Everything came flooding to her, leaving her with guilt that manifested itself in tears.

“Elizabeth Ann…” She almost groaned it out, standing to meet her daughter.

Kit watched the interaction from afar.  Since the age of 9, Kit was the only mother that Bette knew and the only one she needed.  Though she knew how much her sister depended on her, she hoped that she wouldn’t be replaced by the reemergence of Maxine.

“Maxine.” Bette said, coldly.

“Please, Bette, call me mom, or mother, or anything close.”

“Why would I do that?”

“I’m sorry.  I’m so sorry.”

“Why did you leave?”

“There are so many reasons and I will be happy, though embarrassed, to tell them to you if you just sit here with me and we just talk.”

Bette didn’t know if she really wanted to hear all of her answers because, truthfully, she couldn’t have an answer good enough to justify leaving her only daughter.  But the pleading look in Maxine’s eyes made Bette allow her to speak.

“Bette.” Kit called out, the keys to the Planet in her hands, “Lock up when you’re finished.”  She tossed the keys at her.  She moved around the counter and towards the door.

“Hey, Kit.” Bette walked towards Kit and hugged her, “I love you.” She searched her eyes, “No one has ever been there for me the way you’ve been there.  And there is no way, absolutely no way, that you will ever be replaced in my life.  Ever.”

“I know.”  She kissed her forehead softly, “Be careful.”

“You too.”

**

“I was young, Bette, when you were born.  I was only 22; I had been married for a year.  I felt stifled, I had to run.” Maxine explained.

Bette saw so much of herself in her mother that it was disturbing.  She had the same behavior when feeling stifled, but she knew that she didn’t want to run away like that with Helena.  She didn’t want her to feel the same pain she felt when her mother left her.

“Is that an excuse?”

“No, Bette.  I have no excuses for leaving you.  You were my child, you are my child, and I should have never left you.  I had a responsibility to you and I completely abandoned it and you.”  She took a pause, “I know that you may never be able to forgive me.  And I don’t blame you, but I just want you to know that I’m back and I love you more now than the last time I saw you.”  Another pause was taken, “So, please, tell me about yourself.  How was your sweet sixteen?”