3…2…1… ch 6

Bette walked up to the receptionist. 

“I’m Bette Porter. I called about an hour ago.” Bette said to the receptionist. 

“Here fill out this paperwork and I’ll let the Dr. Kennard know that you’re here.” The nurse said. 

“Thanks.” Bette took the clipboard and took a deep breath. 

“Can I go play over there?” Parker asked.

“Uh yeah sure.” Bette said. She started filling out the paperwork. “I can’t even answer half of these.” 

“Peyton, Patrick and Parker Porter.” A nurse said. 

“That’s us.” Bette said. Everyone stood and followed the nurse back to an exam room. 

“Okay who wants to get weighed first?” The nurse asked. “No one. Mom why don’t you go first to show us how fun it is?” 

“Oh I’m not there mother.” Bette said quickly. 

“Sorry. I just assumed they look just like you.” The nurse said. 

“I think we can do that later.” A voice said from behind them. Bette turned to see a drop dead gorgeous blonde in a little black dress and a white coat. “You must be Ms. Porter.” 

“Dr. Kennard?” Bette asked taking her hand. 

“Come on back. Hannah will you take the children and…?” Tina said. 

“These are my friends. Alice and Dana.” Bette said. 

“Nice to meet you.” Tina smiled. 

“Here Dana will you take Peyton?” Bette asked. Dana took Peyton. Alice picked up Patrick and followed Alice back into the waiting room. 

“Parker go with Dana and Alice I won’t be long.” Bette said. 

“Can’t I go with you?” She asked. Bette looked at Tina. 

“It’s okay. Follow me.” Tina said. Parker held Bette’s hand as they followed Tina down the hall. Tina shut the door to the office behind them. “How’s everyone settling in?” She asked. 

“I only met them today.” Bette sat across from Tina. 

“Today? The letter I got said you got them a week ago.” Tina asked. Bette instinctively pulled Parker up in her lap. 

“I was out of town.” Bette said. 

“Do you have any questions?” Tina asked. 

“I have a lot of questions, but I’m not sure you can answer many of them.” Bette said. 

“You’re sister’s lawyer sent me this letter and the children’s medical records. She was apparently very thorough.” Tina handed Bette a letter. 

“Do you know what happened?” Bette asked. Tina looked down a Parker who was asleep.

“Cancer. The children’s father died in Iraq before Peyton was born so she was alone.” Tina said. 

“Why did was this appointment with you set up are the kids okay?” Bette asked. 

“They are perfect, but kids being kids she wanted everything to be in place for when I was needed.” Tina said. 

“Oh.” Bette said. 

“Listen Bette I know this is going to be an adjustment for you and them. I’m going to lie it’s going to probably be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Here’s my card. My cell in on the back, feel free to call anytime day or night. It doesn’t matter. Even if you need someone to talk to.” Tina held the card out. 

“Thanks.” Bette took the card and dropped it into her coat pocket. 

“Don’t worry everything will be fine.” Tina smiled.