Tina smiled down at her, the conflict of emotions still evident behind her eyes.

“This will never be easy,” Bette continued, tugging gently before Tina laid next to her again. “Confronting our pasts … we’ve both hurt each other.”

Tina seemed pre-occupied as her hand played with Bette’s, her head on a strong shoulder. She adjusted her hips for comfort and took a calming breath. “We have.”

Bette felt complete with Tina in her arms again, able to hold her close like she had wanted all through their separation. The arm under Tina came up so her hand could rest on a familiar hip, her other hand keeping Tina’s company. She brought Tina’s slowly up to her mouth and kissed her palm before turning and kissing her cheek. “All is not lost,” she said to assure the woman at her side. “I still love you, T. I’ve always loved you. We’ve both made mistakes, and that’s okay with me, but I can’t stand all of this miscommunication. Will you … talk with me? Will you help me understand where we went wrong?”

Tired, hazel eyes locked on hers, and she had her answer. They would love each other as they learned the depth of their individual selves – learn themselves apart so they could fit together. This would give way to a more independent Tina, and also to a less controlling Bette. They would allow flexibility into the realm of their expectations. They would have so much work to do, but laying together in that moment, a smile would suffice.

“I wanna make you happy,” Tina whispered, “But there’s so much going on inside of me … and what people will think.”

“Everyone approves,” Bette teased gently, the softest smile on her lips and in her eyes. “And they’re worried about you, T. I am too.” Bette shifted so they laid facing each other. And instead of any complicated wonderings, she looked into Tina’s eyes. “Are you alright?” There was so much behind that question – so many concerns that had been left unsaid.

Tina smiled at the apparent simplicity, taking Bette in with her eyes. “I think so.” She intertwined her fingers with Bette’s. “Are you okay?”

The smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she realized how much progress could be made. They could both be happy together. “I am now,” she whispered, each of them looking over one another in a comfortable silence.

They saw each other for the first time in a long time.

“My beautiful angel,” Bette breathed, softly touching Tina’s cheek and earning a smile of pride. Tina always enjoyed the phrase. She gently tucked her head in and Bette held her, her breathing finally calmed. They put each other at ease, breathing in unison.

They vowed in the way they held each other that nothing would come between them again. No more confusion, no more drama – they appreciated one another with full respect for honesty.

Maybe there was a light to guide her to her soul mate. Bette smiled as she held Tina, knowing with all of her heart just who her soul had befriended all that time ago; this troubled woman in her arms. It had been a friendship, a love, and more than that. They were everything to each other. Closing her eyes with a smile, she just thanked this mysterious beacon of hope for bring Tina back to her.

They fell in love all over again, in that beautiful house – their home.