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“Mom, you don't need to do this. I'm pretty sure they have enough chaperones.”
Angie leant her head into her hands as Bette's SUV made its way slowly through the throng of cars crowding to park.
“Sure I do. I take my role in this school community very seriously, boo. And if your prom is anything like mine, then I really don't think there's such a thing as too many chaperones. Gotta have eyes and ears everywhere.”
Angie rolled her eyes and shook her head in frustration. “Okay, well why do I need both of you here?”
Bette turned slowly and eyeballed her daughter. “Mama T is coming too?”
“Er, yah. Did she not tell you?”
Bette suddenly remembered she had a missed call from Tina earlier in the morning, but had been so busy with Angie's prom preparations that she had made a mental note to return the call – and promptly forgot.
“Shit.”
“Language, B,” Angie smiled cockily, then sighed. “I knew she'd told you. I thought you were communicating better these days now Mama T is back in LA.”
“We are. It just slipped my mind to call her back.” Bette knew she could drop Angie at the school entrance, entrusting Angie to Tina and the other chaperones, and go home. Yes, she definitely could do that.
*
Angie practically sprinted into the prom to find Jordi and her friends, leaving Bette in her wake. The school auditorium was awash in purple. Billows of lilac and mauve fabric were slung across the ceiling in symmetrical waves. Long twists of fairy lights along the walls twinkled gold and silver intermittently, and as far as the eye could see there were balloons and streamers.
The room was filled with the din of chatter and laughter. The occasional twang of a guitar could be heard as the band warmed up. Parents and teachers sauntered through the crowds of students huddled and fist bumping, complimenting each other on outfit choices. Others hugged and admired hairstyles and jewellery. Phone cameras flashed repeatedly.
Bette stood against a wall, giving her the best vantage point to oversee proceedings. Teaching staff had seemingly doled out roles and responsibilities to the official chaperones already, but Bette was well-known – for better or worse, considering her failed mayoral bid – enough to not be conspicuous by her presence. She watched Angie and her friends awhile, feeling proud of the vibrant, intelligent, and compassionate young woman she had raised. No doubt the last year or so had been extra tough on Angie, who not only had to contend with managing the twin challenges of adolescence and school, but also the added emotional burden of her parents' divorce. She made it look so easy, thought Bette, wondering how her and Tina had managed to fuck their marriage up so badly and not completely wreck their daughter's life in the process. Of course, it had been anything but easy for Angie. Her acting out with Jordi had been entirely understandable and predictable, but it had also coincided with Bette's difficult campaign and Tina's absence.
Bette shook the negative thoughts from her mind. Standing here now, Bette felt nothing but admiration and love for her beautiful daughter, who had dealt with more than any teen should have to, and had hopefully emerged from the other side ready to start the next chapter of her young life.
As she cast her eyes around the room, looking for the one person she would always seek out in a crowd, Bette chuckled softly to herself. How treacherous one's own mind could be, always tricking you into old habits and behaviours. Always reminding you of what you had and what you had lost. She saw her behind the punch table, talking with a fellow chaperone, her blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders and hazel eyes bright as always. Bette made her way slowly around the room, edging closer to the punch table. As she neared, she could hear Tina's familiar laugh, a sound that lured her in like a siren song, one that Bette was desperate to hear again. She waited patiently until the other chaperone had disappeared before sidling up to her ex-wife.
“Fancy seeing you here.”
Tina felt the familiar shiver that hearing Bette's husky voice always provoked in her. She smiled to herself and gave Bette a sideways glance. “I had a feeling you'd rock up.”
“Why's that?”
“Because you forgot to call me back. I have it covered if you want to go home.”
“I think I'll stay.”
Tina nodded and laughed to herself. “Of course.”
Bette cocked her head to look at the blonde, returning the laugh. “What's so funny?”
“You.”
“What? I'm here to support our daughter.”
Tina turned and locked eyes with her ex-wife, smiling. Did Bette see a slight blush creep up Tina's neck? “Okay, Bette, I'm sure Angie's absolutely thrilled to have not one, but two parents here watching her every move at her senior prom.”
“It's not Angie I worry about.”
“Hmm yeah, I would have to agree. I've already snitched on some kids trying to vape behind a balloon tower. I don't think they realise you can still see and smell that crap.”
“The generation Z equivalent of sneaking a Newport. Except I don't remember Newports smelling of candy floss.”
Tina laughed. Bette's heart leapt.
*
The prom was, by all accounts, a roaring success. The band was well-received, even when they dared to play a song written before the year 2000. Only one skirmish had broken out between two over-zealous boys, fighting over a girl of course. No more vapes had required confiscation and Tina had successfully defended the punch bowl from a few pitiful spiking attempts. And, most importantly, Angie looked like she was having the time of her life.
Tina and Bette had fallen into effortless conversation as the night progressed. Time had been kind to them - both felt a familiar comfort and ease had settled between them, no longer feeling the same tension and pain the divorce had brought into their interactions.
“I think Angie's had a really good night, T, despite the embarrassment of having not one but both of her moms here.”
Tina smiled and looked over to Bette. “I think she has too. I'm so proud of her, you know.” Tina looked down, feeling tears prick at her eyes. “I know me leaving was hard for her. Being back here made me realise what I miss when I'm in Toronto. I'm just so glad she's still thriving despite... everything I've put her through.”
Bette nodded sadly. “Hey. You have to forgive yourself at some point, T. These things happen. I don't think Angie's the only kid here whose parents are no longer together. Anyway... you're not all to blame for how it played out.”
Tina nodded in return. She breathed deeply and wiped a few tears away. Sensing a building sadness she wanted to avoid for both their sakes, Bette changed topic. “Do you remember your senior prom?”
Tina was silent for a moment, trying to recall. “Kinda. Might have been a little drinking involved. I think I got through two bottles of Aqua Net that night. I was a walking fire hazard.”
Bette laughed at the image. “Ah, the eighties. Don't you miss them? These kids seem so much better behaved than I was at prom.”
“For what we've paid in tuition, I should damn well hope they are.”
As the night wound down to the final few songs, Bette had involuntarily inched closer to her ex-wife. The lights were lower now in the auditorium and cast a lovely glow on Tina's features. A lump formed in her throat as she cast her eyes over the pretty face, admiring the tiny crow's feet that seemed more noticeable these days, as Tina stared out at the dancefloor to lovingly watch their daughter. How much more beautiful you are with age, thought Bette.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the band's lead singer announcing loudly on the microphone that they were going to play a few slow songs. The air between her and Tina shifted perceptibly. She swallowed hard as the band started to play.
I found a love
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
Bette glanced at Tina, whose eyes were now also locked with hers. When had that happened? Bette wondered. Both a little shy, they looked away instantly, as the song continued.
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
A few moments passed before Bette unexpectedly felt a finger curl itself around her own. She looked down in surprise, before lifting her head and meeting hazel eyes, which were lost in her own. Feeling emboldened by Tina's brave gesture, not only did Bette reciprocate, but she enveloped her ex-wife's hand fully in her own. Tina squeezed it tightly. Noticing a door was open behind them, Bette smiled softly before leading them both outside, stopping a few steps from the door so they couldn't be seen but would still be able to hear the music.
Bette brought their joined hands to her chest, holding them snugly to her heart, whilst she wrapped her free arm around Tina, who responded by leaning into the embrace. Slowly they swayed to the music.
“How long has it been since we last did this?” Tina murmured.
Bette was lost momentarily in the scent of Tina's hair, old memories once again resurrected and playing with her senses.
“Too long,” Bette replied.
“Mmm,” Tina purred in agreement.
“Do you remember when we danc--”
“Our honeymoon? How could I forget? That was a good night, T.”
“I was actually going to say the wrap party for Lez Girls.”
Bette laughed. “Oh the wrap party too, of course.”
Tina smiled into Bette's chest, both lost in the memories of happier, headier times. “Can't believe you forgot that. I don't think the crew or cast ever looked at me the same away again.”
“We had to show them all how it's done.”
Tina tilted her head up, her forehead seeking out Bette's as she had done so many times before. She smiled up at the brunette and gently nuzzled her nose. “Yes we did.”
...but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
They continued to move to the music for a few more minutes, enjoying the proximity, one they had missed and longed for, both unsure if they'd ever be this close again.
“T?”
“What, baby?”
Bette smiled. I guess old habits die hard for you too, T, she thought.
“Maybe we shouldn't have stopped dancing.”
Tina lifted a hand to cup Bette's cheek. “Maybe we should start again.”
The band played on.