I thought about what you said last night. She read my confusion, About me and work. So I went to see Franklin.

Oh. I tried t hide my disappointment but I failed.

No no. its not what you think. I am still staying home. I just wanted to settle things with the CAC first and I didnt want to wait till Monday.

Bettes eyes strayed a little to the nightstand next to my bed. Alice has a bad habit of writing everything down. I guess its the reporter in her. Anyway Bette saw the note pad where Alice wrote down our bets for the How long can Bette last poll. Whats this?

Its nothing. I tried to grab it, but in my current situation it was very difficult.

You guys made a bet on me? I dont believe this. She read down and saw that my name was also on the list. Even you? She had a blank expression on her face. I was not sure if she were mad or disappointed or indifferent.

We were just fooling around. I wasnt convincing. Baby it was just a joke. Just then Shane walked into the room. Ask Shane.

Ask me what?

About the bet. Bette said showing Shane the note pad.

Hey youre on your own. I didnt want to have anything to do with it.

Thanks Shane.

Ok, if thats how you want it. Make it five hundred and Im in.

What? Shane almost choked on her drink.

A year. Shane and I looked at Bette in disbelief. In a year, when Angelica is old enough for day-care, thats when I start back work. And thats when I cash in on this bet you guys have going.

You, you mean youre not mad? Shane asked.

Why would I be?

Well I guess I was wrong then. There was a brief silence. Then Shane continued. Hey. Did you tell Bette you get to go home today?

Yeah?

Dr Wilson came by this morning and she said that I was ok to go home.

Thats great.

Guys? Shane interjected. Um, do you need me for anything? Because I gotta pick up Carmen.

Thats ok. We can manage.

Ok, cool. Ill see you guys later then. She hugged us both before leaving.

Bette packed up my things and helped me into something more presentable. I waited in the room while she got Angelica and Sasha to help me down to the parking lot. Sasha was willing to wait with me till Bette brought the car around but I wanted out of the hospital as soon as possible so I went with Bette to the car. As I walked through the lot, I couldnt see where Bette had parked the car. Then she stopped and opened the door to a blue Saab SUV and signalled for me to get in. Whats this?

You like? I traded in the convertible.

Wow. Its beautiful. But how, why?

A baby in a convertible? Didnt quite add up.

Well I love it. She helped me in the car. I sat in the back with Angelica in my arms, and in minutes we were heading for home. Our home.