Daniel: I don’t think I have one. I think I gave all mine away as they were too little. Am I going to need one?

Tina: Possibly. It’s late October and we will be in the mountains. The nights get chilly. Let me see if I can order one to be delivered before we go. I may get you a few more winter clothes as well just in case.

Bette:  What about hiking boots?

Daniel: No, I have sneakers but no boots.

Bette looked at Tina. She nodded and knew she would need to order some of those as well.

Bette:  I wonder what age we can expect him to stop growing?

Tina:  No time soon, I can assure you.

Bette:  Don’t order him a lot of things, okay. We will just have to give them away by spring.

Tina: How are those uniforms doing Daniel.

Daniel:  Oh, I think they doing fine. We bought them slightly large so that I could wear them until Christmas. Everything fits good.

Bette:  We reevaluate that during the Christmas break. I think that you can only count on anything we buy him will only last 6 months at the most. At least at this point.

Tina: Bette, why don’t you handle getting him some clothing for Big Bear. A coat, a couple of sweaters, some hiking boots, and some socks and winter pajamas and robe. Oh, and some head gear, gloves.

Bette: Do you need anything for Big Bear?

Tina: No, I have enough for a long weekend. You?

Bette:  Yeah, I have enough for Big Bear… Okay, I’ll get on that tomorrow in my break between classes.

Daniel: So… you think I need some winter clothes and that is not what I have right?

Bette:  That’s it. But the fact that you are growing we would have the same problem even if we lived in New York City. I’m afraid this problem is going to repeat itself for the next few years. We just need to plan a little better. But we will take care of this. Don’t be concerned.

Tina: We are going to say goodnight now. Don’t stay up too late. And set your alarm to get up. You know Margaret needs to pick up John David and you guys will eat at school.  Have you replenished your food ticket? If not, do that right now. You want to eat, you need to have money in your account. If you need a snack for mid-morning, there are some apples and you can take some peanut butter if you need to. Groceries will be delivered tomorrow. Housekeeping is coming tomorrow as well. Goodnight sweetheart. Sleep well on your new bed.

Daniel: Yeah, I like having two beds, now John David can stay in here instead of a guest room.

Bette:  Yes, he can. Now. Is there anything you need?

Daniel:  No, I’ll get my cafeteria ticket done and that’s about it. I think I’ll get a shower and then go to bed. Goodnight, Mom… Goodnight, Mama.

They hugged and kissed him and then stepped out the door. They closed the door as they left. They picked up their laundry baskets and headed for their room. They quickly sorted the clothes and put them away noting that their clothes in the chest of drawers were in perfect order even though it was a new piece of furniture. Within minutes, they were stripping down and getting into the shower. They finished up their night time routine and then kissed as they left their bathroom. Tina went and found the remote control and closed he drapes. Bette set her alarm clock and folded down the covers, removed her robe and crawled into bed. Tina slid into the silky sheets and met Bette in the middle of the bed. They each turned and turned out their bedside lights.

Bette: Welcome home Tina. Welcome to our home. Our bed. I love you.

Tina: Welcome home to you too. I love you Bette more than you will ever know. Thank you for a lovely weekend.

Bette: Its always perfect when I’m with you. Goodnight, Sweetheart.

Bette kissed Tina with affection and commitment. And Tina returned the affection. They then snuggled and relaxed into each other. Sleep came quickly.