Chapter 14

BETTES OFFICE

GameTech, Bette Porter speaking, how may I help you?

Good day Miss Porter, this is Ms Jackson, from Walt Whitman High School.

Good day Ms Jackson, is everything ok with Shane?

Oh yes, everything is fine, actually it has nothing really to do with Shane. I am the chairman of the prom committee and we are in a bit of a tight spot and I was wondering if you can help out?

Ummm that depends on what it is.

Two of our parents cancelled and we are short two chaperones, so I was wondering if can do us the honours?

Isnt the prom this weekend?

Yes, and I know its short notice but we really hope you can help us out.

I. dont know if Bette had plans with Tina that day and hopefully take advantage of the fact that it was prom night and Shane and Dan wont be home that night. She thought about saying no but she thought that maybe going to the prom might be such a bad idea. Actually I would love to chaperone. And I think I can get someone else to help out. She is a friend of mine and you can trust her.

Ok great. Thank you very much Miss Porter. Ill call you later in the week to give you some more details.

My pleasure. Talk to you later.

Bette hung up the phone excited about going to the prom. Bette and Tina have been dating for more than a year now. Although they have been to many dinners and dances, the dress code has always been casual so there was never the need to dress up. Bette thought that it would have been a great idea to take Tina out to a formal dinner and dance. *****, I just made plans for Tina without asking her first. Hope she isnt mad. Oh no Shane. Man 0 for two Bette. Ok do what you do best. Use your charm.

RING RING RING RING. Tina couldnt take the call at that time, so when the phone rang a second time within a few seconds she asked Jessica to pull her call.

Systems, Jessica speaking.

Hi, Jess, is Tina around?

Oh, yeah she is, hold on a sec. Jessica transferred the call back to Tina and mouthed Its Bette.

RING

Hi sweetie, whats up?

Hey, you have any plans for later? I am making dinner. Italian

Sounds great. Ill just go home and change first ok?

Excellent.

Bette hung up, Now for Shane. She attempted to reach Shane but remembered that she would probably be in class at that time so she left it for later.

LATER THAT DAY

Bette left work promptly at four. She had to pick up Shane and Dana and be home to get dinner started. On her way she stopped off at the grocery to get chocolate chocolate chip and vanilla mocha ice cream for dessert. They were Shane and Tinas favourite. She got home, changed and started dinner while Shane and Dana worked on their assignment due tomorrow for final grades. She decided on spring bruschetta for the appetizer, and chicken alfredo as the main course. Bette had everything under control. Dinner was ready on time and she was waiting for Tina to arrive. At about six thirty Tina drove up the driveway and let herself in. Bette rushed to the door to greet her. Bette kissing Tina on the lips and taking her coat, Hi baby.

Hi babe. Wow everything smells great. Whats the occasion?

Oh, no occasion. Cant a lady treat her two favourite women to a nice dinner?

Tina smiled. She knew Bette was up to something but she decided to let it be and wait till Bette was ready to talk. She went into the living room and got herself relaxed while she waited for Bette. At seven they all sat down to dinner. All eyes marking Bette closely. What? Why do I feel like I am under a microscope here?

Well, Italian? And I saw what you bought on our way home so something must be up. Shane replied.

Nothings up. Nothing at all.

See there is something. And you have that look in your eyes.

Ok, well there is something. A tiny thing really. Well its actually something I did. Well I didnt real ok I made a decision about something and its only after I did it that.

What is it for crying out loud Jeez. Shane blurted out, clearly frustrated by Bettes reluctance to say what she had on her mind.

Ok, Ok. I told Ms Jackson that I would chaperone for the prom and Tee I kindda told her that you would too.

You did what? Tina asked almost choking on her drink. Bette?

I know I know. And I should have asked you first but I thought it would have been a great idea to go somewhere formal for a change. Im sorry. If you want I can call her

No, its ok Ill go. I mean I didnt get to go to my high school prom.

You didnt? That sucks Dana interrupted. I wouldnt miss mine for anything. I cant wait for Saturday. I have my dress and everything. Danas elation and excitement obvious. I had to twist Shanes arm to get her to come with me.

I think you will enjoy it. I promise you will enjoy it. Bette said smiling at Tina. And who knows what can happen on prom night. She winked. By the way how come you didnt go to your prom? Didnt you want to go?

I wanted to. I had my dress and everything. Amanda didnt want to go. I mean initially we were going but she changed her mind last minute, and I was not up for going alone so.

Hey, no offense to Amanda, God rest her soul, but I think that was selfish. Didnt she even give you a reason? Shane didnt have a problem voicing her feeling on the situation. She and Dana are like night and day and yet they were inseparable. Shane would do just about anything for Dana especially if she knew how much it meant to her. And she was confident in their relationship to know that Dana would do the same for her.

No, she just said no. And I didnt bother to ask why.

I hate the whole prom thing. And I dont like dressing up even more but Dana wants to go and I know how much it means to her so Ill go, because she means more to me than any of that. Everyone at the table became speechless. Shane was not one to express how she felt about anyone. She always protected herself for fear of being hurt. So when Shane voiced her feelings for Dana they were surprised. Shane noticing it the looks on their faces shrugged it off by saying, And besides shes a nag so.

Shut up. Dana swatted Shane.

Well I make this a prom night to remember.

PROM DAY

Tina spent the day shopping with her mother for the perfect dress. She was more than excited about the prom. And the fact that she was going with Bette made it all the more exhilarating. Tina got home just in time to get ready. Hazel was denied the first time for Tinas prom so now that she had a second time she wanted Tina to look perfect. She did Tinas make-up and hair. When Tina was ready they stood looking at her in the mirror. Tina you look beautiful. Hazel said with tears in her eyes.

Really? You sure? You think Bette will like it?

Oh I am more than certain honey. I dont think she will be able to keep her eyes off you.

Well mom, there is only one more thing to do.

Call in the big gun.

Timmy, come for a sec. I need to ask you something.

Timmy raced to Tinas room and as he entered the room he was paralysed. It was the first time he has ever seen Tina in a dress let alone make-up. Hazel and Tina werent sure what to make of Timmys facial expression. Children can sometimes be cruelly honest and she hesitated to ask, Soooo what do you think?

Wow Teetee, you look beautiful, just like Anastasia. Tina took that as a complement. Timmy had taken a liking to Ingrid Bergman who starred along Yul Brenner in the movie Anastasia and has watched the movie several times already, so when Timmy made the comparison to Ingrid Tina knew her work was done.