**Two Days Later at Tina’s**

Much to Bette’s frustration the past two days had brought with them a host of all the ghosts of her past; frustration, fear of being inadequate and most definitely her greatest one a fear of being unable to control her own life. She had done all that she could do for the moment to secure as much leverage as possible when the time came to face the board but with each day that passed she could feel her frustration rise. She had heard nothing from Monique which had only increased her restlessness and fears. What the fuck is Monique doing? she thought as she reached for yet another cup of coffee. The only bright spots in the whole damned mess were that she had more time than she could remember to spend with Angelica and Tina. Bette had found herself amazed time and time again over the last few days as she watched the woman she had loved and lost and marveled at the changes–the strength that radiated from her. Despite these things though Bette had felt the frustration and inactivity begin to wear at the edges of her resolve. If she wasn’t careful she could fuck this all up again and that was a prospect she definitely did not like.

Dragging herself back from her thoughts Bette headed toward the patio doors and out into the yard where Angelica stood leaning against the bars of the outdoor playpen that Tina and Bette had bought yesterday. They had decided that Angelica would benefit from the extra stimulation and interaction with nature that being outside would provide and for Bette it had given her the option of being able to set Angel down when she felt herself slipping into places that she did not want her daughter sensing. All along Tina and her had decided that they had wanted to raise Angel with as much touch and as little separation as possible–a decision that had caused none to little trouble for them but nonetheless one they both still stood by. Bette had finally admitted to Tina that although she still stood by she often found that she gave off a negativity that was hurtful to their baby and they had to find a way around it.