“Okay.” Jess said. Bette was just blown away at how Jess and Alice got along most of the time. The rest of the time they both acted like kids arguing over petty things. Jess had Alice’s number. She could pull her strings better than she could her dad’s. Jess had Alice wrapped around her finger and everyone could see it except Alice.

“I don’t know if that is such a good idea.” Bette said.

“And Why not?” Alice said.

“Because Jess gets wild at other places, but there she is almost uncontrollable even by me.” Bette said.

“That’s what it was built for. So kids go absolutely wild and the parents go sit back and watch. They even have a safety system they mark the adults and the kids hand with the same number and you can’t get out with the person with the same number.” Alice said.

“How do you know that?” Bette said as they walked to the small playground that was located next to the tennis courts.

“Because my brother and his kids dragged me there last time we had a “family” get together.” Alice said.

“I see.” Bette said. She still had a hold of Jess’s strap.

“Mommy can you let me go we are here.” Jess said pulling at Bette’s hand trying to loosen her grip.

“Okay but what’s the rule?” Bette asked.

“If I can’t see you, you can’t see me, and stay where you can see me.” Jess said.

Alice was amazed at how someone so young could sound so grown up sometimes.

“All Right go play, but don’t get dirty.” Bette said.

“Okay I won’t” Jess said and ran straight for the sand box.

“I don’t even know why I try.” Bette said as they sat down on a wooden park bench.

“Because you don’t know how to give up.” Alice said. Bette smiled at her.

“How is that you know me so well after two and ½ weeks.” Bette said putting her arm around Alice.

“I am just good like that.” Alice said being a smart ass.

“Look Mommy!” Jess said running up to them holding something in her hand.

“Stop. Right there. What is it?” Bette asked stopping Jess about 3 feet away from them.

“A worm.” Jess said opening her hand.

“Jess what did I tell you about picking up insects like that. Go put it back and cover him back up. Then go play somewhere else besides the sand box.

“But I want to keep him.” Jess said.

“I don’t think so. Now go put it back.” Bette ordered. Jess did as she was told. “Sometimes I wonder if I had a boy instead of a girl.” She added.

“Oh come on its cute. Like last week when she found that cricket in the back yard and put it in that jar with the holes in it. She even named it.” Alice said.

“Yeah and then the damned thing escaped and chirps all damn night.” Bette said.

Jess walked back over to them.

“Mommy when are we going to eat I am hungry.” Jess said.

“As soon as Dana get out.” Bette said looking at Jess’s dirty hands.

Dana walked quickly over to them she was obviously excited about something.

“Okay so I have so very very very good News.” She said.