Tina, is there any way you could just wave a magic wand and make them stop? Bette had a headache from the night before, and the children continued to cry through the morning. Tina was starting to become immune. Sure, honey. Just give me one minute while I look for it.

Shh, shh, Bette made her final attempt but with no avail. Alright, I give up. Im going out and looking for another job.

Tina picked up Allyson from the crib and patted her on the back. I think thats a wonderful idea, you should get outside and move around.

Bette looked on as Tina soothed Allyson to silence. How do you do that? Bette was in wonderment. Do what? Tina set her daughter back down, then headed over to Jacob to feed him his breakfast bottle. That. She stared.

I guess Im just a natural. Mothers instinct or something. Bette glanced at the floor. What if

Tina stroked Jacobs hair, what if what? Bette was afraid to admit it, what if – I cant be like that. Like you.

Its early, dont worry so much right now. Tell you what, why dont you go out and have a latte, scan the paper for some hot new job, follow a lead, then come back home for dinner and Ill order take – out. We can spend the rest of the night with the kids, bonding. Bette smiled. You always have an answer for everything.

Tina revealed a weak smile, not everything.

***

Jenny, I want to spend more time with you. I know Ive been all weird and distant lately, but its just the drugs talking. I want to take you out. Taylor was feeling awfully guilty for having such a compromising affliction. She truly loved Jenny, and shed do anything to keep her. Anything.

That sounds nice. Where do you want to go? Please dont say Tantric.

Taylor took a sip of coffee from her mug, are you kidding? Im never showing my face in there again.

I dont know if Id go that far, Jenny had bought a package of raspberry turnovers for breakfast, but wasnt very hungry and for the most part just picked at odds and ends of the triangle shaped pastry. Im sure people will forget with time.