Her Portrait Is Black and White

A small piece of normal

                "Yeah, we need to start moving the pieces into gallery..." Bette had her phone to her ear as she sat on her Mac in her home office, she as looking at a floor plan of the London Gallery. "Yea...I want the pieces put into place and then photos sent over...yeah I just want to approve them...no no I understand, how long before the pieces are in place...right and the Francis is okay with this?...right...not happy that I'm not there. Well that's not going to change any time soon...well you're very good at your job I'm sure that you'll be fine...yes...as long as the biggest piece goes on the bare brick wall at the back it will be fine...yeah, that's all good...well send the photos when you can...sure...thank you Sara...yes...bye..."

Bette put the phone down. She rubbed her head before making some notes on the London file and then clicking off to check in on her Gallery in Paris. She needed to get some work done, for some sense of normality. She knew that Xavier was safe with the nurse she had hired. Xavier needed as much care as he could get and it also meant that Bette could work and see Tina. She just wished that her life had become so complex. Her phone rang and she looked a the caller ID which was private number.

"Hello Bette Porter speaking" Bette said slowly.

"Hi," Tina's voice came down the line,

"Hey baby, are you okay?"

"I was missing you and they said I could call, sorry are you busy?" Tina was nervous. She knew that Bette still had to work.

"It's fine baby, how are you doing today?"

"I just wanted to hear your voice," Tina admitted.

"I love you Tina."

"I love you too," Bette replied,

"How is Xavier?" Tina asked

"He is doing great, he has gained 2pounds and is slowly become more aware. Michelle is with him at the moment,"

"Who is Michelle?"

"She's one of the team of four nurses that I've hired to help me out. Xavier needs a lot of care baby. They are just helping,"

"I should be there."

Bette could hear the tears in her wife's voice.

"Baby you're recovering and getting the best help..."

"But my son..."

"He is doing okay, honey he is."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. We have to get you better as well. You're mental health is very important babe."

"I feel like I've let you both down."

"You haven't let anyone down." Bette's voice was calm. She knew that Tina had a lot of guilt.

"I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you." Tina whispered. "I'm sorry that I got up in the middle of the night and left. In that moment I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought you were both better off without me. Sitting here today, in this blank room I've just wanted to be curled up with you in our bed with our son. My brain has been working away. I've never had so much love in my life. I've never felt so much love in my life."

"I would love you to come home baby, but it's going to take time."

"I know. I know...erm will you..." Tina wasn't expressing herself well but she wanted to ask.

"What love?"

"Would you come to a season with me tomorrow?"

"Of course I can, what time do you need me?"

"2pm please,"

"Sure I will be there, so will Xavier, I promise."

"Thank you, I love you, please don't leave me,"

"I'm not baby. I'm not." Bette could hear the pain in her wife's voice. Tina was scared.

"I 've got to go, I will see you tomorrow." Tina paused. "I love you"

"I love you too, bye babe."

Bette took a moment after the phone call ended. Taking a deep breath. She rolled her neck before starting to work away, her galleries did run themselves but she did still try and be as hands on as possible.

Bette worked for another hour or so before she got up and went into the main part of the house and smiled when she saw that Michelle was changing Xavier who was awaking and watching her.

Bette walked over smiled at her son.

"Hello little dude," Xavier moved his head slightly to the sounds of Bette's voice she smiled at him, "How is he doing?"

"He is okay."

"Can I ask you a serious question?"

"You can ask us anything Bette, we are here to help as much as possible."

"Will he have problems all his life because he was born so early?"

"We don't know, we can only take everything a day at a time. It's going to be hard. He is healthy, a lot healthier than some babies we look after. He is putting weight on steadily, he is starting to look around and he responds your voice and to Tina's voice. He is happier when you are around."

"Thank you, I've been reading up and I know there could be problems."

"Bette, just take it all one day at the time." Michelle said slowly, "Don't rush things."

"That maybe very good advice."

Michelle moved and let Bette pick up her son, Xavier snuggled into her. Bette gently rubbed his back as she sucked on his small fist. She never thought she could feel so much love for one person but she was now feeling it for two. She wanted her family back but she knew they had serious work to do.