Their next “get together” was a walk in the park, literally. Kirsten brought some juice and Bette some pastry stuff she tried her hand at baking that afternoon. It wasn’t a date, not
in Bette’s mind…it was a relief. It had been so ***** long since she had just relaxed and spent time with someone who was so obviously enthralled, but Kirsten kept her distance more, she
didn’t touch Bette as much…she still did…but in a ‘friend’ way. Bette appreciated it. She loved this, it was like she felt young again. And Bette was very grateful to Kirsten, who managed to
charm and awe Bette at the same time.  It had just been so long since Bette actually felt truly relaxed. Goddamn. Earlier Bette told Angelica her and Kirsten were friends, no more, and
her daughter gave her a knowing look but nodded and said ok. Bette knew her and also knew that if Kirsten became more than a friend, Angie would have a problem with that. Even if
she said or thought she didn’t now. Bette took a big bite of blueberry scone to take her mind off things, she worried too much, thought too much….cared too much it seemed. Kirsten
was quiet for a minute, stirring her cup of juice with a spoon, sipping a little. Bette sensed a change in atmosphere, she reached over and touched Kirsten’s shoulder…”what’s up ?” Kirsten
looked up and smiled…”o just thinking you know, just memories”  Bette was old enough to know it was more than that and her curiosity was piqued now so she gave a half-grin and a
look that told Kirsten not to try get around this one.  “well what you said about your partner, it just brought up some stuff i see at work sometimes”  Kirsten was a police officer, jesus thought
Bette she must have seen some *****, especially in LA. “like what?”   “well i see a lot of people who lose loved ones right? and when your a police officer you have to desensitize yourself
against those things so you can do your job, you can’t let it affect you…so im pretty good at hiding my feelings on the job, and sometimes in real life but i try not too, i try to seperate real
life and the job…but after you said that and i went to work after, i had to inform this couple that their crackhead daughter was murdered downtown…and, well i just had a hard time going through
it, i don’t know…it shouldn’t bother me” Bette didn’t take away her hand, “you know Kirsten im glad you felt something, your not turning into one of those people where not even other people’s
real pain and suffering don’t affect you right?”    “yeah your right…but anyway enough of the job i work too much anyway”  “yeah tell me about it”  Bette could then sense the humanity in
kirsten, this woman risked her life everyday for the people…but she had weaknesses too, had to face horrible things. But Bette could also sense deep within Kirsten’s exterior a kind
of pain unrelated to her job or even her present life…deep inside, something going back years to her childhood. Bette took a sip of her juice, there was more to Kirsten than what met
the eye. Bette looked up at the blue sky, the clouds looking like mashed potatoes…jesus….mashed potatoes…..flashback…