Prologue

"Kidnapping is a federal offense." Joyce Witnia said. "You better be lucky that Ms. Kennard didn’t press charges."

"I know, I know." Bette replies, sitting down on the cot. The window facing the parking lot of the police station blew in a fresh breeze that tickled Bette’s spine. The brown-haired woman shivers, as she thinks of Tina, and how disappointed, she must be. Her heart did flips against her chest. She tried her hardest not to think negative, but her conscience had a plan of its own. "I’m sorry," says Bette.

"Don’t be sorry, Bette. Recognize what you are doing. Do you know how much trouble you could have encountered? Just get down and thank god for giving you one caring wife. Because, I don’t know any parent who’s as understanding as she is," Joyce replies. The blond-haired woman’s gaze pierced Bette’s. She was very unhappy with Bette’s actions.

"I am. I am thankful to have her in my life. Our life. I wish I had not done this. She’ll probably hate me even more than she already does," Bette says.

Joyce reaches over and touches Bette’s thigh. "She doesn’t hate you. Her giving you a hard time is because you kidnapped the baby. I’m sure she’ll get over this," Joyce replies.

"Like the affair?" Bette asked, fondling her zipper. She fought hard to keep her tears under control. Crying in a sense is a good thing at times, but Bette felt that crying never solved her inner feelings-in other words, it does not solve a thing. To think of raising Angelica to never lie, cheat, steal, or commit any crimes leading her to jail confused Bette, because, she was a sinner. In addition, she felt she was the biggest hypocrite in town.

"Oh, Bette," Joyce replies, "don’t be so hard on yourself."

"It’s been almost two years," Bette says. "How much more am I supposed to take? How much longer am I supposed to wait? I’ve paid my debts. I’ve suffered long enough. Moreover, it is clear that I am sorry. And then" Bette had to stop and catch her breath. Her feelings were burning inside. Her heart ached with sudden pain.

Joyce reaches over and places a hand on Bette’s back. "Shh. I know, Bette. I’ve been where you are. It is a challenge to wake up and do it all over again. However, you have to live for today. You have to pull yourself together."

Tears rolled down Bette’s cheeks. She wiped them clean with the back of her left hand, while her spirit did a silent prayer on the inside. "I hear you. Live for today," Bette repeats.

"And tomorrow." Joyce says, making Bette chuckle. It felt good to see her smile. While Joyce continues to comfort Bette, a female officer made her way over toward them. "It’s going to be alright kiddo."

"Bette Porter," a voice calls out, "you’ve just made bail." The ring holding a set of gold shining keys dangles about in her hand. Both Bette and Joyce stand to greet the officer.

"I made bail?" Bette asked. She couldn’t help smiling with glee.

"Yes, ma’am," the female officer replies, opening the cell door that felt like a cage to the brown-haired woman. The pretty woman steps to the side giving the women room to leave. "A woman by the name of Tina Kennard is here to take you home."

Joyce smiles and leans over and whispers, "Your prayers have been answered."