Kit! What the ***** is going on? Bette shrieked.

Kit and Ivan broke free standing speechless staring at Bette, and back and forth at each other.

Uhm, I can, ah, I can explain, Kit babbled.

Youre damn right you can explain, Bette demanded. Youre gonna explain, Bette continued, slamming her purse on the counter. Well, start talking. Kit? Ivan?

Ivan wasnt sure what to do or say. He was living his worst nightmarefacing Bette prematurely. He wanted to protect Kit like he said he would, but Bette wasnt a strangershe was Kits sister. Now, what am I gonna do? He thought, walking toward the couch where Kit was now sitting, while Bette pierced him with her stare as he moved.

Kit cleared her throat. Baby girl, Ivan and I are

Were seeing each other, Ivan jumped in.

Seeing each other? Bette paced the floor, arms crossed on her chest. What exactly do you mean seeing each other? Creases formed on Bettes brow as she interrogated them.

Were seeing each other, Kit repeated, now a little more confident. Better question, what did you come back for?

Dont try and change the subject Kit. I want to know what I walked in on.

Kit and Ivan looked at each other visually concocting their stories.

Kit stood up. Baby sis, you walked in on grown folk spending some time together, was Kits cocky reply. Isnt that right Ivan? Kit gave him that knowing stare.

Uhm, yeah. Yes, we were just spending time together, Ivan nervously affirmed. You know we spend time together Bette, Ivan timidly continued.

Bettes face was twisted. She was prepared to scold Kit, who was now standing in front of her. She was visually pissed at what she saw and felt she was owed an explanation.

Okay, I understand that, but it looked a little more intimate from what I saw.
Now, Kit was getting irritated. She felt like she was answering to Melvin and hated it. She always hated being grilled by anyone. Years of suppressed frustration began to boil inside and she forced herself to bite her tongue as not to embarrass herself or Bette in front of Ivan.

Listen sweetie, Kit said softly. Im sure this doesnt look good to you, but Im fine, she looked over at Ivan who winked to comfort her. Ivan and I are friends who enjoy each others company, okay? Hes a great guy.

She! Bette interjected. She! Stop saying he Kit, Bette raged.

Kit squinted her eyes and looked down as annoyance rose inside of her.

Bette, I know you were caught off guard and this doesnt make sense to you, but I assure you, my intentions are purely honorable. I have nothing but respect for Kit. Please dont worry,

Ivan slipped in to defend Kit who he could see was still fuming.

Bette tilted her head looking at Ivan with an air of indignation. She wanted answers to her question. A better one than shed received, but knew that with Ivan there, Kit had solidarity and there was no fighting that. She didnt like being teamed and began to feel awkward now. Kit gave her an icy stare firming her position.

Fine Kit, have it your way. Youre a grown woman and dont need to answer to me, but this isnt over, Bette picked up her purse and turned toward the door.

Bette? Kit asked. What did you come back for?

Stunned at the question, Bette spun around and looked puzzled at the couch where Ivan was still seated.

Oh! I left my cell here. It was in my pocket and I think it slipped out.

Ivan slid his hand under the back cushion and pulled it out handing it to Bette who eagerly took it.

Thanks, Bette said, almost sarcastically. Well, I guess Ill go. Ill call you later Kit. Bette quipped and walked out the door. Make sure you lock it this time, she added, as she pulled it closed.

Kit moved quickly to the door and opened it.

You left it unlocked baby girl, Kit taunted, getting the last word in knowing it would eat at her.

Kit closed the door, locked it, and rested her back on it.

Damn! That could have been worse couldnt it? Kit stated.
Sure right about that, Ivan sighed. Im sorry she found out this way Kit, he continued, getting up to comfort her. What are you gonna do?

Kit opened her arms and held Ivan close to her. She was shaking slightly and breathing hard.

Ssh! Dont worry honey. Its gonna be all right. Shes just in shock.

Kit let out a hard breath and eased her face off Ivans shoulder.

Honestly, I dont really care that much about what she thinks. It was more that she acted just like our father that got to me. She acts just like him sometimes and I hate it. She made me feel like a kid and she looked at me with the same disappointment that he does. Damn them! Kit fumed, now fully pissed off at Bettes surprised return.

Now, now Kit. Dont let her ruin your day. I know youre hurt and upset, but dont let it set you back honey. Youve come too far, Ivan comforted her with hugs and tender kisses on her cheeks. Im here for you. Dont ever forget that.

Thanks, Kit whispered. Im so glad you are Ivan.

Me too! Now Ms. Kit, would you like some time alone today or would you like to spend some more time with me?

Kit said nothing. She was lost in her thoughts and not paying attention to Ivan. He didnt seem to mind and released his hold. Kit came back to reality.

Im sorry baby. I didnt mean to be distant, but this is kinda hard ya know, Kit said softly. Here I am an adult and still having to answer to people. Makes no sense, she huffed.

She cares Kit, thats all. She wasnt prepared for this and being that youve never expressed an interest in, well, you know, she didnt know how to take what she saw. She might think Im trying to take advantage of you, Ivan tried to comfort her.

Bullshit! Kit snapped, taking Ivan by surprise. You heard the tone of her voice. She spoke to me like I was sixteen and Im not. Im damn near, Kit chuckled, not completing her sentence. You know how old I am. I dont need protecting. Well, at least not from you. She knows you and should know what kind of person you are. I just didnt appreciate it, Kit declared.

Well, instead of waiting for her to call you, call her. The best defense is a good offense they say. So, if you ask her to meet you somewhere, you can get this off your chest okay?

Kit shrugged her shoulders dismissively. She knew Ivan was probably right, but didnt feel she was ready to discuss her relationship. More so, she also didnt want to be forced into it.

I dont know, Kit whined. Why should I have to explain it? If I wanted her help with you, I would have asked her. I just wish she could trust me to make a sound decision without her influence, its not like she doesnt have her own life to worry about, Kit continued her ranting.

Ivan stood close to her and allowed her to continue, but he couldnt help but find something very attractive in Kits current demeanor. Her body movement was graceful, fluid, and very sultry, and Ivan was captivated by it. He held her hand and pulled her toward the couch, sat her down, and immediately devoured her mouth with a hot, passionate kiss. Kit couldnt immediately respond because she was caught completely off guard, but soon found herself willingly responsive. When they broke free Ivan smiled at her willing her to smile back and she did.

Now, Ms. Kit, Im going to leave and youre going to face that sister of yours, he said smartly. I know you dont want to, but that kiss was to give you the strength you need to face her and to have a piece of me with you.

Kit gave him a strange look.

I breathed myself into you, he explained with a chuckle.

Kit laughed too.

Okay, I guess Ill do it and get it over with, she agreed.

Ivan gathered his clothes, showered Kit with more hugs and kisses, and left the house leaving Kit to get herself ready to face Bette. She took her time getting ready and as she was about to leave, the phone rang.

Hello?

Kit?

Yes, she replied curiously.

Its, itsHello? Kit? Said the voice on the other end between the crackling and drops in the connection.

Kit made out who it was and dropped the phone.