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Tina, Tiny Pieces Chapter 15
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Saturday evening, in Tina’s car
It occurs to me that to people passing by — if anyone were — I might look like a cop on a stakeout, or worse. I slink lower in the driver’s seat.
I have been sitting outside Bette’s house for over two hours. The car is running, which doesn’t help the overall appearance that I’m on some sort of furtive mission. It’s too hot to turn it off. And while I should drive away, I don’t dare. Will I lose my nerve? I look at the passenger seat, a 750 ml, $29 half-drunk bottle of courage sits patiently waiting for me to need more.
It’s 11:30 and she’s obviously not home but I am optimistic she’ll arrive at some point.
I laugh at myself, at my arrogance. Why would I presume she’s coming home?
Saturday evening, at a restaurant in West Hollywood
So Bette, the other night, you were starting to tell me about your upcoming exhibit.
Bette smiles, she takes a sip of wine.
It’s not my exhibit, it’s my students’. So far I’ve been reviewing the submissions, many of which are astounding.
These are all student artists, I take it?
Yes. Some of them are truly talented and quite original. It’s a difficult process, made all the moreso by the fact that I am going to hate rejecting the ones whose work just doesn’t cut it yet.
It sounds like you love your work.
I’ve always loved exhibits. There’s a thrill to pulling it all together, especially if the theme holds and the vision comes to life. I admit, it’s a little different – in this setting, in an academic setting, I mean.
Meg smiles but she looks at Bette — questioning.
Because they’re not professionals?
Bette smiles.
Yes, although in some ways that’s a blessing. Artists can be temperamental, arrogant, obstinate and maddening.
Meg laughs.
You know some artists, I take it?
Uh, no. It’s also what most people say about surgeons.
Bette smiles, she speaks softly.
You don’t strike me as any of those things, Meg.
You don’t work with me, Bette.
Which is a very good thing.
Meg asks, a little coy, a little flirtatious.
Because … you’ve had your fill of temperamental obstinate individuals and don’t want any more, or because you don’t believe in dipping your pen in the company ink?
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I think we eat the same stuff before we go to sleep. =O
The alternating between the developing intimacy of Bette and Meg, and the escalating lunacy of Tina…damn, I think this is going to be one hell of a trainwreck…now, back to the story.
“Just like a buzzin fly, I’ll come into your life then I’ll float away, like honey in the sun…You’re the one I talk aboutYou’re the one I think aboutEverywhere I go…And sometimes honeyIn the mornin’Lord, I miss you so…Darlin’ I miss you so…”
Poor Tina’s descent continues. Loved her memory of Bette since that happens so often in life. Never apologize for the length, please. Terrific chapter – can’t wait for the next one.
Dancing Bette Porter’s and back-up singers – do I detect homage to the girl groups of the 60’s? Hee hee hee, that was some dream you had there Kid. Perhaps one too many late night M&Ms?………Once again, Tina is orchestrating things to her liking. She is sitting outside of Bette’s house because she alone, has deigned it to be the right time to talk about Angelica. She could have called and arranged a time that was convenient for Bette, but it has always been about what Tina wants —- She seems to have this sense of entitlement, and although she talks a good game, she, in my opinion, is not doing anything with an altruistic motivation —- Additionally, I see her using Angelica as a means to an end. Tina is tired of her life without Bette, she is tired of her life with Henry and she is tired of the consequences of her life choices —- But rather than make the tough decisions herself, she somehow sees Angelica as the panacea that will ameliorate the vagaries of her life —- There is also an underlying feeling that she is setting the stage once again (I would suspect subconsciously), to be passive/aggressive if it should suit her —- She doesn’t confront Henry but instead sets about creating a scenario in which she can dangle the carrot of domestic bliss by forcing him to accept Angelica —- And with Bette, she can use Angelica as both a weapon and a gift — It’s the old “come here, go away†behavior that she is accustomed to. —- I love how you illustrated Tina’s need for approval by having her buy the cheese and crackers to go with her wine —- And she is delusional if she thinks that her memories of their past 8 years will evanesce (thanks, Jenny) simply because she allows Bette to be a part of Angelica’s life —- There is just a hint of self-actualization from Tina as she sits and ruminates about the travails of her relationships —- I love how you juxtaposed Tina’s memories of her father and his instruction to listen for the message in the music, his relationship with his wife and her feelings of superiority against Tina’s current dilemma, that was genius —- Peter, Paul and Mary was positively the perfect choice at the end!……..I loved the initial conversation between Bette and Meg. You so easily conveyed with brevity of words, a Bette that is taking the first steps away from an existence that has been mired in anger and pain. Meg’s coquettish inquiry and Bette’s puckish reply further evinced the air of lightheartedness that comes when one has finally begun to slip out from underneath the mantle of emotional paralysis —- There was a felicity about Bette that was wonderful to see —- Watching their evening unfold was a treat! Seeing such self-assured women at a loss for words with each other as they got tangled up in their verbal two-step was at once both humorous and poignant —- It’s clear that they are attracted to each other and I suspect that they both find the other’s vulnerability somewhat alluring —- Both of them lob and volley throughout dinner and dessert infusing their evening with disclosures and invitations as only a fledgling romance can and the rest of their evening holds just a hint of promise for the future……..You capture Helena so accurately that I can almost hear the accent and cadence of her voice as I read her words on the page – and the same goes for Alice. Her cat-on-a-hot-tin roof animation and her ebullient interrogation come alive with striking reality —- The idea that Helena is smitten with Bette is a compelling revelation. She is so much like Bette on many levels, but perhaps not quite as fragile. She feels just as deeply as Bette, but has developed a thicker skin around her heart from years of strained relationships both familial and romantic. There is also a touch more objectivity that pervades Helena’s insights. This could just be a red herring, however I will be most curious to see how this story line plays out if you choose to take that direction!………As always Kid, this has been another profound chapter filled with pivotal moments for all of the characters and carefully crafted innuendo for the rest of us. You have a gift for writing multiple story lines within a chapter in such a way that they effortlessly transition one from another, carrying with them a common thread – yet uniquely individual on their own. This chapter was about new beginnings and explorations and the explosive Pandora’s Box that lies within the grasp of each character. Amazing Kid, just amazing. And I swear, I will give it my best effort to try and keep it brief next time – it’s jus that you give me so much wonderful stuff to work with!
There is something amuck with your dreams. But there is definitely nothing wrong with your writing. This was wonderful as always.Ahem, not all surgeons are arrogant, maddening, obstinate and temperamental.
I can’t believe people are still hoping Bette and Tina will get back together. Bette ever even thinking about taking tina back would be pure masochism. I also don’t think tina should get any applause for starting to correct now the unbelievable damage she has done. I still think she doesn’t really get it…she is still only reacting to what she’s being told instead of making conscious, actualized decisions..not possible for her. AND what imaginable right does she have thinking Bette “should be home” EVER! At this rate Tina will never see the outside of Peru, in my book!!! As far as your dream went lasty, they do have medical help for these sorts of problems. You might want to look into it. Soon. Love ya!!!
How many freaking pages did you write to get it to 5? I’ve been writing my but off and all I keep getting is 2!! I thought that this chapter was very interesting. I loved how ALice was shocked at Helena’s admitance (and since I’m a BeLener I wouldn’t mind seeing that happened) and I liked Helena’s shy way of admitting it. Bette and her date, I’m glad the poor thing needs some TLC! I would loe to see Bette find a passed out Tina in her car, that would be funny. GLad to see Tina’s at least thinkning about Angelica, now. Hope too another post soon!!
I’ll take five porter.but not in one night, Meg is falling for that Porter charm. and Helena has fallen Poor Tina has stop falling. thanks
Hey LK…thanks for the update. I can’t help but feel that Tina’s a very selfish woman. I understand the origin of some of her angst… but why would she feel that Bette should pay her any attention, now that she has apparently decided that she wants some interaction with Bette once more. She ditched Bette for Henry and now it seems she wants to dump Henry for Bette. I really hope that Bette is too busy to give her the time of day… busy with Meg… even with Helena… but just not be a puppet of Tina’s confused and indecisive mind and actions. BTW…I smiled at and liked the nod to Saxon Bennett’s character Edie in Higher Ground who, like Meg had “cerulean blue” eyes. Cute.
Oh Tina, what a lost soul. She has to move on, she can’t keep on like this. It’s not good to her marridge (I don’t care actually LOL) and it’s bad for Angel too. I alway enjoy to watch Porter charm, way to go Bette.. 2 girls down! I love the way you write, Please post soon
great chapter.. i love the way you write.. the pain is always there.. i just hope bette will be happy.. i really don’t care with whom.. can be helena or meg.. heck even tina.. but i just want bette to be happy.. thanks for indulging us with your gift.. hope to not sound petty but can you please post again soon..:)
I have finally caught up with your story, and all I can say is lastkid you are one hell of a writer….you are not giving anything away on how this will end. I hope that Tina loses some of those weights that are on her shoulders and does the right thing by letting Bette back into Angelica life. I find this paragraph interesting: “I sigh. I really don’t want to punish him. I’m convinced that once I work out of details of custody and visitation with Bette, I will feel better. He will have to accept it. I will settle down. Henry and I may have a chance to be happy.” Reading your story I always felt that if Bette was to come back into Angelica life, this would be a catalyst for Tina to get on with her life, I don’t see Tina wanting to get back with Bette, I think this would be impossible but hey this is F.F. I see Tina trying to right the wrong that she has done to Bette by not giving her access to Angelica. Which ever way you are going with this story I just want to see Tina and Bette in a place that they are both happy and moving forward in their lifes. Thanks lastkid for another great story.
Psst. Meg, I’ll tell you why Bette is single if you promise to remind, coax, and convince Lastkid. Here it is: Bette is single cause she belongs with Tina forever. They’ve both screwed up and they realize what they’ve lost, and now they’re going to get back together. Meg you seem very nice, but you can’t compete with the force that is B&T :). Great chapter lastkid. Loved the length. Thanks for posting and for making me laugh with your author’s note.
yes, yes, YES!! 100 points for the Helena-thing (I knew it. I KNEW IT *dancing around in a very, very stupid way* You’re not trying to make up for that weirdo dream, are you? Getting your readers back by making them think you’re not a psycho, but a Helena-might-be-with-Bette-one-day-psycho?). Of course your writing is superextra something as always, but you totally got me with Helena – and not only me, might I add. (I remember the In the end it’s worth it – days, when I was about to kill Rachel Shelley..). *sigh* No, I’m good, thank you =) You’re amazing, as always… I hate being repetitive, but don’t stop to be all amazing, insightful and deliberate :) Take us a-way, a.
Please not ANOTHER BeLena story. Stay with true love TiBette
Tina is very delusional if she thinks she will be happy in her marriage with Henry once she allows Bette to have joint custody. Henry will not tolerate that, that may the last straw for him. Giving the way Henry thinks, that idea is going to down down like a bag of shit. Does she really think that giving Bette another opportunity to be a mother again will erase the wrong she ahs done? IT’s as if she thinks this was the only thing that caused her current state of being. When will tina get it? Her whole approach is just backwards? I mean sitting in a car for 3 hours on sat night, drinking waiting to tell her ex that she can now see Baby A?!?!? Why not wait until the morning when she is refreshed and clear headed? Oh, I forgot being clearheaded is not part of tina’s psyche. To all the TIBette shippers: Give up the tibetter ghost atleast in this story. I do not wish to see this happen nor a Belena hook-up. Bette needs fresh meat and so does Helena. All I ask is that Tina get HELP ASAP! I have no sympathy or empathy for her.
So Bette’s filet mignon again? Nice, really nice. Could you tell me whom will be treated with it? Tina will never find real happiness with Henry, maybe with some other guys, but definitely not with Henry, since he’s not nice and tolerant enought for Tina.
the pain in this story feels so real that everytime i see an update i try and avoid it..but as you can see i cannot for long. god! what prolific writing!!
LK, a terrific chapter! Enjoyed the different points of view from all the main players. Great job of layering characters’ emotions. I’m looking forward to more! Thanks for writing.
As somebody who has had a mother like Tina’s mother – I feel for Tina on that front. You really know how to suck people into your story. I never ever ever skim. I’ve even been known to go back and read the whole thing from Chpt. 1. Big Hugs and Many Thanks for your great writing. Could Tina get carbon monoxide poisoning or do you have to be in a garage?
You f**king crack me up! I think Lamentamini got this one…what the hell are you eating before you go to sleep? Loved the chapter…..and I am thinking Tina is a Good Witch..just a little lost in Munchkinland. post soon…
Thank you. The entire cracker/olive debate was hilarious. So was Alice’s attempt to convince Helena her interest in Bette was inappropriate. I really think Tina needs to get out of there now, which probably means she won’t. I expect a most interesting meeting beween the two.
Excellent as always, but hey what about the environment and the Kyoto norm, we in Europe are very strict ;)
My but how I love the way you form your characters. What appears to be nothing more than a charming little anecdote reveals the true nature of the person. You reveal the complexities of Tina’s personality without writing – she is complex and hasn’t figured out how to be herself – you take us down the road of what has made her who she is… far more entertaining. You are very observant of the many ways in which we communicate. Loved how you had Helena confuse Bette’s date’s name… my juice nearly landed on my keyboard at seeing “Madgeâ€. Just that one word said; British, disdainful of others, classist, dismissive, and a little too self-absorbed.~~ As for our on-going debate – should Bette and Tina ever even consider getting back together?? Well now that’s the rub isn’t it? Unless forced to live miles apart, these two are connected forever and I don’t just mean via Angelica. One can only pretend to ignore the ever lasting influence of the other in her life… it cannot be erased. Some connections are just meant to be and the only thing to be done is to find a way to make it work. Otherwise you will just continue to battle each other. Is their behavior healthy? Nope… but it who they are. Or at least I believe you when you tell me it’s who they are. :)
I hope Bette & Tina NEVER get back together; but I do hope they can salvage a friendship for the sake of raising Angelica. Tina may be attempting some form of bravery at this point; then again, sitting in front of Bette’s house with the attitude that Bette should be home on a Saturday night speaks volumes regarding how selfish Tina has been. I’d love for you to allow Bette & Helena a hot, romantic, sensual relationship; minus all the never ending drama she has had to endure from Tina. I DON’T see her in a relationship past friendship with “Madge!†It doesn’t matter to me that she’s a surgeon. She could be an astronaut and there’d still be a lack of anything between them. Throughout this dinner, there were NO sparks, no chemistry
I love this story. Your writing is so layered and detailed. It’s wonderful. The descriptions, the dialogue, the phrasing, all are outstanding. Please continue as soon as possible. BTW, are your dreams always so vivid? How do you remember all the detail? heh?
1. Your dream is one of the more, um , ‘interesting’ things I’ve read all day… wow… but I sure could handle 8 dancing Bettes! 2. The story: LOL, It IS Un-American to not like PB! That random food memory is just… too precious. Tina trying to work things out with Bette whilst Helena harbors a secret crush on her?! YAY! Complications abound! And I love Alice’s reacion!
So Tina was wasting gas for over 2 hours. I’m not sure what the price of gas is in Cali, but here in WV it’s about $3/gal. I imagine it’s higher in a bigger state. Anyway, this Meg and Bette thing might not be too bad. Helena should just go away. =p I wonder if Bette will notice a half-plastered, sleepy Tina hiding out in the car, and if so, I wonder if she’ll go Joan Crawford on her ass or ask if she’s okay, THEN go Joan Crawford.
i hope fate will intervine and bette comes home alone and they will work things out about angelica and that helena will back off and B&T will get back together and stay together..is it a lot to ask? and i thought i have weird dreams LOL