Chapter 21

Its Monday morning and Bette and Tina are getting ready for work. Bettes first day at the center. Shes pretty nervous now. They got up earlier this morning, to have some extra time. Take it easy and not rush things.
Baby, are you nervous? Tina asks as she puts on her earrings.
Yeah a little bit Make sure you fasten them properly. Bette grins at Tina, remembering how their first encounter was.
Yeah yeah, you have me now, and besides, if they fall off, I know you will be there by my side to pick them up. Tina smiles and walks over to Bette and kisses her softly on the lips. Bette also smiles.
Yeah, I will be. Ill go and put on some coffee. Bette says and walks out of the bedroom, glancing back at Tina as she rounds the corner. Tina smiles Im so lucky. She says to herself still, with a huge smile on her face.

Tina, the coffee and breakfast is ready. Bette yells from the kitchen.
Ill be right there babe. Tina yells back, putting on the finishing touches of her makeup. She then walks out to Bette.
Who has lit a few candles on the table, shes made sandwiches and she has poured juice in wine glasses. Shes standing by Tinas chair, waiting for Tina and to help her with her chair.
Tina comes to a sudden stop when she sees what Bette has done. Then a huge smile appears on her face.
Oh my God, Bette, did you do all this? Tina says and looks at Bette and then back down on the table and back at Bette.
Yeah, I want us to have breakfast together every morning, at least one special moment everyday, before were all exhausted and tired from work. Im starting a new tradition today. Bette says and motion for Tina to take a seat. Tina is in awe, her Bette is changing, little bits and pieces are unveiling everyday, and Tina is falling more and more in love with her, something she never thought was possible. She sits there looking at Bette as she eats her sandwich with a knife and fork. Shes starts laughing.
What? Bette says and smiles.
Nothing, Im just looking at you I love you so much. Tina says and stands up and walks over to Bette and leans in and kisses her passionately.
They finish their breakfast. Then they leave for work. Bette decided that Tina could drive today, which shocked Tina, because Bette has never let Tina drive her Saab.
Tina could see how nervous Bette was, and places her hand on top of Bettes hand and hold it, all the way to the Center. That was comforting to Bette, who relaxed a little bit more.
They walk in, hand in hand. Tina gives Bette a last kiss before she turns her in to Oscar, who is waiting in his office. Tina continues into her own office.
Hey, Bette, how are you this morning? Nervous? Excited? Oscar asks.
A little bit of both, I guess. Bette replies.
Well, that is understandable. Oscar says and smiles.
So shall we head over to your new office and talk some more there? Oscar continues and motion for Bette to join him.
They walk over to the school building.
So, have you thought about what you want to do, what material you want to use? Oscar asks.
Well, I thought that these first classes, will be used to get to know them, and for them to get to know me. And then, continue from there, maybe ask them what they know, and what they want to know. Use these first couple of weeks to establish a relationship. Bette replies, now getting eager to start.
Well, it sounds to me like you have everything planned, and I like it. I have printed up your schedule, and I have placed the books we use over there in the shelf. He says pointing the way. Bette is paying close attention. I have also printed out the class lists, you have to get their names and cross them off the list. Oscar says.
Yeah. Bette nodded.
So then I will leave you, the oldest kids will be here in 20 minutes. That will give you time to get to know your way around in here. Oh and, heres the keys, you have to lock the doors every time you leave this building. Oscar says handing her the keys.
Yes, sure. Bette replies.
Oscar then leaves. Bette begins to wander around, looking inside all the closets, to find out where everything is placed, the paint, paper, pencils, and paintbrushes and so on. She then walks over to the books that Oscar showed her and takes out the copies for the oldest kids, and place one copy on each desk. After she has done that, she has only a few minutes left before the kids arrive, so she takes out the class list and her own schedule and look it over. She has three classes everyday which lasts two hours each.
Then the kids arrive, one by one they enter the classroom and walks over to their desk, standing beside it. They didnt sit down. They stood there straight up looking at Bette, who leaned down in front of her desk, looking at the kids. Everyone was now inside.
Hey everyone, Im Bette Porter, and I am you new teacher. Bette says and smiles at them.
Hi, Ms. Porter Everyone said at the same time.
Bette jumped back a little at this.
Can I ask you why youre standing? Bette says and looks curiously at them. One boy raises his hand. Bette nods at him, letting him know that he can speak.
Mrs. Jennings demanded that we stood up until she said it was okay to sit down. He says looking up at Bette, then around at the others.
Well, Im not a fan of that, you can all take a seat. My only rule is that you are quiet until I cross off you name. Bette says, still smiling.
The kids sit down. Then Bette goes around her desk and sits down. She takes out a pen and start calling out names.
Mark? She looks up, and a boy raises his hand and says here.
Charlotte? The same procedure is done.
Sarah? Jason? Caitlin?