Bette shuffled through the front door. All she wanted to do was see Tina, see Elijah, eat something and go to bed. She dropped her bags into the sofa and commenced her hunt for her family. She stopped dead in her tracks making her approach to the nursery, someone was singing, a melodic, soulful voice that Bette immediately recognized as that belonging to her sister. She inched closer to the partially opened door, barely peaking through the crack and enjoyed the last few verses of I Heard It through the Grape Vine. Not exactly her idea of a lullaby, but Kits soft, impeccable delivery nearly lulled her to sleep as she stood there in the hallway. The song ended and she could hear Kit whispering something about love and two mommies. Bette decided not to intrude on the tender moment, and instead tiptoed down to the bedroom.

Tina, who was reading in the loveseat, greeted her with a warm smile, Hey baby, she whispered putting her book aside and getting to her feet, howre you doing? Bette smiled weakly and shrugged her shoulders, then pointed a thumb at the hallway. Tina nodded with a smile, Yeah, she came by while I was making dinnerI practically havent laid a finger on him since. Tina offered to heat some dinner up for Bette while she changed into some more comfortable clothes. A few minutes later, Bette walked into the kitchen to find Tina, Kit and her dinner waiting for her. Hey, baby sister! You look like you could use a long weekend, Kit said, pulling Bette into her warm arms. Bette leaned into the hug, Hmmmyou know how it is: work, work, work. Kit held her sister by the arms and peered into Bettes haggard face, You work too hard, but then again, thats the only way you know how.

The three of them chatted a bit while Bette ate; they talked about the show which was consuming most of Bettes time for the last couple of weeks, Tina shared some anecdotes about a house the center was fixing up as a womans shelter, and Kit dished the dirt on a scuffle that had occurred at her club a couple of nights prior. All I know is, I would not want to get in a fight with that catshe had some serious claws, Kit carried on, sipping on the fresh coffee Tina had made for them.

Bette: Did you have to call the police?

Kit: Oh, nothank godthey took it to the streets as soon as it started.

Tina: Looks like youve got your work cut out for you

Kit: Yeah, wellactually unless that clock is lying, it looks like Ive gotta get my butt in bed.

Kit said her goodbyes, stole one last peek inside Elijahs room and then disappeared into the darkness of the courtyard. Food was great, honey, Bette complemented, sitting back in her chair. Tina collected the dirty dishes with an apologetic expression, Im sorry, Bettehe started dozing off about a half-hour before you got hereKit said she would put him down. Bette waved her hands with a little smile, Its probably better, Kits been here more than me lately. Noticing the hint of sadness in Bettes words, Tina rubbed her shoulders and smiled sweetly, All you need to do is hold him and he starts looking for that finger of yours. Bette chuckled and held her hand out, fingers spread, at a distance, At least my manicure has gone unscathed for weeks now, she joked. Tina started loading the dishes in the washer, but when Bette offered to help, she insisted that Bette go and run herself a bath instead. Are you gonna join me in a little bit? Bette asked, teasing the shell of Tinas ear with her tongue. Tina squirmed and giggled, but offered nothing more than an arched brow.

Despite Tinas suggestion, Bette opted for a hot, soothing shower. Bette imagined the stresses of the day dissolving into the water pelting her body, slowly swirling down the drain into oblivion. During the last few minutes, she relished the thought of retiring to her warm, inviting bed, ultimately molding her arms and legs and hips around Tinas body as she drifted off to sleep. By the time she made it to the bedroom, Tina was already in bed, curled up on the side she had claimed as her own so many years ago. Ill be right back, Bette whispered, still pulling on her pajama pants, I just wanna kiss E goodnight. She heard Tina chuckle softly, and Bette knew what she found so funny. Weeks ago, Alice had stopped by to, well, be Alice, and was more than happy to inform Bette that she was referring to her firstborn by the same letter as the popular drug ecstasy; then went on to rag on her for always distilling other peoples names to a letter or single syllable for her own selfish convenience.

Bette walked into Elijahs room and stood over his crib, admiring her beautiful son. His hair had now acquired unruly curls that could only be tamed into gentle waves on the best of days, but it still retained the same gentle brown color, with highlights that glimmered in the sunlight. His skin had a rich bronze tone, smooth and flawless. She gently caressed his forehead with her fingertip, smiling as he furrowed it just slightly (so much like Tina). She watched as his little belly rose and fell with each breath, his wide little nostrils flaring. He had full lips, so cherry red, they seemed almost unnatural. Bette leaned into the crib and placed a soft kiss just above his ear, so perfectly shaped and supple. With his eyes still closed, Elijah turned his head, jerking it in the direction of Bettes lips. She smiled and allowed him to wrap his tiny fist around her index finger. Instinctively, he brought Bettes finger to his mouth and began sucking as if it were his favorite meal.

Bette couldnt resist any longer, she reached in with her other hand and carefully pulled him into her arms. He seemed so heavy, and Bette realized that despite her renewed alertness, her body was still exhausted; or maybe she had been away so much lately, she just hadnt noticed how much he had grown. She gently rocked her son in her arms, watching as his sleepy little face crumpled in concentration, savoring her fingertip. Hey my little man, she whispered softly, Ive missed you so muchhave you missed me? Bette interpreted Elijah nuzzling his head into her chest as a definite yes. She continued holding him for a few more minutes, finally deciding to put him back down and get some rest herself. Suddenly, Elijahs eyes fluttered open, two dark brown pools staring intently at Bettes face in the dimness of the room. Youve got great timing, Bette scoffed.

Elijah was an all-around good baby, save for the first few months of sleepless nights and constant attention. But now, he was able to sleep through most of the night, only occasionally would he wake up; the trick was, to get him asleep in the first place. And that usually required a good half-hour of cuddling, rocking, singing, cooing, etc. When placed in his crib awake, Elijah took the opportunity to show-off just how much his lungs had developed so far. Bette settled herself in a rocking chair and pulled a book from the little shelf right next to it. It had been weeks since she had read to E, and even though she was tired, she didnt want to let this opportunity go to waste. About half-way through the tale, Elijahs eyes slowly closed, but his little fingers were still holding onto Bettes. She managed to get him back into the crib without waking him again, placing another soft kiss on his chubby cheek.

A few moments later she was slipping underneath the sheets of her bed. Tina had already fallen asleep, but her body was no longer coiled into itself. It was in that perfect position where Bette could contour herself to Tina: chest to back, hip to hip, one arm and leg draped across her lovers body. Tina stirred but was too drained from a full day of work and Elijah to wake at the sensation of Bettes warmth against her. As sleep began to claim her, Bette pondered on the idea of taking a long weekend like her elder sister had suggested. They could spend most of it at home, just being together; definitely take E to the park, stroll around for a while. Maybe Kit would be willing to babysit Saturday evening so she and Tina could have some time alone, maybe go out for dinner. But all that would have to wait until morning.