“Just remember to keep the big picture in sight Bette.”

“I know Kit.” We stood and hugged again. I pulled back and looked at her. “Thanks for always being there.”

“Hey, what are big sister’s for?”

I smiled and headed towards the door. Before I could leave, Kit grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. I nodded and made my way to the elevator. The ride was quick since I was only a floor below Kit’s. I slid the card key into the slot and anxiously awaited the pesky green light on the lock to light. God I missed regular key locks. I slid the card again and turned the handle once the green bulb glowed. The room was similar to the one I had prior, but then again, weren’t they all the same? I walked over to the phone on the nightstand. I just stared at it – frozen. Pick it up Bette – I kept willing. Well it was now or never. I swallowed hard and picked up the phone, dialed Tina’s room and waited.

“Hi, it’s me…”

‘Hi, it’s me…???’ What the hell is wrong with me? That’s the best that I can come up with? How about, ‘Please Tina don’t press charges?’ In my quest for the perfect words, I become lost and fail to notice the long pause on the other end of the line. I am finally snapped out of my own ponderings with Tina repeating her question for me.

“Hello? Bette are you still there?”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry Tina. I missed what you said.”

“Jeesh Bette. I asked if you were all settled into your new room.”

“Oh. Yes… yes I am. Thanks for asking.” I know that Tina must think I’ve lost it when I can’t even keep my mind on the most important conversation that I’ve had recently. Hopefully she won’t let my slip hinder any further conversation. “So if you’d like, I can either come there to talk or you can come here. The choice is yours Tina. That is, of course, if you’re still up to talking to me.” I decide not to incriminate myself with statements of my guilt or indiscretions for I know that it will just add fuel to the fire that must be burning inside Tina.