Chapter 44

Bette, Tina, Jackie and Jake all sat at the kitchen table eating lunch. (Thats right – the Jakeman has his own chair!)

Bette glanced over at Tina. Hey Tina – after lunch do you want to go for a walk? AhJackieyoure more than welcome to join us – and you can bring Sir King of Fleas over there too if youd like! Bette secretly hoped that Jackie would decline the offer – but being polite – she felt the need to extend it anyway.

Jackie- being the incredibly cool mother in law that she is – picked up on the politeness and quickly declined the offer. I think Jake and I will stay home and watch OPRAH! Jackie looked Bette in the eyes – But thanks for asking, Sunshine!

Tina looked at Bette. Oh, I dont know BabyI thought Id

Jackie chimed in, Oh, Tina – come on – indulge her! How could you possibly pass up an offer like that from such a ***** woman? I bet she wants to show you her etchings or something like that! Jackie raised her eyebrow at Bette.

Tina looked at her mother and said, You turned her down!

Jackie looked at Tina and thought to herself – My God, the pregnancy hormones are making her a little thick arent they? Ah Tina – I am also not sleeping with Bette – thank you very much! I think Bette wants to spend some time with YOU away from HERE!

Oh – Ok – yeah Babe – Id love to go for a walk with you!

I dont want to force you or anything. Bette actually felt a little hurt by the exchange. Tina looked at her and smiled – her eyes apologized without her needing to say a word. Bette smiled back at her.

Bette and Tina both kissed Jackie on the cheek and Bette gave Jake their customary high five – then they left for their walk.

Tina – are you sure you want to go on this walk?

Tina grabbed Bettes hand and held it tight – Yes Baby – Im so sorry about all that – Im just feeling a little bit thick in the head these days! I dont know what I was thinking. Sometimes I think all of these hormones are making me retarded!

Bette squeezed Tinas hand and leaned over and kissed her. I love you Tina!

Back at ya, Porter!
They continued to walk until they reached the park at the end of the road. There was a park bench under a tree. Bette led Tina over to it and motioned for her to sit down. Tina couldnt help but notice Bettes serious demeanor.

Baby – whats going on? Is there something wrong?

Bette looked at Tina, I spoke to Dr. Wilson yesterday

Tina made a huge mental leap – thinking the worst. Oh my God – whats wrong? Is there a problem? Bette

Bette cut Tina off with a kiss. Tina – everything is fine – no need for a meltdown. Youre fine – the babies are fine. Everything is fine! Calm down – please. Im sorry if I gave you the impression that there was a problem. Sensitive arent we? Bettes gaze became soft as she looked at Tina.
Bette continued. I called her for two reasons. One was to make sure that all the discomfort youre feeling is normal – thank God it is.

So you were worried about me?

Yes – I was worried about you.

Ah – thats sweet Baby.

The other reason I called her was to see if she knew anyone who could review your moms medical history. I told her what was going on and she said she has friends who are into Cancer research and well versed in up to date treatments and stuff

Tina smiled as her eyes began to fill with tears. You did that for my mom? And for me?

Yes T – I did it for the two of you – and for me – and for Jake – and for Taylor and Dylan. Bette put her hands on Tinas belly. She whispered as she looked into Tinas eyes, For you – and for them

Tina didnt know what to say. She leaned over and kissed Bette tenderly – lingering close to her face and brushing her nose back and forth across Bettes.

Bette couldnt resist. She whispered to Tina, I see the pregnancy hormones are turning you into an Eskimo too. Sweet T Bette rubbed her nose back and forth against Tinas.

Tina pulled away slightly. So what now Baby?

Well, we need to talk to your mom and get all of her medical records together. Then we need to go see this doctorhis name iswell, I have it written down at home. Dr. Wilson got us an appointment in a few weeks – I guess thats something thats basically unheard of – she really pushed this along for us.

Ill have to remember to thank her next time I see her. Bette, I dont know whether I should feel hopefulI dont know what I should be feeling right now. Thank you so much for doing this. God I love you Bette Porter-Kennard. How wonderful are you?

You can show me later – you know – how wonderful you think I am – if youd like! Bette shot Tina a ***** look. You can look at my etchings too if youd like.

Tina giggled. Yeah – later for sure! Lets go home and tell mom.

Yeah T – lets go tell mom.

Bette helped Tina up from the bench and pulled her in for a hug. They held hands as they began walking home.

Tina turned to Bette. Etchings – huh? Would you like to come up and see my etchings? Tina laughed. Isnt that like some ancient hetero pick up line?

Yeah – I think it is. Bette winked at Tina.

Too ***** funny! And from my mother none the less. Tina squeezed Bettes hand. I have absolutely no desire to see your etchings Bette. Id rather just see you naked!

Oh – you will! Later T – later!