Beths house

Ring Ring

Damn phone who calls at 10 at night? Beth asked pausing the DVD her and Dana were watching untangling her legs from Danas.

Hello?

Bethany, darling how are you? came the unmistakeable British tone.

Mum, uh why, what, why are you calling, and why now?

Well I was wondering if you were planning to show your face this Christmas?

Mum its September. Beth said trying refrain from shouting at her mother.

Well, you should always plan ahead; anyway the tickets should get there in a few days.

What, plural?

Well, I figured that youd like to bring a friend or someone more special Tasha Jones remarked hoping that her eldest had finally found someone.

Mother I dont want you arranging anything that involves you and Aunt Marie in a hat and an organ.

Oh so there is someone. Her mother asked in only the way a mother could.

Maybe, but I dont see why I should inflict the loony bin on them. Beth was reluctant to let Dana meet any of her family.

Bethany

Fine mum, Darren and Elliott. Better? Was Beths sarcastic reply.

Well its as good as its going to get, anyway darling I only called because were going away and have to have an early start, Ill see you at Christmas darling bye. Then put the phone down before her daughter could argue with her.

Baby are you ok? Dana asked.

Fine Dana I think we were just told to come to England for Christmas.

Told? Danas faced became confused.

Yeah as in the tickets are being sent and my mother wont let me argue.

Hang on you said we? Danas face now became slightly scared; being with Beth was fine but Beths family; that was a whole other ball game.

Yeah my mother had decided I wasnt single before she called and sent two tickets anyway so Beth suggested.

I have to come?

You dont have to, but Id like it if you did baby. Beth used the puppy dog eyes that always got her, her own way. And had done ever since she was tiny.

Damn, you cant say no to those eyes.

I know. Beth told her with a smile.

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The Planet

Dana whats up? Shane asked noticing the distracted look on her face.

Im meeting Beths parents in December. Dana said braking away from her daze.

Wow that serious huh? Shane asked, thinking about her own love life.

Well its kinda not my idea.

Hey it just means Beth likes you Dana. Tina told her.

Its not her idea either, her mother sent the tickets after she decided she wanted to see her and she wanted to see who Beth was dating, she kinda decided that she was by herself Beth hasnt told her shes involved at all. Dana told the group of intrigued women.

Wow Im so glad my mom isnt like that. Alice chipped in.

Yeah, she gets worse with age. Beth told them.

And youve been listening for how long? Dana asked.

Long enough, Dana theyre gonna love you.

You sure? Dana asked still apprehensive.

100% but if it gets that uncomfortable we can go and stay at my friend Charlies.

Really? Dana seemed to brighten.

Yup, she owes me a favour.

She? Asked a confused Alice Charlie is a girl?

Yeah, Charlotte but youre taking your life in your hands calling her Charlotte.

Right. Alice looked somewhat pacified with this explanation.

Would it make it easier if I told you I was the sane one? Beth tried.

Now Im worried. Dana told everyone.

Hey thats not fair. Any insanity I have is a hereditary trait passed on from the two lunatics that I am lead to believe are my parents. Beth defended her self.

Ok, ok we get it. Alice cut in, put out that some one used her excuse.

Looks like you have an excuse for being insane, Alice on the other hand, were still trying to figure it out. Bette joked.

Bette Porter if Im so insane why did you sleep with me? Alice put on a face of mock – shock.

Pity Alice, pure pity.

Ah well pitys always good. If you ever find your self pitying me again the offers always open Alice smirked.

Alice. Tina said warningly.

Fine I was only saying. That offer is extended to everyone.

Sure if I ever find myself single, bored and near commission youll be the first one I call. Dana told her.

Looking forward to it.

So this mom of yours, Shane asked trying to avoid making an if I go insane Ill ***** you promise to Alice. How bad is she?

Shes that mum who starts arguments with the other parents in the audience over whos child is best and ends up being escorted out. Beth cringed at the memory of a nativity play, and Romeo and Juliet, not to mention her brothers and sisters plays and such.

How nice, and youre still relatively sane. Bette replied.

I know, my brothers and sisters are worse they had to put up with her for longer, they didnt move out as quick as I did. Beth laughed.

Home birds? Marina mentioned alerting the group to her presence.

Not really Marina just, well I dont know, just didnt want to move away from the loony bin like I did.