[There is an awkward silence between them. Each woman looks the other one over but theyre not quite sure what to say.]

[Tina notices that Bette looks worn out and a bit frail. She has noticed the softer look on Bette: no power suit, no heels, and no ring. She took off her ring. Once Tina noticed this she became fixated on Bettes naked finger.]

[Bette noticed Tina looked rested and well, all these months she had worried about her health. Alice always reassured her that Tina was ok but Bette wasnt always convinced. She is so beautiful, how could I have ever taken her for granted.]

Tina: (Breaking the silence)How are you doing? How are things at the CAC?

Bette: Im doing alright. The CAC has been very busy since Prov(not able to finish her sentence.)

Tina: Its ok Bette. Alice filled me in on its success. Congratulations.

Bette: How have you been doing? Ive missed talking to you.

Tina: (With a slight sigh in her voice)Im doing better. Actually Bette, thats why I called you.

[Oh here it comes. We have only been here a few minutes and BAM, Tina jumps right to the point. I guess now is as good a time as any.]

Tina: Bette, please look at me. (Touching Bettes arm which sends chill throughout her body.) We need to talk. I need some answers from you.

Bette: (Turning towards Tina with tears in her eyes)Tina, I need to talk to you too. (Pause) I cant do this anymore.

[Tina feels herself tighten up. Alice told me to be positive and keep hope as though she knew something. Why would she tell me that if Bette was ready to end it?]

Bette: (Softly)T. I cant apologize anymore and no matter how many times I say Im sorry it just isnt enough. Being sorry doesnt take away what happened nor does it take away your pain. If anything it upsets you more. I know by simply apologizing you cant forgive me and I can finally accept that.

[Tears are now falling down Bettes face. Tina sees so much pain and guilt in Bettes eyes. She never stopped and thought about Bettes pain, she only focused on her own. Tina desperately wants to wipe it all away, however, she holds back and lets Bette continue.]

Bette: (Grabbing Tinas hand)Tina, I wont make excuses for my actions. All I can do is be open and honest with you. If I can no longer be a part of your life at least I can give you that. You deserve the truth.

[Tina was taken back by Bettes willingness to open up. Shes not going to try and explain her way out of it? She said IF she can no longer be part of my life. That must mean she still wants me!]

Tina: (Her eyes pleading)Bette, thats what I need. I need the truth, no excuses, not this time.

Bette: Please hear me out before you react or leave.

Tina: (Pausing)Ok Bette, Ill do my best(slowly pulling her hand away from Bette.)

Bette: (Staring out into the ocean)T. do you remember when we first went to Dan Foxworthy?

Tina: (Sarcastically)Yeah, that was the last place you wanted to be.

Bette: Youre right, I didnt even consider giving it or him a chance.

Tina: You made that pretty obvious.

Bette: I was offended that he of all people, an outsider to our relationship, could detect and solve our problems. How could I, Bette Porter, Miss organization and control, relinquish myself to him?

Tina: (Confused)I dont understand Bette, you didnt like him because he could help us?

Bette: No, yes.

Tina: (Getting annoyed)Which is it?

Bette: Yes, I didnt like him because he could help us and I couldnt. (Pause)Tina, the one thing in the world I could always count on was myself. I could control situations and people so that I came out on top, no help from others.

Tina: Maybe thats your problem Bette, you dont have to control everything.

Bette: Please Tina, let me finish.

Tina: Go ahead, I wont interrupt again.

Bette: If theres one thing my father always taught me it was that I never need to depend on someone else to get what I want. By not depending on them, I didnt need them.

[Maybe if she didnt listen to Melvin so much]

Bette: But Tina he was wrong. Needing people and asking for help doesnt make you weak it makes you strong.

[Did she just say Melvin was wrong?]

Bette: I have done a lot of soul searching these past few months and with the help of Dr. Mitchell, Ive seen the light, you could say.

Tina: Whos Dr. Mitchell?

Bette: You mean Alice didnt tell you?

Tina: No, maybe she thought it was best coming from you.

Bette: Dr. Mitchell is a psychiatrist that Dan Foxworthy recommended. After the way I treated him I couldnt go back to him. He was professional enough to recommend her.

Tina: (Shocked)Youre seeing a therapist?

Bette: Yes, in the beginning I was seeing her 4 times a week. I even had James program her number into the phone system, #5 on the memory.

Tina: Im surprised you took that step.

Bette: (Turning towards Tina)At first I did it for you, but then I started going for me. I was the reason we were where we were. I needed to know not how to get you back, but why I did it in the first place so that it will never happen again.

Tina: (Almost afraid to ask)Bette, you dont want me back?

Bette: (Immediately)NO TINA, thats not what I meant. I would turn the world upside down to get you back, but thats not my decision. There is nothing I can do to make you forgive me and to give us another chance. All I can do is work on me, make me a better person and hope and pray that you find it in your heart to give us another chance.

[Tina felt tears well up in her eyes.]