfast. Kit is frantic as she talks.
Kit: What the fuck Bette?!
But Bette is calm; she looks at Kit and smiles.
Bette: What?
Kit: What do you mean what?! What the fuck are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?! What is Tina doing on your bed?!
Bette: Sleeping….
Kit: I thought we've talked about this already?! I thought you're over Tina? Come on Bette, let go! It's been a long time. What's happening to you?!
Bette takes a deep breath.
Bette: God, I don't know Kit. I don't know.
Kit: What do you mean you don't know?! Did you forget, Tina left you for a man?! She has hurt you so much Bette. She doesn't love you. She's happy with Henry now. You're just having an affair with her! Don't complicate your life! Let go…
Bette shakes her head, teary-eyed as she looks at Kit.
Bette: I love Tina. I've always loved Tina.
Kit: Goodness gracious! Aarghhh!
Kit is dismayed. Silence fills the room for a little while. Then Bette talks, stammering.
Bette: Last night, when I held Tina, when I touched her, when I made love to her, I can feel that she still belongs to me. I can feel that Tina is strongly yearning for me. She still wants me. She still needs me.
Kit: Yeah, she wants you maybe once in a while for sex! Maybe she thinks you're great in bed! But does she still love you? Huh?! For God's sake, she hasn't left Henry, which means she doesn't love you Bette! She's just playing games. Did she tell you she's leaving Henry because she loves you?! Huh?! Did she?!
Bette: No, but the way she looked at me last night, I can tell that she still loves me. I can feel it Kit.
Kit: Aaaaarggghhh! Wake up Bette! Wake up! Or else you will end up losing and you will be hurt again.
With a shrug, Bette pours coffee in two mugs then gives one to Kit.
Bette: Well, I think that is the essence of loving. You love and love until it hurts.
Kit: Why?! Are you a saint, huh?!
Suddenly, they're interrupted by the sweet little Angie.
Angie: Mommy, I'm hungry.
Bette: Oh, come here baby, your food is ready.
She lifts Angie and puts her on the high chair. They continue their conversation while Bette assists Angie with her favorite cereals.
Kit: So how about Jolie? What if she finds out? What are you gonna do?
Bette: I already broke up with Jolie. She's currently in Vegas.
Kit: What do you mean you broke up with her? When?! Yesterday? Today?!
Bette: I broke up with Jolie five days ago. I have been calling her but she's not answering my calls. So I broke up with her through email. Since we got together, Jolie and I have been constantly fighting for even small things. We're not really getting along well. I know our relationship can never last. We don't share the same values. I'm not happy with her.
Kit: Oh, I see. So Tina is just a rebound…
Bette frowns and gives Kit a hard look.
Bette: No! Tina is not a rebound! Kit, why can't you understand that I love Tina and she's the only one I want to be with in my life? My relationship with other women can never work because it's still Tina that I long for. It's always Tina. I love Tina.
Kit: You haven't tried having a relationship with other women yet after Tina, so how can you say it will not work?! You've been with Jolie for only three months or less!
Bette has a piteous look on her face. She's quiet while tears fall on her cheeks, and then she stares steadily at the wall, not looking at Kit. Kit sighs while she observes Bette. She couldn't disagree anymore. Bette is firm with her words that she's still in love with Tina. Silence extends for a longer period, no one's talking. Kit gathers until she finally becomes calm and composed.
Kit: I just want you to be happy little sis. I don't want you getting hurt again. It took you so long to recover and I don't want that to happen again to you. I don't want anybody hurting you cuz I get hurt too.
She hugs Bette for a while then Bette sobs, letting her emotions out. Angie watches them as they hug but she notices that Bette has tears in her eyes. Naively and adorably, she asks.
Angie: Mommy, why are you crying?
Both Bette and Kit are surprised with Angie's question. Immediately, Bette walks toward her as she wipes her tears then she kisses Angie on the head while she sweetly talks to her.
Bette: Mommy is crying because Mommy is very happy. You know why Mommy is very happy? Cuz she has her pretty and adorable little Angie... Okay Baby?
Angie nods and gives Bette her sweetest smile.
Bette: Oh, you're such a sweetheart!
She hugs Angie tight and kisses her.
Bette: Do you like your choco cereals baby? Do you want some more?
Angie: Enough Mommy...
Bette: I'll bathe you in a while Baby, okay? Then Mommy will brush your teeth and then, you'll wear your beautiful dress... And you'll go to the zoo with Auntie Kit. You want to see the giraffe, right?
Angie claps in excitement then stretches her arms towards Bette, asking her Momma Bee to carry her. Bette pulls her from the chair and carries her to the bathroom while kissing her all over.
Bette: Ooops! You're already heavy baby. My little Angie is a big girl now. Right baby?
She bathes Angie, puts on her favorite clothes, fixes her hair and prepares her stuff. Tina is still sounding asleep.
Bette changes to her house clothes proceeds to the kitchen to prepare something for breakfast. While cooking, she and Kit continue with their conversation. It seems like Kit is not yet fully convinced about Bette and Tina's reconciliation.
Kit: What about Henry? Does he know Tina's here?
Bette: I have no idea. We haven't talked about Henry.
Kit: So what's your plan now?
Bette: I don't know Kit. We haven't planned anything yet.
Kit sighs as she disapproves Bette's impulsiveness.
Kit: So you haven't talked yet? No plans?
Bette: No Kit, we haven't had the chance to talk. So no, I have not planned anything yet. I wasn't expecting Tina to show up here last night. She waited for me and Angie to arrive. It's like she misses me so much and she wanted to be with me. She was longing for me Kit.
Kit shakes her head and stoops on the floor. Bette continues to cook. She knows that Kit disapproves on what Tina did.
When Bette is done cooking their breakfast, they move to the living room where they continue their "sibling talk". Tina wakes up several minutes later. No one's in the bedroom anymore. She's not aware that Kit is in the house. After washing up and putting on her clothes, she walks out of the room; still a bit groggy. She looks for Bette.
Tina: Babe... Babe, have you seen my phone? I forgot where I placed it, I couldn't find it.
As she walks in the living room, she's surprised when she sees Kit. Tina and Kit have not seen and talked to each other for several months now. As she approaches, Kit and Angie are curiously watching her, while Bette is grinning at her, trying to make her feel comfortable. Bette is glad that Tina is addressing her with their terms of endearment.
Tina: Oh...Hi Kit! I'm sorry I didn't know you were here.
Kit: Hi Tina! Yeah, I'm picking up Angie. I promised her we're going to the zoo today.
Tina: Oh, to the zoo!
She proceeds to the dining area and gets a glass of water then goes back to the living room. She picks Angie from the floor, carries her to the couch and sits beside Bette; Angie sits on her lap. She cuddles and kisses her all over. She truly has missed her daughter as she had been away from her for two weeks. While Tina cuddles and plays with Angie, Kit and Bette delightfully watch them. Bette has a grin on her face.
Tina: Wow, my baby smells so good! Who bathed you baby, who bathed you?
Angie: Mommy!
Tina: Who baby? Who?
Angie playfully points her fingers to Bette. Tina tickles her stomach using her face and her mouth.
Angie: Mommy!
Tina: Who's your mommy baby? Who's your mommy, huh?
Angie again points her fingers to Bette. Tina kisses Angie every now and again, on her cheeks, neck, arms, and stomach, and she continues to tickle her. Angie laughs excessively and playfully.
Tina: And who am I? Huh?
Her attention is suddenly shifted to the toy she's holding. Then she murmurs.
Angie: Tina...
Tina: Who?!
Angie says it aloud.
Angie: Tina!
Tina pauses, looks at Angie in the eyes and responds with a bit of resentment but still in her sweet soft voice.
Tina: So I'm just Tina to you? I'm not your Mommy, huh?
Angie suddenly realizes she's treating her Momma Tee unfairly. She looks at Tina, puts her hands on her face and playfully presses it. She smiles and kisses her Momma Tee on the lips. Angie is a naturally sweet kid; you wouldn't find any reason to scold her. Kit and Bette are amused as they watch Tina and Angie's sweet moments.
Tina: So who am I to you baby?
Angie playfully answers.
Angie: Mom…..maaaaahh!
Tina beams at Angie. But then Angie points her fingers to Bette and playfully speaks.
Angie: Pretty Momma Bee, Momma Bee! Momma Beeee... M-bee, preeee-tty bee...
They're all surprised when they hear Angie utter those words, and they all laugh. But Tina suddenly protests and turns to Bette.
Tina: Did you just teach her that?!
Bette: No! I did not! I swear I did not! It's the first time I heard her say that...
Angie gets up from Tina's lap and runs on the floor to get her toys. Tina then moves and sits closer to Bette, leaning back against her. Bette wraps her left arm on Tina's then she starts caressing her hand. She looks at Bette and Bette affectionately looks back at her while she moves her face close to Tina's ear.
Bette: Did you sleep well Baby?
Tina: Yeah, I did.
They continue to stroke each others' hands as they both sit comfortably on the couch opposite Kit. It's a sweet and lovely moment for them. Kit can feel that Bette and Tina still have not lost their connection, their strong bond and chemistry despite the acrimonious things that happened between them. She's convinced that they are still so much in love with each other, just by the look and their touches. Bette and Tina deeply understand their mutual feelings and desire for one another.
Kit doesn't bring up any more discussion about Bette and Tina's relationship. Instead, they talk about a wine festival and some wine testing events. While sitting, Bette and Tina could not control their affection for one another, comfortably displaying it, unmindful if Kit is in front of them.
Bette: Baby, would you like us to go to Napa Valley wineries? We could go and attend some wine festivals there. I have a friend who owns a winery and he's been inviting me to attend their events.
Angie from afar suddenly looks at Bette when she hears her say the word "Baby" and addressed it to Tina. Unaware that Angie is looking at them, Tina tilts her head and rests it on Bette's shoulder and they continue to stroke each others' hands, intimately. Angie immediately walks toward her two mommies, approaches Bette as she adorably asks.
Angie: Mommy, am I your Baby?
Both Tina and Bette are surprised by Angie's question, and so is Kit. Bette beams and immediately, she lifts Angie and puts her on her lap facing her. Without delay, she lovingly speaks to her adorable daughter.
Bette: Of course Baby, you are! You are my sweet little darling baby. Mmmm-muah!
Kit: Uh-oh! Someone's jealous…
Angie gratefully kisses Bette on the cheeks, and then she wraps her arms around her neck. Tina grins as she watches Angie and Bette having their sweet moments. But she can't believe that her daughter said what she just said. It's not the first time that Angie heard Bette call Tina "Baby" but today, she got a little jealous. Or perhaps it's been a while now since she last heard her mommies call each other "Baby". Bette tries to mollify Angie by continuously kissing her and assuring her.
Bette: You'll always be my baby. Always my baby! Okay, sweetheart?
Angie nods and smiles sweetly at Bette.
Bette: How about Momma Tee? Can she be my baby too?
Angie: No!
Bette: Why not?
Bette and Tina furtively look at each other, Kit grins as she watches them. Angie is so naive yet so adorable. She doesn't answer Bette's question anymore. With her two hands, she plays with Bette's face. Tina observes Angie, amused by her cuteness as she plays with Bette. In a few moments, she grabs Angie and puts her on her own lap and kisses her adoringly, and playfully tickles her on the neck, her chest and her tummy using her mouth. Bette whispers to Tina's ear.
Bette: Just like you... She's got your trait honey.
Tina gives Bette a disapproving look as she gapes at her.
Tina: What?! I am not! I'm not the jealous type! Are you judging me?
Bette intently looks at Tina and raises her eyebrows as if telling her to admit it because it's true. Tina disagreeably smiles.
Tina: What?! Yeah right!
Kit: I think Angie and I should be going now. Let's go Angie. Let's go to the zoo.
Tina continues to play with Angie as she tickles her.
Tina: Okay baby, you go with Auntie Kit now. You're going to the zoo and you're going to see the giraffe, right? I love you baby.
She gives Angie her goodbye kiss then puts her on her feet. Angie runs toward Kit.
Kit: Let's go Angie and let's give your mommies time together...alone.
Bette smiles at Kit and so does Tina. Angie grabs Kit's three fingers; she's ready and excited to go to the zoo.
Bette: Thank you Kit!
Kit: I'll bring her back maybe late this afternoon.
Bette kisses Angie before leaving. Kit and Angie leave the house.
...
Continuation: The Truth Be Told - Part 2