Im going to be going back and forth between 2009, the year Bette and Tina meet again through their kids, 2026 when Madison and Zoe first meet, and finally 2029 when Jake and Madison are having their talk. Hope this clarifies things.


The year is 2009, 5 years after the break-up:


Alice looked at Bette with a perplexed look. What is he talking about Bette.

Bette took a deep breath and said, Youre not going to believe this but my son seems to have become best friends with Madison Kennard.

Holy *****.

Well Alice, as usual you have summed up the situation perfectly. Holy *****, indeed!

She moved back? When?

Im not sure but Jake met her daughter on the playground about a week ago.

What was it like, seeing her again.

It was like having the wind knocked out of me, but in a good way. God Alice, shes still so beautiful and you should see her with her daughter. Shes wonderful.

Hey, dont selling yourself short in that area Porter, youre super mom as far as Im concerned. How you keep the gallery going, donate your time to teaching art, and be there for these two is amazing. Youve adjusted your priorities and Im proud of you and if Tina would give things a chance shed know that you were still her one and only. Just new and improved.

Bette sat listening to Alice and smiled. Her friends, Alice in particular had stood by both her and Tina during the breakup. When Tina left they sensed that Bette was fragile, a broken soul and they rallied around her, not leaving her alone for a minute. That had been extremely supportive these past 5 years, as she had rebuilt her life and were all aunts to her 2 children.

Mom, were going to be late.

Youre right Jacob. Come on Alice; lets get Alexis stuff out of the car so we can get going. Ill see you and Dana back at my place around one. Its going to be a beautiful day so lets plan on relaxing by the pool and barbequeing for dinner. Shane and Julie will be there and Kit will be over later on in the day.

Bette unloaded Alexis stroller, diaper bag and another bag with toys for Alice to take into the house she now shared with Dana. Bette noticed Alice rubbing her belly and got suspicious. It looked like Alice had gained a few pounds recently but Bette wasnt about to say anything to her. But now, couple that with Alice rubbing her belly and Bette couldnt help but ask You know Alice, youre really glowing and Ive noticed you gained a few pounds and now today I see you rubbing your belly. Do you have anything you want to share with me?

Alice looked down at the floor and then back up at Bette, their eyes meeting We wanted to be together to tell you. I swear we were going to tell you today. Dana is going to be so pissed, but yes, were pregnant. I mean Im preganant. *****, I sound like Dana now. Its the hormones.

Bette let out a squeal and reached over and grabbed Alice into a bear hug. This is so great, Im so happy for you guys! Youre going to be a great mother Alice, Dana too.

How could I miss with you around to give me pointers?

Yep, definitely great. Have you picked names yet? When do you want to go shopping for clothes and furniture?

Bette, I dont believe how happy you are. Remember its me whos having the baby.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know but I know how long you and Dana have been trying and Im beyond happy for the two of you. Its so great Alice. Just wait. One look at the baby and youll be a goner. Wait and see.

All right, enough sentimental stuff, get your ***** to that class. You dont want to keep your students waiting.

Bette jumped into the car and Jacob asked, Whats going on mommy?

Oh Jacob, aunt Alice is going to have a baby. Isnt that great?

Is she going to look like she has a basketball stuffed down her shirt?

Bette laughed and Alice said, only if Im lucky Jakey. If not Im going to look like an elephant, fat all around. Get going you two.

Bette put the car in drive and she and Jacob made there way to class.

They arrived early enough to set the classroom up with paints at each students desk, as well as paper and smocks so the children wouldnt get dirty. As usual Jacob helped Bette.

Bette donated her time to the elementry schools Saturday morning arts program. There were music and art classed available to the schools children and Bette taught an extra class for pre-schoolers. Today the only class on the schedule was for pre-schoolers so Bette had extened the time to 2 hours. She loved teaching art to children of all ages but pre-school was her favorite. The kids were like open books with no preconceived notions of what something should or should not look like. As a result skies were purple, grass yellow, fish swam on land. Bette stood talking with Jake when Peggy, one of the administrators came into the room and asked for a moment of Bettes time.

Ive got a little girl who wants to join your class Bette, but I know you usually dont like to accept new students if the session is half way through. I brought a few of her drawings and paintings with me to show you. I think you might want to make an exception.

Bette looked over the work and was impressed with the little girls use of color, and her ability to draw. These were done by a pre-schooler?

Yes, she is about to turn 4. Pretty impressive isnt it?

Ill say. I think Ill have to break my rule. Let Jacob and I come back to your office to get the little girl. This way I can meet her parents.

Bette and Jacob followed Peggy back to her office located in the front of the building. As they entered Bette couldnt believe her eyes.

Hi Maddie, Jacob said. You could come to class because my mommy says you color good.

Bette stiffled a laugh. Hi you guys. I guess its a small world. Tina, youre daughter is very talented and I would love to have her join my class. Would you like to sit in and watch today?

Bette, I cant believe youre the one teaching the class. Where do you find the time? And yes, Id like to sit in today, to help Maddie get acclimated.

Sure why dont you follow Jacob and I back to the classroom. Thanks Peggy for bringing this to my attention.

Bette and Tina lagged behind as they watched Jacob lead Maddie to class. Lord only knew what they were saying but both of them were giggling all the way there.

You know Tina, she really is very good. Does she enjoy it?

Yes she does. Maybe all the museums I took her too when she was little rubbed off on her. Im going to miss the New York museums. If she continues excelling in this I guess Ill have to take her back there at least once a year.

Well, here we are. Ill put Maddie at the same table with Jacob and you can sit right next to them. I hope you dont mind if your clothes get dirty. The kids can get a little wild sometimes.

No, problem. Thats why I wore these old sweat pants and t-hirt.

Hmmm. I seem to remember being quite fond of the way that t-shirt hugged your body. Bette couldnt help but smile at the memory.

Tina laughed, well its nice to see that some things dont change. From the way youre looking at me I can see you still appreciate the way I look in it.

Guilty as charged. Well here come the kids, its time to get this show started.

Tina watched Bette for the next two hours talk to the kids about art while they painted. She somehow managed to let them enjoy what they were doing while she taught them. She really was quite good, and it was clear that each child enjoyed coming to the class and that Bette thoroughly enjoyed being there. Everyone had left except for Tina and Maddie. Tina had helped Bette cleanup while Jake and Maddie played.

Thanks for the help Tina. Listen, I know this is short notice but Im having the gang over this afternoon and would love for you to come. It will give you a chance to catch up with everyone.

You mean make ammends to everyone.

Look Tina, I dont think anyone is holding a grudge. Yes, they were upset at first when you left but it was because they missed you, not because they didnt respect your choice. Give them a chance, and dont be so hard on yourself.

Tina was lost in thought, wondering if she was ready to jump back into their cirlce of friends but she knew she wanted to do it. Okay Bette, what time do you want us tobe there?

Everyone is invited for 1. Bring a bathing suit because you know well end up in the pool.

Now the truth comes out. You just want to see me in a bikini again.

Well, I could think of other ways I want to see you but a bikini is a good start.

Have you no shame Bette Porter?

None when it comes to you Tina Kennard.

Bette and Tina had been standing close and Bette stepped forward now, without even thinking, and leaned in to give Tina a kiss on the cheek. Ill see you in a bit. Lets go Jacob, its time to get home and get ready for out guests. Weve got to get you into the shower and get that paint off of you.

Okay mommy. Can Maddie and her mom come over too?

Ive already asked and they are coming.

Ill see you later Maddie, bring your bathing suit so we can play in the pool.