Summary of the previous chapter: Bette and Tina talk. Bette shares with Tina the fears shed had about getting older and having to play it safe for the baby.

The next morning, Bette and Tina got up around the same time and found themselves in the kitchen together. Both were a bit unsure around the other after their conversation of only a few hours previously. Tina offered to make breakfast while Bette made coffee. Bette was thrilled that Tina was being so civil, though she feared to let herself enjoy it because she knew that the bitterness would be returning, it always did lately.

We need to talk about names, Bette. Tina said interrupting Bettes thoughts.
Now that we know we are having a girl, we need to decide what we will name her.

In her mind, Bette could hear Alexs voice saying, you sure as ***** better not name her Helena. Instead, Bette used her own voice to ask if Tina had any names which she wished to use. She was happy to be included in a conversation about the baby.

No, I really havent decided. Im rather fond of the name Laurel.

I like the name Jennifer. Bette suggested.

Should we ask our friends?

Can you image the names that Alice would suggest for our child? Bette said with a chuckle.

Tina returned the laugh. It is rather scary. You know whatever name she suggested would include the name Alice.

Alice Alyce Ilene Al Lise Kennard. Bette said.

Probably more like Alice Alice Kennard-Porter.

Did she just include my last name? Bette asked herself. Who is this woman and where did she put the Tina Ive come to know.

Bette opted for saying, you are carrying the child, the decision is yours.

Id like your input.

Thanks, Tina. That means a lot to me.

It being a Sunday morning, Bette nor Tina had anywhere to be. They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while sharing the morning paper.

Bette kept wondering when her dream was going to end and she would find herself in the room with the bitter and angry Tina. For her part, Tina was torn. She had slept virtually not at all, having been thinking about what Bette had said. While she was beyond angry at Bette, she was also starting to understand some of how Bette must have felt.

Tina could not let go of her anger over the fact that Bette had not communicated her fears to Tina, though she was softening a bit given the things that Alex had said to her. Tina did have to admit to herself that it would be very difficult if she had been the one in the position of saying, you spent a weekend surrounded by beautiful young women and I was afraid you would start to realize that you didnt want to be stuck with a boring old lady. Tina had never realized how much their friends well meaning intervention had hurt Bette in ways that Tina would never have imagined.

The plain fact of the matter was that Tina missed Bette. Helena had been a fun adventure. Tina would never give the Alex the satisfaction of admitting she were right, but Helena was a grudge *****.

Tina thought back to her previous pregnancy, to her telling her friends about her primal urge to nest. That urge seemed to not be present. If it was a primal urge, shouldnt she have the urge regardless of whether or not she was with Bette. Had she been lying to herself and everyone else during the previous pregnancy or was she lying during this pregnancy.

Where was the desire to nest and prepare a home for her baby? Certainly it wasnt in the airplanes, swimming pools, and hotels where she had fucked Helena. The home for her baby was here in this house. This was where Tina wanted to raise her child.

Deep down, though Tina would not let herself admit it into consciousness, Bette Porter was the only person with whom Tina wanted to raise her children.

Tina had some thoughts that she needed to work through and she knew the one person that, though biased, would be the best place to sort out her ideas.

Bette announced that she was going to take a shower. She thanked Tina again for making breakfast. When Tina heard the shower running, she made a phone call and plans to have her talk.

Having showered, Bette returned to the kitchen to find Tina deep in thought. She wanted to ask, but was afraid to push Tina in any direction for fear that the calm between them would disappear.

Tina announced that she was going to shower and when finished, she found Bette in the living room reading a book.

What are you reading?

One of Alexs favorite books. Id always meant to get around to it. Bette held up her copy of The Great Gatsby.

I remember the movie: Mia Farrow and Robert Redford. We saw it in my English class one year when we were reading the book. I wonder why Alex likes that book so much?

I dont know, she has just always said it was one of her favorite books ever written.

Tina informed Bette that she was going out, from the look on Bettes face, Tina knew that Bette assumed Tina was going out with Helena.

Ive got to run some errands, but would you like to have dinner together?

Yeah, I had planned on dinner with Alex, but Im sure she wont mind a rain check.

How about we invite Alex? Im sure she would like a home cooked meal. I know she doesnt get a lot of those.

That would be great, T. Ill give her a call.

Ill just stop by her hotel while I am out and ask.

Okay, if you dont mind.

Tina headed for the door. She paused as she heard Bette speak. T.
Yeah?

Thanks for dinner. Im really looking forward to it.