“I’m not sure that she wants to be exclusive, but she did say that she couldn’t be with this other woman without thinking of me.”

Bette was telling Helena about her conversation with Jodi.  After all of Jodi’s insistences that she remain free, it turned out that she might want to start a relationship with Bette. 

Angelica was with Bette all weekend, and the two adults and three little ones were enjoying a sunny day in the pool. Helena and Bette had spoken over the phone during the previous afternoon, and Bette had invited her and her children over.  Bette had also offered the use of the guest room, but was now explaining the complications of her romantic life.  Helena got the hint.  The other night was a one time event only.  

Bette was silent, observing the feeling of awkwardness which fell between her and Helena.  She had Angelica in her arms, while Helena had Jun Ying and Wilson in foam circular pool toys which she twirled them around in.

Thankfully, the children were having more fun than Bette and Helena were having. “Again mommy, faster!” Jun Ying was laughing hysterically and shouting orders.

“Mommy, I want to stop now.” Wilson looked terrified.

“All right babies, that’s enough for now. Sorry sweetheart.” Helena tried not to laugh as she gathered Wilson into her arms and rubbed his back soothingly.

Bette bounced Angelica in and out of the water, coaxing laughter out of the baby. “Are we ready to go under now? Let’s try, ready?” She counted to three and dunked herself along with Angelica who did not look entirely thrilled with this game. She looked, in fact, completely confused and rather disturbed. She humored her mother, however, patting her on her cheek and smiling. Whatever it took to make this lady happy was whatever she would do. Angelica nodded as if to emphasize her own thoughts.  Unfortunately, Bette took her nod as affirmation that she enjoyed the dunking game. 

Helena stood with Wilson still in her arms, and looked adoringly at Bette and Angelica. She shook her head and looked away, taking a deep and calming breath.  Bette had just finished telling her that she and Jodi were becoming more serious.  Jodi had apparently decided that no other woman could touch her like Bette could. Helena certainly couldn’t blame Jodi for her admiration of this fantastic woman; she also couldn’t blame Bette for wanting to start something more serious with a woman who she obviously thought to be beautiful and desirable, immensely talented and certainly not penniless and homeless, aimless and talent-less, surfing on her friends’ couches and…