Chapter 7

Bette sat on Tina’s sofa, a glass of water in her hand, she was shaking slightly, her cane is resting against the chair. Tina is sat beside her, close enough for Bette to know she is there, but far enough away so that Jake, who was pacing the floor couldn’t see their closeness. Caro sat in Tina arm chair looking at Bette and Tina with a knowing look. It was a woman thing, she could tell how close they are.

            “Just tell me what it is Bette you are really worrying me.” Jake said, his voice soft but the words still sounding like a barked order.

            “It’s hard Jake!” Bette said looking at her hands, she was shaking more now because of the way Jake was acting Tina noticed at once and took the glass of water, placing it on the table beside Bette. She then slowly took Bette’s hand into hers. Bette looked at her and smiled. Seeing those warm Hazel eyes looking back at her. Bette’s body was shaking.

            “Jake,” Tina said looking at her work partner and friend, he stopped pacing and looked at her “You’re scarring her please sit down!” He looked at Tina and then moved over to the seat. He sat himself down on the arm of the chair that Carolyn was sitting on,

            “Sorry Bette,” He said,

            “It’s okay, I seem to scary easy these days.” She said trying to laugh but not quite making it.  

            “It’s okay Bette,” Jake said smiling at his cousin.

            “Bette, honey are you going to tell us what’s going on?” Carolyn asked.

            “Okay!” Bette took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.” She said, looking at the floor, she didn’t want to see the reaction of the people closest to her. Tina watched Jake’s face full.

            “That Bastard.” Jake said getting up and making Bette jump, Tina moved closer to Bette, slipping her arm around her as well as holding her hand, she needed the comfort of her.

            “And…erm…I’m keeping it.”

            “WHAT?” Jake yelled, he turned and looked at Bette, his temper calmed at once when he saw the look of terror on Bette’s face when he had raised his voice.