Kit merely nods. She’s really tired and still able to make this delicious food – she’s so good.

I do the dishes when I’m finished. Now, what to do until tonight? At 4 pm, the band’ll gather at Gary’s place. But until then?

It occurs to me that I still have to get a book from the library to read for a test. I might as well get it now.

“I’m off to the library!” I yell at Kit.

“Do you know where that is?” She asks me in surpise.

“Haha, very funny. Listen, can I take your car? Pretty pretty please?”

“No.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I’m having lunch at The Planet with Andrew.”

“Oh come on, you can get there by bike!”

“Seriously, Bette, what do you think he will think if I show up by bike?”

“He doesn’t really like you then.” I think back at how Tina found it so cute when I came to get her by bike. Tina Bad. Bad Tina. Shake Tina Off Mind.

“Argh, baby sis, this is so not the time. Just go by bike yourself.”

“Fine!” I sigh, throwing my hands in the air dramatically.

I get to the garage and leave. As I’m driving, I suddenly remember I’ll have to pass Tina’s house. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that. Oh, come on, Porter. You’re not going to drive different routes because of her! Don’t let her take away your freedom.

When I turn into her street, I see something at her driveway. As I come nearer, I see to my surprise it’s Tina. I stop at her house and frown. She’s on her knees, her hands on her head, her eyes all puffy and – hey, is that a print of a hand on her cheek?

Tina Kennard

Fuck. Great, just great. Why does Bette Porter of all people have to see me? She’ll never want me now, if she sees me like this. I forever hate my mom. To my surprise, Bette doesn’t burst out laughing.