“I think it’s time we get Angelica home.” Bette said rising. Her hair curtained her face. “Would you like me to help you with her to your car Tina?”

            Tina and Kit traded glances.  Bette had suddenly withdrawn from them. 

            “I’d be glad to help.” Angus volunteered.  “What’s the hurry?”

            “I’ve got to get going.  Tina if you want to stay it’s ok. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

            “I think I’ll stay a little while longer, can I call you when I get home?”  She was uncertain whether to leave or stay. She decided to stay to talk with Kit who seemed to know what just happened.

            “Ok.”  Bette reached and scooped up Angelica. “Goodnight, Boo. Give Momma a kiss.”  Angelica gave her a kiss of sorts on the cheek, evoking a smile from Bette.  “Thanks for everything.”  Bette said kissing both Kit and Angus briefly before taking her leave.  In less than sixty seconds she was out the door.

            “Ok.” Angus said confused, “what just happened?”

            “I fucked up again.” Kit cried. “Damn.”

            “She has never spoken of her mother to me Kit in the eight years I’ve known her.  When Melvin was dying there was a moment when he called me Maxine and told me not to run away from their little girl again.  Is that what happened?  Did Bette’s Mom run away?”

            “I can’t believe I said that in front of her. “ Kit shook her head in despair. 

            “Kit, it’s ok.”  Angus soothed her. 

            Kit looked up and nodded to Tina.  “Yeah, that’s what happened.  Bette’s Mom just up and left one day.  The first time she was gone for two weeks.  She popped back up saying she was sorry and home to stay. Then Melvin was badly beaten and the cops said it was a robbery but it was because he was a black man with a white woman.  Maxine wasn’t the same after that.  When I would come to visit and she meet people on the street she would introduce me as Melvin’s daughter but not acknowledge me as Bette’s sister.  I’m not even sure she told people that Melvin was her husband if they didn’t know.  It was the late sixties and while the civil rights movement had begun there were still a lot of folks who were against racial mixing on both sides.  When Bette was about three Maxine left again and she never came back. I had some awareness of what was going on but it didn’t really affect me the same way.  I still had my Mom.  I used to think that Bette got lots of pretty things because she could pass for white.  I know now that Melvin was trying to make up for Bette’s mother leaving her.”