The Discussion
Chapter Thirty-Two




Momma, I dont understand why youre making such a big deal out of this.

Bette hearing Libby ask this as she walked in to join her in the living room, just sat down next to her and sighed.

Its not that I think its a bad idea. Its just, its

Momma you cant even give me a reason.

I dont have a good one yet, but Ill think of something.

Momma.

Grabbing her daughters hand, sweetheart,
Im just scared. James is a good man I know but,

But what.

Why dont we just wait for your mother to come and join us huh.

Yeah well wait for Nini, as she giggled. She knew her mother couldnt say no to her so if Libby played her cards right she would be going out this weekend.

Nini huh?

Yeah when I call her Tina its so weird so I thought Nini.

Nini, I like that.

Good.

Now lets get some dinner started for your mom.

Theres something else I wanna talk to you about when she gets here ok. As she said this Bettes face fell.

Momma its nothing serious promise. Its just a little something I need to talk to you about.

Are you sure youre okay?

Yes, Im sure.

Ok then, lets get started.


Can you get me the garlic, honey?

Yeah, so how did this morning go?

With what?

Mom, with Franklin of course.

Oh, um I think I have a chance at having something on my own with the both of them.

Good. Are you gonna call James to come work for you?

I knew James couldnt stay out of this conversation for long.

Mother!

Im just kidding. Actually I havent told your mother, but I was thinking of more along the lines of working with me instead of for me.

Are you serious?

Of course. James is my right hand man. He knows just as much as I do. And besides if he does join with me that leaves me with more time for you guys.

Right. I like that.

Im glad you do. So ready for school?

I think so. My books are all set. My classes are okay. Are you sure it wont be better to live in the dorms?

No. Here you have nothing to worry about, just school.

I could get a job you know.
Letting go of the knife she looked at her daughter. She understood that she had a hard life before and that when she was old enough to work she did. Everything she had, she had it gotten on her own, she didnt have anyone and wasnt used to not working for something.

Sweetie, I dont want you to work. I mean you dont have to but if you really want to you can. Just something small and kind of out of the way, so you can have time for work and maybe just maybe time for I dont know, some one by the name of James.

Really.

I just want you to do want you want within reason you know.

He seems within reason.

Im sure he does, as she kissed her daughters forehead.

Babe, Libby, Im home.

Ah my wife returns. Finish up here for me?

Sure.

Having Tina set her briefcase down just in time for a welcome hug from Bette.

Babe.

Hey you. I missed you today.

Letting go of the quick kiss from Bette, you didnt tell her a decision without me did you?

Tina, you said wait, so I waited for you. Besides I did some thinking and with some help from my lovely wife I came to the conclusion that it wasnt such a bad idea. I just want to talk with him first T.

Bette.

Wait, Tina just a small one.

Will you be nice?

Christina Kennard, are you implying that I would not be nice to James, our James?

Oh Bette.

A few giggles and kisses later Libby walked in, Oh I thought you guys were done. She turned to go back in the kitchen.

Bette letting go of Tina as she called for Libby, is that a way to greet your mother?

No, as she walked to Tina, sorry Nini.

Its okay. Its smells good in here, so what did my two favorite girls do for me?

Just a little something, came from Bette as she was in the kitchen. Turning with Libby at her side,

Nothing is ever a little something with Bette.


After the plates were cleaned and stomachs were full, they settled into the living room.

Now, as Bette began but was cut short by a knock at the door.

Eyes went from one to the other as Tina got up to answer,

Alice, Dana, and of course Shane. What brings you here? But she knew what was up. Earlier that day Tina, like Tina always did, called Alice to tell her how Bette reacted to James wanting to take Libby out. Then Alice decided that it was imperative that they be there amongst the discussion.


Al, I dont think that is a good idea.

Tina, when am I ever going to get this chance again? Seeing Bette chew her daughter out is something I cannot and will not miss.

Alice shes going to kill me as it is.

You and I both know she wouldnt do such a thing. But I have to go okay see you tonight.

Alice, wait Alice, as this time Alices laughter disappeared into the dial tone.

Pushing Tina aside and the trio walking in to settle themselves in,

Nothing just dropping by.

The door was closed and everyone was seated. But Bette spoke up first, if you ladies dont mind were about to get into something here so

So what Porter, whatcha waiting for talk away.

Tina looked away but Bette already knew.

Tina,

Turning her head back to Bette defeated, what.

What do you mean what?

What do you mean, with what do you mean.

T,

It was Alices turn, Oh who cares, Bette lets have it.

Have what?

You ripping into to whoever wants to take your precious baby out.

Me ripping what? Tina.

Bette,

With the help from her cane, she got up after a few seconds.

First of all there will be no kind of ripping going on tonight, second of all Tina I dont understand you calling Alice about this but whatever, and third of all, its just a date so no big deal so there.

You were the one freaking out Bette not us, so there yourself.

Why is it necessary for you three to be here Alice? But before she could answer she turned to Dana and Shane. And why is so necessary for you two to follow her?

Shane looked at Dana and Dana looked Alice.

Because this is a family discussion and WE are family. Besides i have to look out after my niece. Right girls.

No answer, just looks from them.

Right, she said under her breath.

Bette now pacing back and forth didnt know who to be mad at first.

Well sorry to tell you Alice, but there is no discussion. She is going out with James and that is it!

Bette. Momma

She stopped pacing as she turned to face her girls.

What?

Nothing, came from Tina as Really, I can, came from Libby.

Sitting down to join them, if you want to. I mean Tinas okay with it right? Looking at her as she nodded. And Im okay with it. I just want you to be happy.

Their sentimental moment ruined by Alice.

Thats it, no ripping of any kind Bette.

Them both letting go of their hug to face her and tell her, NO.

Well then, I think our work is done here for tonight, so were out.

Its about time.

Nice Porter, nice.

Ladies, shall we?

Yes,

Good night hugs were given as were the apologies from Dana.


Bette are you sure youre really okay with this?

Babe, I am. But, just a small talk okay.

I dont know, I think Libby might not like it.

Like what, as she came back into the room.

Bette looked at Tina and then couldnt get the words out.

Your mother wants to have a small talk with James thats all.

You what! About what momma?

About you what else.

Its just dinner.

I know but anyway, you said you had something small to talk to us about?

Oh yeah, right. Um I was thinking well Nini has her center and momma I know theyre going to give you want you want, so I was thinking so I wouldnt have to be in your way that much if you could, if you could

If we could what sweetie?

If maybe we could look into some sort of transportation for me. I could work to help

Tina looked at Bette as she leaned back into the couch.

First you wanna date, then a car, youve got good timing.

Bette.

Im just kidding. Um why dont you let us sleep on it and well let you know.

All right then. Ill leave you two to it.

Goodnight Libby.

Goodnight mom, Nini.


Laying in bed looking up at the ceiling with Tinas arms around her was not a bad way to fall asleep, but Bette couldnt close her eyes.

T,

Yeah

What do you think about the car for her?

Maybe we can get her something nice and affordable. Its doesnt have to be brand new right? I mean something dependable and nice will do right?

I hope so. But I dont want her to work. I just want her to concentrate on school.

I dont think shes used to someone doing so much for her. I think youre a wonderful mother.

You know I couldnt do any of this without you T.

I know.

You do huh, as she went to kiss her.

Yes I do, but do you know, as she
returned the kiss.

Know what.

That I could never do anything without you and her.

Looking into her wifes eyes, I love you Tina.

I love you Bette.

You know what else?

Hmmmm

You know shes gonna be the end of our bank account.

Bette.

But its worth it right?

Instead of words, kisses were given in their place.

Ill take that as a yes then.