“Maybe she’s been applying.”

“Why would she—I didn’t know she was interested in art; did you,” she asked, holding the letters up so Tina could see. “I remember her talking to Gracie about something on the computer; but I’m not sure, I can call her…I owe her a call anyway, I haven’t talked to her in a couple days.”

Bette continued to stare down at the envelopes, “Please tell her about the dinner party,” and turning, continued, “I’d really like it if she came.” Tina smiled and nodded, “I’ll leave it on her voice mail—she’s not picking up.”

“SCAD, RISD, she’s really all over the map with this.” Tina was talking into her phone as Bette continued. “The University of the Arts. My mother worked with them a lot—mostly fund raising.”

Tina closed her phone, “Do you think Shane knows that?” Bette shrugged, “Probably not, no. I imagine she knows nothing about my mother.” Tina got up and hugged Bette from behind, peering over her shoulder at the letters in her hand. “Sounds like there’s a lot you two can talk about.” Bette placed the letters back on the desk. “So, are you hungry? Because I can run out and pick up Thai.”

Tina rested her head on Bette’s shoulder and swayed back and forth. “That sounds really good, actually.” She turned and pushed the hair away from Tina’s face. “Why don’t you get comfortable and I’ll run and get the food and maybe a movie?”

“Now you’re talking.” Bette kissed Tina’s mouth, “Okay then. I won’t be long.”

“I’m sorry to leave you alone with her again, but I have to get to my meetings. You understand, don’t you,” Melvin asked. “Of course I do, Daddy, I don’t mind at all.” Melvin kissed Bette on the cheek, “Now remember what I told you and don’t be scared; just let her talk and if it gets to be too much for you, call for the nurse. She’ll know what to do.” Bette nodded as Melvin embraced her, “I’ll be back just as soon as I can.”

Bette waited for the elevator doors to shut before walking into her mother’s room. She took a seat in the chair next to the bed, and stared at her mother’s face. Silent but shallow breaths, her eyes moving back and forth, just behind her heavy eyelids. When they opened she became startled, “Oh, Bette. My sweet Bette.”

“I’m here, it’s just me and you now.” Lillian’s eyes rolled and she began to shake her head from side to side, “I did such a horrible thing.”

“No, no, you did nothing wrong. You’re in the hospital.”

“Yes, I did, I did something so wrong, I shouldn’t have listened to him, but I did.”

Bette walked over to the door and peaked her head out. Seeing no one, she closed it and resumed her place at her mother’s side. Taking her hand, she leaned in close and whispered, “What did you do?”

Tina opened the door and saw Bette sitting on the stairs with her head between her knees. She walked over taking a seat next to her, and started rubbing her back. “I heard the car but when you didn’t come in…”

Bette lifted her head and tucked her hair behind her ears. “I just had to sit a minute. I wasn’t feeling well.” She gently stroked the back of Bette’s head, “Can you tell me what’s going on with you, because I really want to know.”

Bette looked over at Tina, before quickly reverting her gaze to the street. She waited a while, and finally said, “I knew about her.”

“You knew about who?”

“Shane. I knew my mother was pregnant with her—and I knew what she did with her; and I never did anything about it.”