Throughout the day, person after person walked into Bette’s office and time after time she felt like she need a tall glass of scotch or at least a large joint to continue her day. After the last appointment she dropped her forehead onto her desk and let out a sigh of relief.
“I should have been a lawyer.”
“The crazies would have still found you.” Bette heard the familiar voice from the hallway. She looked up and smiled.
“Hey Shane.” The tall, thin, rough looking girl wandered in and sat down in the seat facing Bette’s desk. She smiled and nodded.
“I just had my appointment with Dr. Foxworthy.” She stated as she stuck a candy sucker she found in her pocket into her mouth after she removed the wrapper.
“ How was that?” Bette enquired as she started packing some files away into her briefcase. Shane just shrugged.
“It was cool. It’s going to be my last meeting.” Bette stopped what she was doing and looked up.
“What do you mean?” Shane looked at her shoes and fought internally about telling Bette why. She thought that maybe she should keep it to herself but then she realized maybe Bette could help.
“I told my parents that I was gay. They kicked me out of the house and gave me fifty bucks so I could go stay in a hostel.” Shane looked up and her eyes met Bette’s.
“You aren’t serious…”
“Dead serious.” Bette’s shoulders slumped. She had known Shane since she was 15 and coming to talk to Dr. Foxworthy. Shane called her often on the phone for advice or if she just needed someone to talk to. Bette began to genuinely care for Shane as if she was her own daughter and started really looking out for her well being. She knew things between Shane and her parents had been rough but she didn’t think they would kick their daughter out. Shane considered Bette to be her friend, and little did she know that the feeling was mutual.
“I was just about to head home…” Bette stated. Shane smiled and nodded.
“Ahh. I’ll call you from the hostel. Maybe we could go for coffee sometime?” Shane was getting up out of her seat when she felt Bette’s hand on her own.
“I would rather you live with me then live in a hostel, are you still going to school?” The young raven haired 16 year old girl nodded. Bette smiled reassuringly.
“How about this… you come, stay with me, and tomorrow I’ll call your parents and see what is going on. You can go into Foster Care and I’ll be your Foster mom. I have known you for the past year, you have gone through a lot and I don’t mind looking out for you at all.” Shane smiled but then it faltered slightly.
“I don’t want to impose on your life. It’s your life…”
“Shane McCutcheon the last thing you would do would be imposing on my life. Trust me.” Bette smiled softly and Shane basically ran around the desk to hug her.
“Thank you B.” The older woman hugged Shane tightly and they walked out of the office together.
“I’m actually pretty lucky you said I could stay with you, I spent my last bit of money on the cab ride here.” Shane stated as she tossed her bag of belongings she carried with her into Bette’s backseat.
“I can’t believe your parents would through you out Shane. It’s Los Angeles for christ’s sake. Everyone’s gay here.” Shane just smirked.
“Except for you.” Bette let out a loud laugh and Shane looked at her surprised.
“Guess again.” Shane stood in shocked silence.
“No way…”
“Way.” Bette stated. Shane watched as Bette climbed into the car.
“Totally beast.” Shane smiled as she climbed in herself. Bette started the car and turned on the radio. She backed up and realized Shane was now in her own little universe.
“Hey kid…,” Bette looked at Shane who shook her head and smiled brightly at Bette. “What’s up?”
“I was just thinking. One of my teachers is like one of my best friends too. She told me once that if she ever had a kid she wished it would turn out like me. She’s really cool.” Shane smiled at the memory and turned to Bette.
“What’s her name?” Bette asked softly.
“I don’t know her first name, I just know it starts with a T. Miss. Kennard. You would really like her.” Shane added devilishly. Bette laughed and nodded.
“I probably would, hope to meet her someday.” Bette smiled; herself and young girl drove back to the therapists home.

TBC…