I saw this as my breaking point.

After Provocations I’ll go on to be known in the industry of the arts. Almost like a legion. Coming out into the arts and supporting ‘GLBT’ was even better. I have a lot of support on the inside and out. I’m known mostly everywhere.

After about an hour of negotiating, I decided to join with Helena on a project. It’s a project for women and children all over the U.S.

Thinking of children made me sad. The memories of Tina crying at night put a dint in my heart. I wish she hadn’t lost the baby.

And, for the first time, I began to cry.

Franklin and Helena were so into their conversation that it wasn’t until they heard me weep that they knew I was crying.

The streams of tears smeared my make-up. I didn’t care that they were gawking at me. You should never judge a book by its cover. What’s on the inside really counts. And, I was hurting on the inside.

 I’m crying out for affection.

The need of being held as I cried. To know that someone else understood my pain. The thought of confessing my fears and being told that everything was going to be okay.

This is what I dreamed and desired. And, Tina wasn’t giving them to me. We were slowly beginning to disconnect emotionally and it’s not long before it becomes mental.

"Bette. Are you ok?"

"Yes. I’m fine."

Wiping away my tears, I thought of my wife and smiled. I needed to get home to her. We must start over. I need to clarify something. Something’s gotta give.

"I need to go home. Do you mind if I took the rest of the day off?"

"No. Take all the time you need."

"Thanks."

Standing, I grab my bag and push in my chair. I could feel their eyes burning my back as I passed on by.

"Take care Bette."

Leaving that conference room felt so damn good. I was happy of inhaling clean fresh air.

Passing by me, without seeing me, James proceeds down the hall toward my office.