Chapter 48 – To Help the Kids

Walking up to the Oriana House Bette had butterflies. She had been reliving that kiss for days. Well I guess Im only fooling myself, I have been thinking non stop about that kiss. These thoughts went anywhere from the feel and texture of Tinas lips against hers, to the electricity and heat that each of them generated and the intoxicating effect this had on Bette. How do I make this work? How do I be in Tinas life and come to grips with these feelings. Those where the nagging questions that were hard to think about it was so much better for Bette to relive the KISS.

OK Bette, get those thoughts out of your head. Bette tells herself as she takes a deep breath and opens the door entering the Oriana House. This place was much bigger than the other house that the auction had been at. Despite the size, Bette had little problems finding Tinas office.
Knocking on the door Bette pokes her head inside. Tina was startled from a stack of documents piled in front of her.
Oh, Bette Tina says immediately looking at the clock.
Sorry I guess Im early, I really didnt know how much time it would take to find you. Do you want me to leave for a while? Bette now felt a little embarrassed as she was Way WAy WAY too early.
NO, I mean no just give me a second to finish this thought. Tina responds quickly smiling to herself So Bette was anxious to see me. But as she looked down at the sentence she was re-reading any thought that was in her head was gone as Tina could actually feel Bettes presence in her office. After a few seconds this realization hit Tina and she just gave up.
What the ***** Tina said as she tossed the documents into her bag for retrieval later. Standing up and moving from behind her desk, Tina approached Bette and said: You know it might be too early for lunch what do you want to do to kill some time?
Well, since Im here I was thinking would you mind giving me a tour of the House here and share a little of what you do. Bette was genuinely interested in the work that Tina did and was hoping to get a glimpse as they toured the facility.
Great lets go. Tina waved for Bette to exit her office. Tina was trying to be careful and not touch Bette in any unexpected manner that might lead to a replaying of the scene in front of Bette apartment. This was hard as Tinas body was craving to touch and connect with Bette in some physical way. But no she said she would wait and thats what she was determined to do. Bette was going to set the pace.

Tina led Bette through the House, showing the rooms that they had set up for families so mothers could be together with the kids in some semblance of a home. There was a uni-kitchen that every one shared. We try to let the families exist in a simulation of their own homes. Letting each family eat as a family unit is one way to encourage this unit bonding. Tina explained.

As they turned down another hall passing the different classrooms, Bette came to a stop outside the daycare type area. Tina kept walking and talking until she turned to notice that Bette was not behind her. Retracing her steps, she spotted Bette and was about to ask her what caught her attention but decided to look to see what Bette was looking at so intently.

In the room were maybe about 12-14 children of different ages, anywhere between 4 to 12 years of age. These children had been though a lot and many were playing.

As you watch the children they dont really intermix as children normally do. These children seem to stay in their own little circles. Tina begins to explain to Bette. Many times they have actually seen the abuse that has led them here and that is something that tarnishes their lives until they learn how to express and cope with their emotions and thoughts. Tina now looks at Bette. There was a tension about her that was not there before.

Bette, whats going on? What do you see? Tina quietly asks.

It takes Bette a moment to focus on Tinas question. She was immediately struck by the look in the kids eyes. She had seen that look before, seen it in herself and seen it when she was at the half way house. I can help these kids. Bette stated simply. Realizing she actually said that out loud, Bette now looked away from the kids and into Tinas eyes. I can help these kids. Bette says again but this time with more conviction.

Tina not knowing what Bette meant but seeing it was something that was important to her was interested: Bette, babe what do you mean?
Despite the fact that Bette was deep in her own thoughts, she recognized immediately that Tina had called her babe. This made Bettes stomach jump into her throat: AH AH.. I mean I can help them express themselves in a safe format that will help them. Bette started trying to get back on track. I can teach them to express themselves through art. Really, I can. That look they have, I have seen that look so many times. I know how to help that look. Bette declared as she was picking up more steam with each verbalized thought. Tina is there a way I can help these children?