Tonight? Ugh I guess not. Sure

Are you okay Natalie? We dont have to go if you dont want.

No, it is fine We can go. But we should spend a little time together later.

Okay then I will see you when you get off of work.

Natalie and Alice patiently sat at the table for Bette and Tina to join them. Alice could sense that something was wrong with Natalie. Hesitantly Alice tried to start up a light conversation.

Natalie? Are you okay? You havent spoken much since this morning

I just got some bad news today at work. Im okay.

What happened? Im here to listen if you want to talk.

I was alerted today that my guard unit will be placed on active duty due to start at the end of next week. Natalie sadly replied.

As the words rolled off Natalies tongue Bette and Tina arrived.

Hey guys! Both of the women said as they greeted both Alice and Natalie with hugs.

The four women casually chatted through out dinner. The table felt like a huge mixing bowl of feelings being passed along the table from person to person. Bette and Tina both could feel that something was wrong with Alice. The could always tell when something was upsetting their friend. Alice was very worried about Natalie and what exactly active duty meant. Natalie just didnt know what to think. She had so many emotions running through her at the same time.

So AliceNatalieDo you guys have any plans made for next week. Bette is going out of town and I was hoping you guys would like to get together Tina politely asked.

Where you going Bette? Alice asked

Philadelphia

Youre going to Philly. My father is from Philadelphia. I still have some family living there. Natalie casually added.

Really? Where about exactly? Bette inquired.

Natalie took a second to think My relatives are from Wynnefield Heights originally. My Aunt Elizabeth lived in Queen Village for a long while
Im from Queen Village Bette paused for a moment What is your last name again?

Riley

Bette chuckled, What a coincidenceMy mothers name was Elizabeth Riley. Let me guess you have a grandfather named Harry too Bette joked.

I do Natalie said suddenly followed by a hard swallow.

Bettes face had turned completely white. She hadnt seen anyone from her mothers side of the family since she was a young girl. She was very excited and nervous at the same time. What are your parents names?

Janet and Dan Natalie was finding it a bit hard to speakShe grabbed Alices hand for support.

Tina and Alice just looked on at the amazement that was unfolding before them.

Bette felt the loving warmth of Tinas hand on her shoulder Do you have a brother named Nathan?

I doIs your real name Elizabeth?

Yes

Natalie and Bette both jumped up from the table and ran to give each other a warm, loving, long over due embrace. The two women had tears streaming down their face. Natalie tried to muster up the words to speak Oh Bette I had no clue. I just found out I had a cousin named Elizabeth a couple days ago. My mom was telling me about your motherand Natalie paused this couldnt have came at a worse time.

Bette, Tina, and Alice all asked why at the same time.

I just got orders to leave for overseas next week Natalies face became sad Bette my mother is in townshe would die to meet you