“I’m sorry Eric, I truly am. I never truly deserved you. And I am sorry this got out at the hospital, I don’t even know how.”

“Aimee told me in an on call room. We thought we were alone, but apparently someone was in the bathroom and heard the whole conversation.”

“Oh God.”

“Oh God is right Tina. Everyone knows now. How am I supposed to work with those people?”

“I didn’t think,” she said gasping.

“No, you didn’t. You just thought about yourself.”

“I won’t deny that, I can’t. I am sorry I hurt you; I should have figured this out a long time ago. But, I was scared. I was scared of who I was becoming and the feelings I was having. I didn’t want to disappoint my parents and I didn’t want to disappoint you. You loved me so much and I’ve failed you. I’ve denied who I am for so long, I just lost control and I’m sorry.”

“Sweetie,” he said, sighing, his face softening, “you didn’t disappoint me, you failed us, not me. I can’t believe I am about to say this but, you shouldn’t have to deny who you are. You should be and are free to find yourself.”

“I am so sorry it was at your expense.”

“I want us to be civil for Jackson’s sake. I just don’t want to see Bette, ever. I can’t get over the fact she did this to me. That’s the only way this is gonna work, and I’ll be damned if she comes in between my son and I.”

“That’s understandable. She would never do that to you.”

“I just need some time to process this. I need some time away from you to heal. Every time I look into your eyes, it hurts. I need to get over you.”

“I’m sorry, we’ll leave.”

“No, please leave Jackson. I want to spend some time with him, take him fishing, swimming, visit my mother.”

“Ok.”

“I’ll call you next Monday and let you know when he’s ready.”

“Ok, do you mind helping me hook the trailer up to my car?”

“Sure.”

She saw him standing on the porch looking at their home. She imagined he was thinking how his family could have turned out this way. It was her fault. She was out of his life, as much as she could be. They had a son to keep them connected forever. She cried the whole drive. She couldn’t believe she was that girl, she was that person; the person who had a great life, a great marriage and screwed it up by cheating. If she wasn’t raised so conservative and sheltered, she might have figured it out sooner. She would have met someone different. But as the door opened and she saw those beautiful brown eyes and mocha skin, she knew that it was meant to happen like this. She couldn’t see herself with anyone other than Bette.