The B Word..Chapter 29 Beloved, Breakthrough, Betrayal

The last chapter ended with everyone over at Bette and Tinas for a Welcome Home Cook-out for Maria.
A courier has arrived with a letter for Maria.

Yes Ms. Milo if you could just sign here for me. The courier suggests
Maria signs it and he gives her the letter.
While he is walking down the drivewayBette is just now arriving home from work.
She enters the house while Maria is standing in the doorway with the letter trying to open it with her sling on.
Hey Maria I can I help you with that. Bette suggests as she puts her jacket and briefcase down.Do you know what it is?

I have no clue Maria says as Bette opens it for her.
Bette notices it says the Peabody Foundation. Maria walks to her room to read it and Bette goes outside to tell Tina she is home and to greet everyone.

Hey Bette. Dana says as she is pouring more lemonade for her and Alice.
Tina sees Bette and she stands up and goes to her.She embraces her in a romantic welcome home hug.
Boy I am so glad to see you! Bette says as she holds on to Tina.
Wow everyone came out here tonight. Bette comments as she looks at everyone swimming and partying.

Just then the door bell rang.
Maria is inside she can get it. Bette tells Tina.
However the door bell keeps ringing.
Ill get it Says JosephIm on my way into get something out of the kitchen anyway.

Joseph opens the door.Its Alana..Hi AlanaIts good to see you, come on in
Alana walks in carrying a tray of hot wings..I guess these are Marias favorite
She tells Joseph.
Oh yea she is a hot wing mama. Joseph jokes as he takes the tray from Alana and gives her a peck on the cheekEveryone is outside.
Alana walks out to the pool area.
Joseph sees that Marias door is closed. He walks over and quietly knocks on it.
Come on in Maria replies and she tries to hide the letter behind her back.
Why are you in here and everyone is out there? Joseph questions her.
Oh I just had to come in here for something. Maria asks like she is hiding something.
Whats up MariaIts seems like you are hiding something? Joseph inquires as he is standing in the door way of her room.
JosephShut the door.I want you to see this but pleasedont tell anyone about this.It just came ten minutes ago.
You can trust mewhat is it? Joseph asks as Maria hands him the letter.The Peabody FoundationWhat the ***** do they want?? Its not post mark from jail?

It seems that Peggy Peabody is interested in improving my financial situation and guaranteeing Bettes job. Also providing a grant for the CAC for Five years. Maria shares

And..there is something wrong with it? Joseph asks
Yes there is something morally wrong with it. Maria saysin a flustered voice.
They want me to revoke my statement about what happened to make it look like an accident.

Meanwhile at the pool.Everyone is having a good time.Kit has shown up.
She, Tina, and Bette are sitting on the lounge chairs by the pool drinking lemonade and laughing. Bette is holding Anna Bellaand talking baby talk to her.

Just to think more than five days agoThis place was drama central..With the police, ambulances, and reporters. Kit replied.. I really like it much better today.

I second that. Bette comments as she continues to talk to the baby.
I couldnt believe today when we were leaving the hospital this jerk wanted an interview with Maria. Tina stated
What did she do? Kit asked
She just ignored him and the orderly blocked his way so he couldnt get to her or take a picture.Its all because of the Peabody nameIf it was anyone else it would have been old news. Tina shares
Where is Maria anyway? Kit asks
I dont know Tina says
She was just insideA courier brought her a letter.It had the Peabody insignia on it. Bette states. Kit and Tina both look at Bette in a concerned manner.

So Maria have you told Bette or Tina about this? Joseph asks.
NO!…I dont want to worry them Maria says
Well what are you going to do? You cant let that ***** away with what she has doneShe almost killed you. Joseph responded.

The next scene is at the county jail..Peggy is waiting in a room for the guards to bring
In Helena..The door opens and in walks Helena dressed in prison garb.

I hate it here mother you have to get me out of her now! Helena demands of her mother as the guards exit to the hallway.
Well if you wouldnt have been so stupid we wouldnt even be in this position.
You let your anger get the best of you What the ***** were you thinking
Peggy says as she glares at her daughter.

Mother please.remember you pulled a stunk like this in 1983 your gun just didnt go off! Helena snaps at her mother.

Peggy shows Helena a newspaper headlineMillionaires Daughterin Jail!
That does a lot for the family name! Peggy screams

I want out Mother.When is it going to happen! Helena demanded.

John sent at letter to Maria.I offered her some money and a guarantee that Bettes job security at the CACIf Maria does what we ask of herI even included a five year deal that would give a grant to the CAC. Peggy states.

Oh you know they will take it .If not they are ignorant! Helena says.
But I wouldnt put anything past them!

The chapter ends with Bette and Tina in bed with each other.
Tina has her head on Bette’s shoulder and Bette is holding her tight.
She is running her hand through Tinas blonde curls.

T—You know how we said we would be honest with each other? Bette states
Yes honey.Is there something you need to tell me? Tina asks
Well those new girls for the blown glass exhibit which arrived today from Miami
Bette explains.
Yes honey.I cant wait to see itThe opening night is going to be fantastic.
Tina says
Well the one by the name of Toni insisted on me going to dinner with them.
When I said no she was trying to persuade me to come to her hotel for drinks instead.
Bette stated

And.. Tina gets nervous.
I told her I was flattered but I had a wife and kid waiting for me at home. Bette says as she squeezes Tina tighter to her.
Thank you Tina said as she smiles at Bette.
No thank you! Bette hugs her even tighterand gives her a passionate kiss.

Later that night you see Maria thrashing around in her bed…Crying….in her sleep.

TBC……………..