“Hmm, well I would have to say” Bette reached into the basket and pulled out a peach and a knife. “That would have to be Mrs. Hamilton. She was my 3^rd grade teacher. She was a big, beautiful, black woman, and she carried herself with such pride.” Bette began cutting the peach down the middle, going along the seed. “She had this amazing voice that jolted the very being of you, ya know? She would always talk to us about pride in our history and who we were. It wasnt just a black people thing either she would make sure to give you a true sense of who you are no matter what you are. I dont know… shes just one of those teachers that stick with you no matter what.” Bette finished reminiscing and turned to look at Tina who was more concentrated on the peach rather than Bette.

“Babe, what about you?”

“Huh?… oh me. Umm, that would be Mr. Wexler. He helped me to find my voice in the classroom. You know how shy I am right, so he taught me that I have an opinion, it may not be very popular, but its an opinion none the less. He also helped me to realize that I love to argue.” By the time Tina finished talking all of her attention was devoted to the peach Bette was now pealing. Tinas mind was running into the desire driven thoughts that she was trying to fight.

“Uhh….” Tina still couldnt think of another question as she watched Bette wrap her lips around the bare, sweet, luscious fruit. As instinct set she licked her lips to catch the falling ambrosia. Bette also noticed Tinas eyes following the movement of her lips and settling on her mouth. This in turn made Bette smile as she knew what thoughts played in her head. Tina got up and had subconsciously put on her “Otis Redding” CD. Whether Tina did it on purpose or by accident Bette was going to have some fun with her.

“Tina baby, you seem really wrapped up with this peach.”

“Uhh, no its just that you seem very much engrossed in what youre doing. Your attention to detail is so… sharp.”

“Sharp?”