Alice: You owe me a new blouse.

Shane: Sorry I didn’t know that would happen.

Alice: Of course not I am calling reinforcements.

Alice answered the door when Bette arrived.

Alice: You need to handle this. I am going to hang out with Helena. Good luck Shane. Later my hubby.

Alice hurriedly left.

Bette: What is the problem?

Shane was slumped on her bed with her hands in her face.

Shane: I am a horrible mother Bette. I am not ready for this. I can’t even change his diaper.

Bette took in the scene around her. Angel was silently laying on the bed playing with his feet he had in the air.

Bette: Shane come here.

Shane watched as Bette showed here how to change Angel’s diaper. Shane had to reapply five diapers before she finally got it right. Angel just smiled the whole time.

Bette: You think it’s funny right?

Angel: Yea.

Bette: See Shane they don’t care if you mess up on the little things. It just takes practice and you are not a horrible mother.

Shane didn’t reply she just took Angel in her arms and kissed his head. She then rocked him and soon he was back to sleep. She placed him back on her bed.

Shane: Do you want some coffee?

Bette: No I am fine but how are you holding up?

Shane: I just feel so inadequate. There is so much to learn and do. It wasn’t like this with Shay, Bette.

Bette nodded understandingly and patted Shane’s knee.

Bette: It is a lot to learn and people make mistakes on the way. I had to learn with Angie and I still am every day. Nobody is born with all the answers.

Shane: Really?

She looked up at Bette through her messy bangs, her level of insecurity written all over her face.

Bette: Really. I think you are doing great with what you have been given. The little street kid I took in over 12 years ago is finally grown up.

Shane smiled at Bette.

Shane: Yea I am aren’t I?

Bette: Why don’t you come back to WeHo Shane. Be around the gang. You know we would help you.

Shane shook her head.

Shane: Too many memories in that house and with you and Tina leaving soon. It wouldn’t be right.

Bette: T and I are staying Shane.

Shane: You are?

Bette: Yea it made no since to remodel the house, and open a new gallery just to move.

Shane nodded. Happy that her mother figure was staying.

Bette: You know if you don’t want to go back to the old house you could come stay with T and I. We left the guest house for you just the same as it was when you used to live there. Angel and Angie could play every day. It would be good for you.

Shane: I don’t know Bette. I’ll think about it.

Bette: Ok well the offer still stands. I am going to get going.

Bette got up and headed towards the door, but turned before opening it.

Bette: Oh I almost forget. You should let him sleep on your chest and feel your heartbeat. It’s supposed to make a stronger bond between mother and child.

Shane: Thanks Bette.

Bette: Don’t mention it.

Shane walked back into her room after Bette left and lifted Angel up so he could lay on her chest. She wrapped her arms around him protectively and stroked his curly hair. When she looked down at his sleeping face, he had a smile on it a mile long.

Tbc.