Tina held Angelica in her lap and rocked slowly back and forth, not particularly anxious to get up from this comfortable spot. They were sitting in an antique rocking chair Bette had found recently. Angelica had insisted that Tina rock her in it while they read a story, and Tina had acquiesced, mostly because soon, she would be too big to hold Angelica comfortably in her lap. Tina found it hard to deny Angelica anything these days, knowing that Ang would probably suffer a little benign neglect in the chaos of the first three months after the baby was born. It wouldn’t hurt to spoil her a bit now.

Angelica had dropped off to sleep, her breathing deep and even. She was growing up so fast, Tina mused. Was she really three already? She stayed like this, lost in her thoughts until Bette appeared in the doorway, smiling at them.

“Want me to take her?” she whispered. Tina nodded and Bette stepped over, carefully picking up Angelica. She took her out of the nursery and down the hall to Angie’s room. Tina stood up and stretched. It was a good thing Bette had appeared when she did. Tina had a stiff neck. 

Tina ambled downstairs and into the kitchen. She’d have a spot of tea and then head to bed herself. As she was taking a cup down, Bette bustled in. “Let me do that for you, T.”

“Bette, you don’t have to.”

“Nonsense! I want to. You go lie down and I’ll bring it to you in bed.”

“Would you?” Tina smiled gratefully. “Thanks, babe.” She gave Bette a quick kiss and went on her way. The next morning she remembered nothing more than her head hitting the pillow. She must have fallen right to sleep.

The bed was cold; Bette must already be up and about. Tina pushed herself up and got into the shower, staying in so long the steam made her lethargic, instead of helping her to wake up.

She stumbled down the stairs and peeked into the kitchen. Empty. There was no sign of her in the living room. Tina looked out back. No Bette.  Her car wasn’t out front either.  It wasn’t like Bette to disappear this early without saying anything or leaving a text, but Tina wasn’t worried. Yet.