After dinner, a few nights after her panic attack, Bette was clearing the table when the phone rang; Tina picked it from where she was wiping the table down in the dining room. She said hello then went completely and deathly silentBette looked up curiously while she loading the dishwasher. Bette got out a cloth and washed it till it was warmly damp, wiping down the counter Bette listened to Tina. She was speaking very softly and her other hand was smoothing her hair over her ear. Bette knew this gesture; it was a gesture Tina often used when she was nervousor agitated.

Upon hanging up Tina stared at the ground then sat at the table with her hands folded. Worried now Bette came over and sat beside, taking Ts hand she whispered softlybaby…whats up? Very quietly Tina whispered under her breathmy aunt died. Bette took Tina in her arms and comforted her; she felt her shoulder become damp with Ts tears. It was so long since Bette comforted T in this way, and Bette welcomed the feeling even though it wasnt exactly a celebration. Tina wrapped her arms around Bette and felt her strength coming back. Face to face Bette wiped Tinas damp face, kissing her eyebrows. Tina then spoke againIt was her father who called and he wanted to know if she was coming for the funeralBette stared at her. It had been years since Tina had spoken with her fatherand even longer since she spoke with her mother. They denounced her ages ago when Tina came out to them. Bette never met any of Tinas family but she didnt have a very high opinion of them.

Tina looked into Bettes eyes and said it must be a sign that he was beginning to thaw, her aunt was very close to him but she was also very close to Tina. Tinas aunt called once every month and sent something on her birthday. I t was more than any of her family members did. Bette took Tinas face in her hands and saidTina are you going because if you are goingI will be there to support youTina hugged Bette tightly and nodded. Bette was her pillarno matter how many times that pillar might crack Bette was still her strength.

But she went still when she thought about her father, he would not like Bette no matter how great she was, or how accomplished, or how polite. Tinas father hated ***** and carpet munchersand even though Bette Porter could hold her own…she had never met Richard Kennard before.