***Tina***

I dont know who had the more difficult time today, Bette or Angelica? When I started work they were literally inseparable. I breast-fed her. I still do and I know its a bond no one can take from us, but its the little things I find myself being envious of. Like if she is scared to sleep on her own, its Bette who can sing her to sleep and take that fear away. If she is sick, its Bettes magic touch that can make that stomach ache go away. If she falls and bumps her knee, its Bettes sweet kisses that make the pain go away. When she stood on her own for the first time, Bette was there, when she made her first step I saw it on tape alter that day. And now on her first day of school and I cant even get Bette to leave her there.

Its just a few hours Bette. Shell be fine.

I cant just leave her here. What if she starts crying or something?

Then Beverly can take care of her.

But…

Bette theyve done this before. And look at her I guided her head to look at Angelica playing with the other children, Im sure she wont notice if we leave.

But

Ok, theres a little caf across the road. We can have lunch there, take in a movie then come back.

I dont know Tina. I mean look at her. She looks sad. I mean she is playing but Im sure she not enjoying herself.

I looked over at Angelica. Perhaps I am looking at the wrong child because the child I am looking at hasnt given us a second look since her new little friend Melissa took her to colour with her. Yeah Bette and I am sure she will get over it soon.

I think I need to go over there

Bette, baby. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back. Lets go. She looked at me with sad eyes. I almost melted but I kept stand, Now.

Ok ok. But only because you asked so nicely.

I finally got Bette out of the school. She must have called the Beverly a hundred times, until I took her phone away. With much opposition I might add. She made it through the day, but barely. We were back at the school about half hour before Angelica had to leave. And as soon as Beverly let them out Bette was the first in. She ran to Angelica like she hasnt seen her in years and swooped her up in her arms and was kissing her and hugging her so tightly I had to take her so she could breathe. If this is how its going to be everyday, heaven help us.