Slow down there. We can get there below the speed limit, Ivan teased, patting Kits thigh.

Oh baby, Im sorry, Kit slowed down. Didnt realize I was blazin a trail, Kit looked in the mirror to make sure there were no cops on the road. Safe, she thought. God, I hope this works out, she spoke in her head. This day is going good and I hope this does too, she gave Ivan a quick look, but he was looking around trying to figure out where Kit was taking him. Almost there baby, Kit squeezed Ivans hand.

Is it safe to assume youre still not gonna tell me where were going?

Kit shook her head no and turned onto the residential street a couple blocks before Bette and Tinas and pulled over.

Are you okay, Ivan reached for Kits face, running his finger across her cheek.

Yeah, Im good. I think it finally hit me, Kit pushed on her stomach as the butterflies flew inside.

Aww, my sweet Kit, I think I figured it out, Ivan continued to rub Kits cheek. Were going to see Bette right?

Kit nodded. Can you drive the rest of the way?

Of course I can, but first can you tell me why were going to Bettes? Ivan leaned over and kissed Kits cheek to relax her, which lead to a full blown one. A knock on the window startled them from their embrace. It was a couple of kids riding by on skateboards. They both laughed easing their tension.

Well, its a part of how this whole day has gone down, Kit fidgeted. The call from David made me feel real good and then our lunch, Kit blushed at the recollection. Well, you know how our lunch was, and then when you came to the meeting with me, I felt even better, but when you told me about how you felt, I kinda felt bad, Kit reached for Ivans hand. Youve done so much for me and the least I can do for myself is to stand up to my sister right?

Theres no rush my lady. I just want you to be happy. You dont owe anyone an explanation unless you think its necessary. Do you?

Shes made comments before and I down played them or brushed her off, but after what she saw, I cant do that anymore ya know. So I figured Ill just be open about it and then theres nothing she can say anymore.

Okay, I understand where youre coming from, Ivan smiled. Ready?

Yup! Kit opened the door and walked to the passenger side as Ivan walked around too.

You look beautiful Kit. Let that thought guide you for the rest of the night, Ivan winked and blew Kit a kiss.

Kit gave Ivan the directions and they arrived in less than five minutes. Kit took a deep breath, and got out of the car. Ivan walked beside her whispering naughty words to make her laugh. Kit knocked the door and waited. Bette opened it, looking at them with confusion and surprise.

Hey baby girl! Is that a happy face? Kit teased, walking past Bette and into the house. Ivan followed.

Uhm? Yeah, Im happy to see you. What brings you by? I mean, you both by? Bette crossed her arms on her chest.

Wanted to talk to ya for a minute, Kit motioned for Bette to sit down too. We didnt interrupt you did we?

No, I was just looking over some stuff for the gallery while Tina was out, Bette unfolded her arms and relaxed a little. So, whats up? Need anything? Bette was making Kit nervous.

Be easy girl, Kit touched Bettes hand. We, well, mostly me. Wanted to talk to you about something, Kit leaned closer to Bette. A lots going on in my life right now sis and I need to know youll be there, Bette gave her an I cant believe youre saying that look. Dont look at me like that, its not like youve always been supportive of me.

Anyway! Bette cut in not wanting to be played out anymore.

Okay, so you busted me and Ivan, tried to act like daddy on me, and when that didnt work you left, Kit spilled in one breath. Thats cool though. Im sure it was a shock to you. Anyway, in spite of what you think, Ivan and I have talked and I know what Im doing so I, actually we, dont need you taking us lightly okay? Kit looked at Ivan who nodded approvingly. Now, David called me today and

He did? Bette gave Kit a shocked looked. Is he okay? What did he say?

Well, if you let me continue, I can tell you, Kit quipped with a giggle and Bette backed down. As I was sayin, he called this morning and it was really good to hear from him. He was really nice and he said he wants to improve things between us. Man, I was sooped!

Aww Kit thats great. Im so happy for you, Bette gave her a big hug. Did he say anything else?

Not really. Said he has a new girlfriend and shes helping him make some changes in his life. Sounds like a winner to me, Kit laughed. Things are going good for me Bette, Kits tone changed. For the first time in a long time, Im happy. I mean really happy. I go to meetings. In fact, I went to one today and it was great. I know youre iffy about me and Ivan, but he, She! Bette cut in looking toward Ivan. Anyway, Ivans good to me and we are having a lot of fun together. So, whether you approve or not, I still need you to be respectful of us okay, Kit looked intently at her sister waiting for her response.

Bette stood up and paced for a minute before stopping. Kit and Ivan looked at each and shrugged their shoulders.

Youre not a ***** Kit! Bette scolded. I dont know what youre going through, and I dont know what Ivan has put into your head, but youre not a *****, Bette continued to fire off at Kit. I tried to warn you about this, but you wouldnt listen to me. I think youre making a mistake. You both are. Especially you Ivan, Bette stormed into the kitchen and Kit was hot on her heals.

How dare you? Kit pointed in Bettes face. How dare you judge me Bette? I know Im not a *****. I never said I was. I like Ivan, I see something in him, and he makes me feel good about myself, which is more than what Im getting from you, Kit turned her back. Youre more like Melvin than you know and its gonna be your undoing, Bettes mouth fell open, but no words came out. Kit turned to face Bette. I have been supportive of you Bette. I know things were rough between us, but Ive always tried to make up for that. Your identity crisis, you coming out, your growth, your relationship, Ive always supported you, but you cant say the same for me. Just like Melvin, you hold onto grudges and *****. It hurts baby girl, hurts bad, tears rolled down Kits cheeks, she felt a tightness in her chest and longed for the comfort of Ivans arms. She started walking out of the kitchen, but Bette pulled her into a hug.

Oh, Im so sorry Kit! Bette kissed Kits cheek. Im sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. I dont want to treat you like daddy does. I just worry is all. I dont want to see you get hurt and you dont understand this lifestyle Kit. Its complicated sometimes, Bette said softly, motioning for her to sit down. I know how Ivan feels about you, Ive told you that many times. I believe shes genuine, but I think you should slow it down, Kit rolled her eyes. Im serious Kit. If youre as happy as you say, youll consider what Im asking you to do. Or at least consider why you keep calling Ivan he when hes a she.

Kit sighed and drew in a deep breath. Hurt took over the happiness she felt only minutes before and she wondered how much of what they were saying was heard by Ivan. She hoped nothing, but there was no way to really know. She had to go to him and find out. She couldnt let Bette ruin the first taste of happiness shed had in a long time.
Look, I need to go. Im gonna think about what you said out of respect, but Im happy Bette. Really happy and thats a rare find these days, especially for an old cat like me. But whatever decision I make will be mine okay? Kit got up and went into the living room.

Ivan? Kit called out not seeing him on the couch. She ran to the bathroom. No Ivan. Fire filled Kits eyes and she went back into the kitchen.

See! See what youve done. Hes gone! Hes not here!