They had planned to spend a quiet afternoon at the house tending to the backyard.  A conscious effort to spend time together as they moved forward.  In the everyday.

Kit was eager to step in to help as was usual, greeting the mothers at The Planet’s entryway at the agreed hour with Angelica.  Of course Alice was similarly enthusiastic upon seeing her godchild, leaving Dana to make sure the table didn’t tip over as she made her way to the doorway in haste. 

Bette smiled.  So did Tina. 

The eagerness of their family was uplifting.  Locking gazes, they moved towards each other and shared a chaste kiss. Following the drop-off they were to purchase seeds, fertilizer and a few other items from a neighboring shop before heading back to the house. 

On the way the mood was light.  Carrying the energy of the relaxed breakfast they shared that morning, the women worked their way to their destination.  They laughed, held hands and nudged one another affectionately as heels met the sidewalk.  Each cajoling the other that she was better than her counterpart in tending to the garden.  The evidence would undoubtedly be in support of one who would claim the designation in the upcoming weeks given the project they had in mind, thus requiring the objects of interest.

It was there, in the specialty store that they ran into him.  Into Henry.

How timing and coincidence had worked furiously to orchestrate the reunion was beyond comprehension.  His being in the neighborhood.  In that very same shop only upon request – running an errand for a friend he had been calling on.  For him, a foremost visit to this particular shop, timed with their planned one.

In search of an intended purchase, Bette came upon him first.  Their eyes met, both faces impassive.  She approached slowly as did he.  Then the awkward moment was quickly surrounded by good thoughts of the children in their lives.

“How’s Mikey?”  She’d asked after commenting he looked well having been jolted from the initial silent recognition.

He replied that his son was fine.  Proudly he briefed her, “My little guy’s playing third base in our town’s league.”  More detail was offered and Bette listened with interest, her smile genuine.  The boy was remembered fondly.  He was curious, pleasant and mannered.