The drive was simple and a short one. It was nice that Bette’s family was close by and it was even odder that this was the first time Tina was meeting them. They’d been dating for almost a year and well..it just seemed a little weird that now she was meeting them. Tina knew that Bette had aprhensions about her life as kid and being adopted. How she protected her family and her guard from people seeing too much or knowing of who she came from. The reality was hard for Bette.
Bette looked over at her dozing girlfriend, terrified of what would be said or reactions from both her parents and Tina. Bette wasn’t always wanting things to be perfect all the time..it was just something she strived for. If she did that people would care and love and not leave. Leaving, that is what is was the dead ringer of the root of Bette’s fears. People left her from the beginning of her life. The whole thing just sucked her head about that…and letting it go was something that never was something she could do or bring herself to do. The pain of losing people she cared about brought the worst out of Bette, reasons of why she never really wanted to settle down with anyone and had a very short list of good trusting friends she had. Her relationship with her sister was even strained. They were so different. Kit (sorry this is more in relation to my life..not to put Kit down at all of whom she is,) had blonde hair and blue eyes like her parents..and it was just complicated. Kit had easier time of being a child in the family then Bette, Bette made it a point that she was not like her family when she realized she wasn’t.
Although brave of Bette to put herself out there, it made her vulnerable and different in the social world. Not only biracial and beautiful, then awkward with her way of lifestyle..It was a bundle that not everyone could accept right away.

“Bette, hello?” Tina was telling Bette a story about how her brother would cheer her up and make her feel more relaxed. Tina could tell Bette went to Bette world where she thought was safe, but was really shutting down.
“Baby, it’s alright…I am not going anywhere..tonight is just me meeting your parents and we will take it one step at a time babe. It’s just dinner and some fun. Relax. I love you Bette and everything that comes with it.” Tina was rubbing Bette’s arm and had her other one stroking her hair. Tina leaned and kissed her on the cheek.
“Come on Porter lets meet my future in-laws.” Tina winked..attempted too and that always got Bette to smile..
“Baby, I love how you wink..ok, lets go. Thanks T.” Bette smiled at Tina and took her hand as they walked into her parents house.
“Bette?” Carol came around the corner with her apron on. You could smell that someone was definitely cooking something..
“Hi Mom..” Bette went up to her mother and hugged her.
“Bette it’s been awhile. Oh, you are Tina Kennard. I am Carol Porter. Please call me Carol.” Carol put her hand out and was trying not to be too formal. Carol was impressed with Tina’s warmth and genuine smile.
“Hi Carol, it is so great to finally meet you!” Both women shook hands warmly and Bette was already squirming.
“Dad, hey!” Bette went to her father and hugged him tight.
“Hi sweetie, Bette, it’s been too long. Lunch and some coffee is not sufficient time with your daughter.” Mark winked at Tina and smiled. Tina was shocked to hear that Bette communicated more than she had known.
“Hi Mark, I am Tina Kennard, nice to meet youuuuuuuu!!” Mark had swept Tina up for a hug and ignored the formal handshake.
“Sorry Tina, Carol is formal..and I….well am not. Nice to meet you though. So you are the woman who makes Bette smile when she talks about you? So great to hear that you are the one that does…well Bette, she is uh…heh a handful.” Mark was joking..and Tina was thinking, what is up with Bette? She made it sound like her parents were so conservative and snooty.