I was about to ask what when I realized Kallie was still next to me on the floor. She was a bit too small to understand adult conversation, but the mood in the room had gone from playful to worried in two seconds flat and I was sure she’d be upset if we continued the conversation right then. I sighed and told her to call Bette to see if she’d mind watching them. I’d have rather called Shane, but Kallie needed a playmate.

Alice nodded, and came back in a minute or so to tell me it was all right. She helped me get Charlie changed and ready to go, and we got the kids over to Bette’s before half an hour had passed.

“It’s going to be fine,” Bette assured us. “Don’t worry about it.”

Alice looked like she wanted to ask just how Bette could know that, but I think she sensed how stressed out she was and refrained from starting anything because the kids were there. I was proud of her for showing so much control. She’s always been good at that, though. No matter what she’s going through she always acts happy around the kids, and I really think they help to brighten her mood most of the time.

Bette gave us both a hug, and said that we could take as much time as we needed. I appreciated it. I was sure that Helena hadn’t called just to have us meet her for lunch at the office or anything, and we needed to focus on whatever was happening instead of worrying about needing to pick up the kids.

Alice hadn’t told me much, and on the way to the Center she looked a little too worried to elaborate on Helena’s phone call. Not that I’d asked; I’d know soon enough anyway.

Helena didn’t mince words. “Kallie’s mother has applied to see her,” she told us when we’d walked in and taken seats in front of her desk. “Legally she has every right to see her child, and there’s really nothing that can be done about that. She’s also applied for parole based on good behavior, and if it’s granted she may very well apply for joint custody of Kallie until the courts deem her fit to take full custody.”