Chapter 5 – Deja Vu

Tina had just put Anna down for her afternoon nap. Having tucked her in, Tina just stood there and watched her beautiful little girl. Having kept her full head of hair, Anna look everything like the little girl Tina had wanted so badly. Annas hair is getting wavier and wavier every day. As Tina looks at her little girl she cant help making a comparison to what Bette must have looked like at this time in her life.

Anna is such a happy little baby, most of the time waking up with a little cry which is quickly replaced with a huge toothless grin which makes Tina laugh just thinking about it. Everyday Anna shows a little more of her personality. Just yesterday she started grabbing her toes as she realized they were part of her body. This discovery fascinated her as she gurgled and giggled her happiness. These little discoveries are the moments that Tina feels she will miss as her two months of leave were quickly coming to an end. The closer Tina came to the day she was to return to the Center the more Tina was becoming comfortable with the idea of working only a few days per week. With the generous settlement from Bette, Tina now had a lot of flexibility surrounding her finances. She could work two days per week in the office and then another 10 hours from home.

Once again Tina was thankful to Bettes generosity with the final settlement. Not that she needed anything in the way of baby stuff, apparently one of the girls had put Tinas name into a contest at Babys R Us and the end results were every kind of baby necessity that Tina would ever want was stashed into Annas room. As Tina was thinking of Bette it was beginning to disturb her that Bette hadnt met Anna yet. As Tina was making herself some tea she found herself thinking of ways to bump into Bette.

Later that evening Tina was setting the table for dinner as Helena walked through the front door.
God darling, you wouldnt believe what a God awful day today was. Helena launched into this tyrant before she even said hello.

Tina just shook her head as she felt like she was experiencing a moment of DejaVu. Ah .. Hello Helena Tina began hoping Helena would get the hint and make adjustments.

Helena stops in her tracks smiled at Tina Look at the beautiful table you have set. I have to have a quick dinner darling, I need to get ready for my meeting with Bette tomorrow morning. Franklin called this meeting but I just know Bette is behind it. I need to be ready. You can see Helenas mind already thinking about this meeting.

Tina catches this look and starts shaking her head as she replies Helena why dont I make you up a plate and then you can get out of here and get you work done.

The sarcasm in Tinas voice must have been lost on Helena as she just walks up to Tina and gives her a peck on the cheek for her understanding saying You are such a darling. As Helena moves towards the bathroom to freshen up.

Tina was left standing in the dining room dumbfounded.

***
Lying in her bed by herself later that night it hit Tina. I will go to the CAC tomorrow to have lunch with Helena and bump into Bette that way. But I dont know what time the meeting is? Ill just call James in the morning, ***** know. Yeah thats what Ill do.
The thought put a smile on her face. Feeling content Tina drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Tina was able to dress Anna Beth in a cute little pink onesy. Packing the diaper bag with all essential items, Tina and Anna Beth set off to the CAC. Upon arriving at the CAC, Tina walked past James desk which was vacant. Knowing the meeting was scheduled to be over in the next 10 minutes, Tina made her way down to the conference room. Taking a chair outside the conference room door, Tina left Anna Beth in the baby carrier, rocking it back and forth, cooing at her baby making her laugh as they waited.

When the door finally opened Bette was the first through the door. Bette is obviously startled by Tinas presence. Tina recognizes the joy in Bettes eyes as she sees Tina and Anna. As Tina is standing there waiting for Bette to say something, she see just as fast Bettes eyes change and the door to her soul closes.

After hesitating a moment to get her bearings, Bette politely asks How are you and your baby doing, Tina?

Ah .. were fine. Do you want to hold her? Tina asks wanting Bette to hold Anna.

Just as Bette was going to answer with what seems to be a positive, Helena makes her way out of the conference room. Darling, Im so surprised to see you here, what are you doing? Helena asks.

Tina drags her eyes from Bette as she answers Helena I thought I would surprise you and we would take you out to lunch.

Oh my darling, I wish you would have called first. I just cant possibly pull away today. I must be on a call in an hour and then the foundation has an important protocol meeting that I have to prepare for.. Helena goes on and on.

Taking all of this in Bette makes eye contact with Tina and excuses herself by mouthing Good to see you again then turns and makes her way down the hall to her office closing the door behind her.

So sorry that I cant do lunch and you know its going to be late by the time I get out of here so I wont see you later either. Im so sorry for your wasted trip. Helena says in her overly sweet voice.

I guess we will just have to give you a rain check. Tina says as she picks up Annas carrier to make her way out.

As she passes by James deck on her way out James is there this time. The moment he sees Tina James immediately jumps up Tina is that Anna with you? With that James runs around the desk trying to get to Tina as quick as possible. James spends the next 20 minutes playing with Anna and doing a lot of baby talking.

Finally it was time for Tina to go and James reluctantly gives Tina her baby back. The moment Tina is out the door, James is running down to Bettes office. Barging in Did you get to hold Anna, boss? James gushes as Bette sadly shakes her head no.

Oh my God, she is such a cutey. She just laughs with this huge grin that just makes her beautiful. And her hair . James just goes on and on about Anna and how good Tina looked.

Bette just sits back and listens to James with a smile growing on her face as she soaks in every word that James is saying.