You’re Still Here

    Bette gazed at her old companions, ex wife and grown daughter. She smiled softly and sat down on her porch step. They all just stared at her.
    “Well this is enlightening,” Bette said as she got up and walked towards them. “Are you guys all going to stand there and stare at me or come inside. Maybe even speak?” They soundlessly followed Bette into her home. Tina looked around in awe of the home. It was surprisingly more bare than she thought it would be knowing Bette. Barely any art at all.
    “I like what you did with the place.” Shane smirked as she looked at Bette who raised an eyebrow.
    “I know. Sad isn’t it?” She kept her boots on as she walked through the house.
    “Where’s all the art work?” Tina asked loudly. There was silence and Bette came around the corner again. She looked at Tina softly before shrugging.
    “I have no time for that.” The words echoed in Tina’s head. I have no time for “that”…
    “So what do you do now Porter if you don’t do art?” Alice asked as they watched Bette go around the kitchen getting something to drink.
    “I own a bar,” She replied as she sat down at the table. “in the town.”
    “You own a bar?” Papi enquired, Bette just nodded.
    “Don’t follow in your mothers footsteps, last thing I need is a drunk on my hand.” Sarah stated as she sat across from Bette. Angel just shook her head and gave an apologetic gaze at Bette. Tasha gave her daughter a look.
    “Well, I take it this is Alice “Ace Reporter” Piezecki Jr.”
    “The one and only, thank god.” Tasha replied. Bette laughed as both Alice and Sarah gave her a glare.
    “You aren’t saying much Angelica.” Bette said softly as she leaned back in her chair. Angelica watched Bette closely.
    “I guess I’m in shock.” Tina felt the same way as her daughter. Seeing Bette was really interesting. She was really a complete 360 to old Bette. Helena was about to speak but everyone jumped as they heard riffle shots and hollering from outside. But got up and stood by the wall as the door shot open and two young men ran in.
    “You son of a bitch!!”
    “Don’t call mom a bitch!!”
    “ Where’s Annie?!”
    “She’s still back there!”
    “ Go get her!”
    “Hell no you go get her.” Bette just shook her head.
    “You both are going to go get her.” The young men looked at Bette and smiled widely. The women in the kitchen watched on in amazement.
    “Hey mum!” They both yelled in unison as the ran forward and tackled Bette. Bette laughed and kissed her sons.
    “Go get your sister…. NOW!” She ordered in good humor. They both ran out the door stumbling over themselves. Bette turned to the group.
    “You have kids?” Angelica asked.
    “Three. Melvin, Dane and Annie.”
    “Wow.” Sarah and Alice spoke in unison.
    “When did this happen?” Helena enquired.
    “When I got here, had a little run in with a trucker, and uhh, I’m not going to elaborate but my children are the result.” Bette smiled. She didn’t want to go into detail of what happened that night. She would rather just forget about it herself.
    “Did you know Shane?” Tina turned to Shane who nodded.
    “That she had kids? Yeah.” Before anyone could say anything the two boys walked back into the house with their sister in tow.
    “You both are damn mean, you know that? Hey mum.” The girl said as she walked up to Bette and put her arms around her waist. Bette hugged her daughter close.
    “Hey honey.” The two boys looked around at all the women and grinned.
    “What do we have here? You didn’t tell us about this momma!” The boys went around and started hugging everyone to their surprise. They knew everyone’s name and they called them “Auntie” but when they got to Tina they squeezed her tightly and called her mother. Angie stood by the kitchen counter and watched as Annie stepped forward up to her.
    “ Hey.” Angie smiled and stuck out her hand. The boys watched and smirked. The boys ran up and tackled her and caught her up in a tight hug.
    “We don’t shake hands in this house honey.” Bette yelled as the three siblings hugged Angie who was grinning. Soon enough everyone was sitting around the dining room table. The boys were constantly talking and cracking jokes much to Angie’s and Annie’s amusement. Tina watched as they four young people conversed and laughed over coffee.
    “So how have things been T?” Bette asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
    “ Not bad really. Been busy with work, I am still at the studio. It isn’t that bad.”
    “ That’s great.” Bette flashed her 100 watt smiled at Tina who felt her stomach do flips. Bette looked at the clock.
    “I have to head to the bar.”
    “Do we have enough horses?” Dane asked as he got up and counted.
    “We aren’t taken cars?” Shane asked surprised.
    “God no.” Bette replied grinning. The girls all looked at each other as Bette and her kids snickered.
    “Come in Angie.” Annie grabbed Angelica’s hand and led her out. Bette and her sons and the rest of the women followed. They went to the stables and were surprised when they saw how many animals they did have. An old dog sauntered up to Bette as they entered. She bent down and scratched it’s head.
    “I put Blaze in the stables for ya.” Melvin said as he walked passed opened the first gate. All the girls had their specific horses Bette informed them. It’s easier to ride a horse with the same personality. Once they were all saddled up and on their horses Tina looked directly at Bette as she jumped on Blaze.
    “How come Bette doesn’t have a saddle?” Tina asked Dane. Dane looked at Tina and grinned.
    “Mom rides bare back. She hates saddles. HEYA!” He yelled as he began racing out. Soon Melvin followed and Angie looked at Annie in shock. She was nervous.
    “Oh what the hell.” Sarah said as she put pressure on the horses ribs and it shot forward immediately.
    “Come on.” Annie said as she and Angie began a steady trot which quickly turned into a gallop. Angie smiled as she felt the wind against her face. She loved this. Annie looked over and smiled as Angie looked back at her. They bonded.
    “Well ladies…”
    “How the hell did they do that, where are the damn peddles on this thing!!” Alice said loudly. The horse shook his head. Bette shook her head.
    “Figure it out for yourself Al.” Bette grinned, Blaze looked antsy and Bette knew he needed to go. He needed the speed.
    “Come on, follow me.” Bette began to ride and Tina got the hint. The horse bucked beneath her and then shot forward and soon they all were riding. Bette looked behind her and saw Tina gaining momentum. Bette leant forward and coaxed Blaze on. Tina smirked. If it’s a race you want Porter, a race you will get…Tina rode hard and finally caught up.
    “Damn, look at those two.” Papi yelled. Alice shook her head.
    “Show off’s!!” Alice yelled.
Bette was pleasantly surprised. Soon Tina almost passed her and Bette caught up and then they saw the town. Bette rode in quick and began a slower trot as they made it to the building. They saw the kids standing around and kicking the gravel and yawning.
    “Either you guys were granny ridin’ or you’re just old and can’t handle the speed.” Dane said loudly as they approached. Bette flipped him the finger and he just laughed.
    “Looks like someone took to her horse.” Annie said as she pointed over at Angie who was cuddling Cruzer’s face. Angelica grinned.
    “I think she likes me.” Angie said loudly. Bette smiled proudly. The women tied up their horses and Bette led the way into the bar. The girls were shocked to see bikers and rodeo men and women. It was a real country bar. Bette walked behind the bar and hugged a red haired woman which the three children did as well.
    “Well look at y’all.” The large red haired woman exclaimed.
    “Auntie Ruby, this is our family from Los Angeles,” Melvin turned to the women on the other side of the bar. “This is our Auntie Ruby.” The introductions were made and they all got drinks. They began talking over the music until Tina caught something out of the corner of her eye.
    “Bette, is that a mechanical bull?”

TBC……..