“Mom, um, well, this is Bette Porter…my girlfriend.”  Tina had thought and well thought how to tell her family and it figures they were out and about.  She thought. ‘What the hell, they love me, what is the difference.  I love Bette and so will they.’  Tina looked over at her mom’s shock, at first she thought well right her friend is a girl and then she saw how Tina’s hand was around her waist.

“Oh!  Tina!  Excuse us Bette.”  Jean Kennard had a look on her face of embarrassment and fury all at once.

“Mom, wait, please…”  Tina followed her mom around the bend of the house and put her hands on her head and looked at Bette with fear.  Bette shrugged, she wasn’t sure if it was a bad or good sign.  Bette just stood there and was greeted by three large dogs.

“Christina Kennard!  You know better to may be give me a heads up.  For christ’s sake.  You have embarrassed me.  I am caught of guard and all I can say, is that…well, Bette is quite striking?  I had no idea sweetie and if you are happy, that is all that matters.”  Tina was perplexed and confused and looked it.

“Wha?”

“Tina, relax, it isn’t something that is new to us to hear.  I didn’t think it of you and well…I am shocked..this may sound weird, but ok, you two seem so happy?”  Tina’s eyes welled up and hugged her mom tight.  “Thank you mom, I was so scared to tell you and what the reaction would be.  I knew you loved me and supported my life, so I just took a gamble..it was going to be all orchestrated differently if Dad was here..and of course he isn’t.”  Tina had her hand up explaining and Bette felt a wave of relief.  Bette figured if the dogs liked her that had to give her some points, well hoped.  Tina waved Bette to come over.

“Bette, so nice to meet you.”  Jean looked at her and smiled.

“You too, Mrs. Kennard.”

“Please, Jean or Jeany.”  The two ladies exchanged and then Jane pulled her in for a hug.  Bette shocked that a family would react so positive of the way of dealing with someone changing their whole lifestyle.  The three chatted about their current events and what Bette does at her gallery.