“You should call her soon. Dont let her prejudice come between you two.” She suddenly got serious on me and a little teary eyed. Not unusual for Bette, but its usually when anyone mentions Tina or little Angie. Speaking of which…

“Promise youll call her after graduation today?”

“I dont know if I can. I mean I know that youve forgiven Papa Porter for the things hes said and done to you. But with my mom its different. Shes really outspoken about it.”

“Nevertheless. Call her.” We ate in relative silence the rest of breakfast. Which means Bette was thinking about what Tina was doing, at least thats what Alice told me shes thinking. As for me I was thinking about how to hold a civil conversation with my mother this evening.

“I still cant believe he let you call him that.” She said, breaking the silence. Maybe she was thinking about her dad and not Tina after all.

“What?”

“Daddy. I cant believe he let you call him Papa Porter.” She chuckled in spite of the pain that remained on her face anytime he was mentioned.

“He was more like a dad to me than an uncle. I always felt that. So he pretty much let me call him whatever.”

“And you settled on Papa Porter.”

“Actually, he did.” She nodded in understanding and continued to eat. I dont know if she could tell, but I could see her chewing the inside of her lip. A sure Porter sign of wanting to say something, but not knowing how.

“I miss him too.” I told her after I grabbed her free hand across the table. “Im sorry I wasnt here for the memorial. I didnt know until……”

“I know. We talked about this remember?” she offered a weak smile in return. “Thank you.” She said. Then she got up and walked slowly to the sink.

“For what?”

“For being a pain in the ass. For being here with me. For not letting me spiral into the darkness.”

“Blah, blah, blah, Bette. Were family, of course I would be here for you.”

“I know but..” I stopped her, before she could continue.

“But nothing. After all youve done for me this year alone, how could I not do something for you.”