In the two days since Tina last spoke with Bette, she used the time to speak with Oscar about working for a small salary explaining that she needed to get on her feet. He willingly agreed, and she also secured a consulting job from a former client whom shed run into while tending some business at the court for the center. She was feeling revived and confident that she was ready to move on wherever life would lead her. Alices quote from Ms. Jackson was the catalyst to keep her focused if ever she felt like she would fall off track. Alice had been a valuable friend and counselor throughout her struggle, so anything she offered would be taken with open arms.

There had been no residual effects from Tinas dressing down of Candace, no calls from Bette indicating that Candace had contacted her, so things were really looking up for her. Tinas current living arrangements were working out and she felt better about staying with Alice now that she had a means of helping Alice out. It hurt her to realize how much dependency she had on Bette and the security of their relationship. She knew love was what had kept her with Bette in spite of their many problems, but she couldnt help but wonder if money was another. Bette never considered her opinion when it came to purchasing things to include a $300 tie for Melvin. Tina even recalled how negatively Bette reacted when she bought the birthing tub when she was pregnant. Knowing she had a forthcoming income validated her and really amped the independence she was now feeling. Tina needed more of her clothes and other personal items from the house and wanted to retrieve them without running into Bette. She knew it was cowardly to sneak in and out of the house, but she still wasnt ready to see Bette yet. All their problems aside, Tina knew that when she looked at Bette she still saw love even though she didnt like or trust Bette at this time. Knowing cowardice was not an option, Tina decided to call Bette.

Bette Porter, Bette answered without looking at the ID.

Hi Bette, its Tina, Tinas tone was cordial. Do you have a few minutes?

Bette looked at her watch. She really did only have a few minutes, but she wanted to hear Tinas voice and obliged her. Yes, whats up? Are you okay? Bette asked with a hint of nervous concern.

Yes, Im fine. Thanks for asking, Tina replied. I wanted to get some more things from the house and I didnt want to do it behind your back, Tina stated in one breath.

A cold chill ran down Bettes spine. Shed hoped that Tina was calling with more positive news and tried to mask her pain. Oh! Uhm, okay. What time would you like to come by?

I have a little time this evening around 4:30, Tina said as she looked at her watch. She really wanted to do it right away, but knew saying that would only inflate the hurt she heard in Bettes voice.

Well, Ill still be in a conference call with a client, but its fine if you go over then, Bette still tried to remain upbeat. Nothing has been moved, so you dont have to worry about not finding what you need okay?!

All right. Well, I guess Ive taken up my few minutes, Tina said with the hint of a smile in her tone. Thanks Ba, Bette, Tina almost slipped up and said babe. Bye.

Tina? Bette inquired, not sure if Tina was still on the line.

Yes?

You sound great. It was nice hearing your voice. Bye. Bette said and hung up quickly before she lost the little composure she had left.

Tina clutched the phone to her chest as if she was holding on to a piece of Bette. It amazed her that while familiarity bred contempt, absence still made the heart grow fond. Thankful that the call went well, Tina called Alice to see if shed be free to take her to get her clothes and such. That call went well too and Tina was happier than shed been in a long time. With all the stars in alignment, Tina busied herself with the mountain of paperwork Oscar left on her desk.

Tina called Alice to let her know that shed spoken with Bette and needed a ride to the house to get more clothes and other personal items. Tina explained the simple complexity of their exchange and sought some positive reinforcement for her temporary weakness. Alice reminded Tina of her need to remain strong and ended their conversation with another quote. Courage is the art of being the only one who knows youre scared to death Harold Wilson. Tinas resolve was strengthened and she was able to regain the assertion that had gotten her through the latter end of her month of emotional turmoil.

Hours later
Tina had been hard at work completing the petition for and obstruction of demolition so a needy family could secure much needed housing. Shed previously aided in securing a construction company and several volunteers that would donate time and materials in order to rebuild the house. Tina looked at the time. It was now 4:10pm, and she wanted to wrap up her work and be ready for Alices arrival, which she knew would be prompt.

Tina cleaned up her desk, grabbed her purse, and was ready to hit the ladies room when her phone rang.

Hello! Tina Kennard speaking, Tina cheerfully answered the phone.

Ms. Kennard, this is Ms. Jones from Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba. How are you today?

Tina grinned to herself. It was the call shed been waiting for. The call to finalize her consulting position, but she didnt recognize the name Ms. Jones. The last administrator Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba had been Ms. Richards who had been with the company from its founding. It took Tina by surprise to hear anyone but her.
Yes, Ms. Jones, what can I do for you? Tina politely inquired.

Ms. Kennard, you can call me Sparta. Im not one for formality. Well, as a receiver anyway, Ms. Jones quickly cleared up her statement.

Tina smiled, liking Ms. Jones already. Okay, Sparta, what can you do for me? Tina intentionally flipped the question.

Sparta laughed. Well, I was wondering when you could come by and sign all the necessary paperwork. You know, proof of citizenship, provide an updated resume, medical paperwork, next of kin, consent for a drug screening, Sparta rambled on, but Tina was stuck on next of kin. The true reality of her separation from Bette sunk in.

Um, okay, Tina struggled for words. I, um, I guess I can come in first thing tomorrow morning if thats good? Tina was at a loss for words and hoped she didnt sound like a blithering idiot.

Yes, tomorrow is fine. Say 9:30? Sparta replied, not missing a beat or catching Tinas struggle.

Thank you Ms. Kennard and Ill see you at 9:30 sharp, Spartas voice was cheerful. Oh, one more thing, she caught herself. How do you like your coffee?

Tina was caught off guard. Coffee? Tina quizzed.

Yes, the paperwork tends to take a while, so I like to have a cup of coffee ready for the employee, Sparta stated as if it was something Tina should have already known.

Tina giggled. No sugar, and a little cream, Tina replied.

All right. One large coffee, light cream, no sugar, Sparta sounded like she was writing it down. Would you like a bagel or anything with your coffee?

Tina couldnt believe her ears. Ms. Richards was never that friendly to people. She was extremely formal and stand-offish. Sparta was a pleasant change of pace.

No, thank you. I will have eaten by the time I arrive. The coffee will suffice, Tina spoke between a smile. Thank you Sparta. Have a nice day, Tina ended the call.

In spite of the upbeat conversation, Tina slumped in her chair and could feel the knots tighten in her stomach, and the calm she felt before that call was dissipating. The words next of kin resurfaced in her mind and she wondered who she would put down. While legally Bette was considered her next of kin, she wasnt sure if putting her down was the appropriate thing to do in their current state of affairs, no pun intended! Tina hadnt mentioned to Bette that shed been picked up as a consultant and would be working full time between the center and the Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba.

Tina looked at the time and realized she barely had ten minutes before Alices arrival. *****! She thought to herself. I have to figure out what Im going to do, Tinas thoughts continued and as she sat and contemplated her decision, an unexpected visitor appeared at her desk.