When Helena arrived at Bette’s the entire house was in total kid chaos. Angelica ran into her arms. Helena held her tight. Helena had a special bond to Angelica. She spoiled her as much as she would her own children. Perhaps during those weeks with Tina, feeling and seeing Angelica moving around inside Tina, talking to Angelica created a special feeling for little Angel. Perhaps it was her missing her own children that drew her to Tina. Although there was no future with Tina, she remained bonded to Angelica, her unofficial third child.  Angelica sensed the bond also and loved and adored her Auntie Helena.

Bette watched this interaction with great pleasure. She felt no threat from Helena and was happy to see Angelica having so many positive women who loved her. This was their extended family. None related by blood but all related by love.

“Well Angelica, I see you have managed to turn your Mama B’s home up side down”, scolded Helena playfully.

Bette had to learn to be more relaxed about her precious artwork and was careful about child proofing since Angelica decided to add her own creative touches to several of Bette’s favorite pieces. Rather that devaluing them it made it more endearing to her. Perhaps Angel was a budding art genius.

It was very comfortable for the three of them being together. They laughed and teased throughout breakfast. After breakfast they cleaned up and put away some of the toys scattered about. Angelica was accustomed to the rules at Mama B’s house and happily sang “Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share”.  Angelica was so enthusiastic in telling her Mama and Auntie about the latest drama in the classroom and all about her collection of Dora toys, videos and the upcoming Dora show. She talked about Mama T’s new girlfriend. She was not particularly fond of her and found tale of vampire her kind of scary.

Bette looked over to Helena, “Remind me to tell Tina to keep the creepy and the cookey away?

Angelica was wide-eyed and full of wonder at the zoo. The monkeys were particularly entertaining. The lions were unusually active. Angelica brushed and stroked the goats, sheep and pigs in the children’s petting zoo. Bette seemed to just be so relaxed and happy. Helena watched in admiration of the closeness between the two. At the same time missed her own children and longed to check in with them later to hear all about their pre-adolescent drama. Looking at Bette she was amazed at how different she was in this scenario. How out of control she was because you most certainly cannot control a 4 year old’s whims, desires and behavior. No, you cannot control it. You can only hope to contain it.