Chapter 24

Tina is in her office and the phone rings.
Tina Kennard She answers.
She listens and her face turns pale. Right then Oscar is on his way into her office, he stops as he sees Tina facial expression. He slowly walks towards her. Her eyes are getting teary. Oscar slowly backs up, and walks out and over to Bettes classroom.
After a few minutes on the phone, Tina hangs up. She folds her head in her hands and silently starts crying.
Oscar knocks on the door. He sees through the door window that the whole class and Bette are laughing.
Come in. Bette shouts.
Oscar enters with a serious look on his face. He motion to Bette to join him outside. She nods.
Guys, you can start reading chapter 24, it will be your homework till tomorrow. Bette says and then walks outside to Oscar.
What is it? Is Tina okay? Bette asks concerned by the look on Oscars face.
She got a call 5 minutes ago, and she started crying. I came straight here to get you. Go, Ill finish up here. Oscar says and Bette rushes in to Tina. She is still crying. Bette walks up to Tinas side and put her hand on Tinas shoulder.
Baby, whats wrong? Bette says quietly.
I got a phone call from back home. Tina says as tears are dripping from her eyes.
What did they say? Bette asks concerned.
My brother He was in a car accident, hes in a coma, they dont know if ***** make it. Tina says, now crying, she turns towards Bette and Bette takes her into a big comforting hug. Bette doesnt know what to say, so she just holds Tina, giving her room to cry.
I have to go there. Tina says after a little while.
To North Carolina? Bette asks.
Yes, I have to, I havent seen my family in almost 8 years. Not since I told them that I had fallen for a woman. Tina says and gives Bette a little smile.
Then Ill come with you. Bette states.
Do you think that is a good idea? Tina asks.
Yes, actually I do. They will see that you didnt throw your life away, as they put it. And that you are in a loving and wonderful relationship. Bette says as she rubs her hand over Tinas back. Tina smiles and wipes away the tears. And besides, Im not leaving you alone this pregnant, with all these emotions that will come up. Bette says.
Okay, but we have to talk to Oscar. Tina says.
Bette let go of Tina and head out the office and into Oscars office. She knocks. Come in she hears from the inside.
Hey, I let the kids go home early. You already gave them their homework so. Oscar says.
Thanks. Look Tinas brother were in a car accident back in North Carolina, hes in a coma. And Tina wants to go there. And Im not leaving Tinas side. I dont want her to be there all alone this late in her pregnancy. I dont want the last one to be repeated. Bette says and looks at Oscar.
He nods is head, and put his hand on her shoulder.
Sure, family is important. Ill get a substitute, while youre gone. When will you leave and how long will you be? Oscar asks.
We havent talked about that yet, but I guess well leave tomorrow afternoon. Ill come by tomorrow and say bye. Id like to tell them myself rather than some stranger tell them Im sick or something. Bette says.
Yes, I agree. Ill get the substitute till tomorrow. Ill see you then, and tell Tina Im sorry. Oscar says.
Thanks, I will. Bette says and leaves Oscars office. She walks back into Tinas.
Baby, ready, Im taking you home. Bette says.
Yeah, Im ready. Tina replies, lost in her own thoughts.
Bette sees that, and just takes her hand, hold it softly, and squeezing it, letting Tina know that shes there for her.