Chapter 22

She has gone through all the names, and everyone is present.
So, I thought that at least this first week, we should get to know each other, you probably know each other, but I dont, and you dont know me. Bette says and stands up and walks around her desk.
Does anyone of you want to share your thoughts on what art is? Bette asks the whole class. They sit in silence a few moments then a girl raises her hand.
Yes, what is you name again? Bette asks.
Im Caitlin. She replies.
Yes, Caitlin, go ahead, what do you think art is? Bette asks again.
It can be so many things, it depends on how you look at it I guess. Someone might see two pencils lying on top of each other, as art, or a chair painted pink. Caitlin says and looks waiting up at Bette.
Caitlin that was a excellent point of view. Bette says and smiles.
The class is silent, Bette notice that two boys are whispering to each other.
You two down in the back, care to share your thoughts? Bette asks and looks at them with a serious face.
Youre Mark and Jason, right? Bette asks.
Yeah, we are. Mark says and looks down shyly, as does Jason.
Do you have any questions? It looked like you had. Bette says.
Well, were fine, no questions. Jason says, Mark is giving him a look.
You dont agree with your friend? Bette asks and looks at Mark.
Come on spit it out. Bette encourages them.
Okay, I heard that you are a *****? He says and bows his head down.
Bette is taken aback at this question, but soon realizes that the question would come up sooner or later. The other kids are looking like they had seen a ghost, not quite believing that Mark would ask that question.
Well, Mark, its true, I am a *****. Bette replies, waiting for another question she sees are coming real soon.
Because I heard that you and Tina are a couple. Mark says, ready for whatever comes his way. The other kids are still shocked. They move their attention from Mark to Bette, then back at Mark, and back to Bette and so on. Bette lower her head and smiles, just the thought of Tina is making her smile, remembering their beautiful breakfast this morning.
Yes, Mark that is true, I am married to Tina, and have been for 7 years. Bette replies.
Cool, I think Tina is really cool. He replies. And hot too. He adds and burst out laughing. So does Bette at this innocent remark by a 14 year old boy. Then the whole class is laughing, and Bette is thinking that this will be fun.
Okay, can we go back to the subject of this class? Art? She asks and looks out on everyone. They all nod their head.
Okay, I will give you a piece of paper, and you have to write you name on it and fold so that I can see it from my desk. There are a lot of names I have to learn, so this will give me a head start at it. She says giving out the papers. The kids write their names and place the little sign in front of their desk.

Inside the main building Tina is working on a grant. That will hopefully bring in more money to the Center. Oscar is working with her.
This is hard. Tina says, looking through some papers.
I know, but I also know that you can handle it, thats why I gave this task to you. Oscar says and smiles.
I guess I should be grateful? Tina grins at him. Oscar leaves her office.
She looks at her watch, and sees that its lunchtime. She stands up and walks out of her office and down the hall to the exit, walks out and head over to the school building. She walks inside and stops outside the door to the art room, and looks through the little window in the door. She smiles, inside Bette is laughing and the kids are laughing. Bette seems happy, Tina thinks, this was the right choice for her, she thinks to herself.

Bette is looking at her watch, and realizes that its lunch time.
Okay, everyone its lunchtime. Ill see you all again tomorrow. The kids rush out of the classroom and sees Tina. Everyone says Hi Tina as they pass her. She smiles back at them. When everyone is out, she enter and walks up to Bette.
Hey baby, so how was it? Tina asks
I love it, they are so funny. Actually Mark asked me about us. He first asked if I was a ***** and then if we were together. Bette says and cant help but laugh a little.
Im glad you had a good time. I knew you would like it. Tina replies.
Lets go to lunch. Tina says and reaches out her hand for Bette to grab.
Bette locks up the room. And they leave for the cafeteria. They get their food and take a seat down in one corner.
Ive been thinking about our breakfast all day. Tina says.
That was my intention, to have a happy memory to last all day. Bette says.