What are you, some kind of idiot savant? asked Alice looking at Shane in disbelief.

Not sure I even know how to come into this particular conversation, said Bette with a smile as she pulled over a chair and put her coffee down on the table.

Hey Bette, said Shane, making room for her friend at the table.

So, Bette-y boo, what are you wearing on Saturday? asked Alice.

Saturday? Bette looked questioningly at Alice.

The community awards ceremony, you know, Tinas shin dig, replied Alice.

Im not going, replied Bette, looking down at her coffee intently.

Tina told us yesterday that you said youd be there, said Shane.

She did? Bettes eyes lit up momentarily.

And I think shed be really disappointed if you didnt show, continued Alice.

You do?

Absolutely. She wants everyone there. Its a really big deal Bette, said Alice.

But what about

Yes, shell be there too, Shane quickly responded saving Bette the need to verbalize her question.

But why then. Bette didnt finish her thought.

For an articulate woman you are awfully monosyllabic this morning, laughed Alice. Yes, she wants you there.

***

Tina opened the door to the delivery boy. Whats this? she questioned.

For Tina Kennard, said the young man.

Hold on a second, let me get something for you, said Tina taking the small box out of his hand and retreating inside her apartment.

No need, Miss. Ive already been given a very generous tip, he smiled and took off at a fast trot to his car.

Tina studied the box for a moment, wondering what Helena had sent. She found the nagging uncertainty growing in the pit of her stomach again. Why is she trying so hard, wondered Tina. She took the lid off slowly and gasped.

A perfect yellow Gerber daisy was surrounded by babys breath and greens and supported by a discrete pin, making the corsage simple, yet exceedingly beautiful. Tinas heart beat faster. Helena sent roses. Only one person would have sent her a daisy. She lifted the card from the box.

Tina,

Im so very proud of all that you have accomplished. Let this daisy be a symbol of the sunlight you are bringing to so many needy children who will benefit from the grant that is being celebrated tonight.

Bette

***

Winnie, I told you that Im sorry, but something came up, said Helena into her cell phone. Tina was finishing her makeup in the bathroom and couldnt help but overhear the conversation that was becoming increasingly more heated.

Of course Ill make it up to them. Its not like youve never changed your plans and had to switch your weekend.

No I just found out about this conflict. I wouldnt do this on purpose.

Well Im sorry that you have to spend the weekend with your children! You should have thought about your lack of free time before you adopted them!

I do love those children, but I dont feel obligated to take them off of your hands every other weekend. They are your children, not mine!

The lid of the cell phone slammed shut with a loud slap. Tina looked out and saw Helena sitting on her couch sipping a glass of merlot and smiling to herself.

Tina almost imperceptibly covered her abdomen protectively with her hand for a brief moment, pinned the corsage to her dress, grabbed her little cocktail bag crammed with make up and keys and headed for the living room.

TBC