Bette and Michelle stand side by side, watching. For a moment, there’s no tension. Just shared focus.

“He’s very observant,” Director Hastings notes quietly.

Bette nods. “He takes his time.”

Michelle adds, “But once he’s comfortable, he’s all in.”

Director Hastings smiles. “That’s exactly what we look for.”

***

Later, they move into a private office with neatly framed student artwork, giving the room a polished but welcoming feel.

Director Hastings settles behind her desk and folds her hands together. “Tell me a little about what you’re hoping for in a program.”

Bette answers first, her tone calm, direct, and practiced. “Structure. A strong early educational foundation. And an environment that encourages independence.”

Michelle nods slightly before adding, “And emotional support. We want him to feel safe.”

Director Hastings smiles and makes a few notes on the file in front of her. She flips a page, scanning the paperwork again, and her expression brightens slightly.
“I see Mickey is currently enrolled at Bright Horizons Academy,” she says with an approving nod. “That’s an excellent early learning program.”

Bette smiles politely. “We’ve been very happy with them.”

Michelle nods in agreement. “They’ve been wonderful with him.”

Director Hastings makes another note before glancing back up. “You are divorced, correct?”

Michelle’s gaze drops briefly toward her lap.

Bette answers evenly, without hesitation. “Yes, but we are both dedicated to Mickey and all his needs. There has not, nor will there ever be, a drop off in that department.”

Michelle nods gently. “Correct.”

Bette continues, her voice steady but purposeful. “Mickey has a loving circle of people in his life, including my partner. We’re currently looking for houses, something a little bigger for the kids. We actually looked at a few properties in this area last week.”

Michelle quickly turns toward Bette, a quiet gasp escaping before she can stop it.

Director Hastings glances down at her notes again and smiles knowingly. “Right… your partner, Tina Kennard. She’s the executive at Alphaville Studios?”

Michelle’s jaw tightens almost instantly at the sound of Tina’s name. She swallows hard, forcing herself to stay composed.

Bette smiles proudly, though there’s a faint curiosity in her tone. “Yes….”