——

Mario walked to Tina with his new guitar in his hands.

“Mom?”

“Yes, son?” Tina asked.

“I talked to Kit, Bette’s sister, and she has this cool café the planet. She wants me to play there Saturday night. Can I please?” Mario asked. Tina put her magazine down and looked at her little boy.

“Do you have her phone number or e-mail?” Kit asked him.

“No, but Bette has it. I’m sure.” Mario said.

“Okay, I’ll call Kit and talk to her, then we’ll see. Okay?”

“Okay.” Mario said and walked back to his room. Tina took a deep breath before she called Bette. It was still hard to just be her friend. It sucked royally.

“Bette Porter.” Bette’s voice said.

“Hi, B, It’s Tina. My son just came and asked if he could play at the planet. Kit asked him if he would like that and he of course said yes. Can you maybe give me her number?” Tina asked.

“Sure.” Bette said and gave Tina the number.

“How is Hannah?” Tina asked.

“Good, she finally made the decision to keep the little one this morning and her tummy is showing so she is hiding it under baggy shirts.” Bette said.

“Have you heard from the police?” Tina asked.

“Yes, they say they can’t find evidence that she has been raped so nothing is going to happen.” Bette said.

“That’s so frustrating. I mean, he should be punished.” Tina said.

“Yeah, I know. If I knew where he lived I would go kick his ass and Darren to.” Bette said.

“I understand…”

“How are your kids?” Bette asked.

“Mario is coping, enjoying his music and karate. Tabby is better than before; she is talking more and is almost back to her friendly self. I still don’t know what happened a few weeks ago but it seems to be gone now.” Tina said.

“I hope so.” Bette said. “Hey, Tee, I got to go, I have my last meeting of today in 5 minutes.”

“Oh, okay then, bye Bette.”

“Bye Tina.”

Tina immediately dialed Kit’s number. She talked to the older woman and Kit said she heard Mario play in the park and that he amazed her. She said he wouldn’t have to stay longer then 10PM. Tina decided that Mario could use ten minutes of fame and said she was okay with it.