“I know…..it’s Porter’s controlling nature.  That’s one more reason that Tina needs to be rid of her.  We’ll meet tomorrow and set up a plan for next week.  Bette in the car without Tina is just what we need.”

***********************************

Tuesday morning, Phyllis calls Bette to her office.

“Bette, the Spring Show is Friday night….you are planning to attend, aren’t you?  I’ll be there…so will Peggy Peabody.  This is a great opportunity for our students and the more representatives from the school the better.”

“I understand, Phyllis.  But I hate leaving Tina alone at night so close to her due date.  Don’t you think having you and Peggy there will be enough?”

“It’s only for a few hours.  She doesn’t have to be alone.  I’ll bet Alice or Helena…any of your friends would be happy to stay with her.  They could have a party while you’re at the show!  There will be a lot of community members and possible donors to our extracurricular programs there…it will be a great way to begin your tenure as Principal next year.  Or, you can bring her with you!  Why don’t you talk to Tina about attending with you?”

Bette sighs, “I’ll talk to her.  She’s been getting exhausted pretty easily lately.  I hate taking her someplace where she’ll be on her feet the whole time.  I’ll be there…I just don’t know about Tina yet.”

“Great Bette, make the right decision…this is a great opportunity for you.  Let me know what Tina says so I can let Jodie and the CAC know how many to expect for the dinner.”

“Okay, Phyllis….when I know, you’ll know.”

**************************************

Bette walks down to Tina’s classroom.  The selfish part of her wants Tina to attend with her, but the unselfish part knows it’s best for her to stay home.  She’ll let Tina knows what’s going on….and then convince her it’s best for her to stay home.

Bette walks to the door and watches Tina grading papers.  Damn she’s sexy.  No matter what she’s doing.

“Hey sexy….want me to lock the door?”

Tina laughs, “Yeah right. If I agreed to that, you’d have a stroke.  Come here, though.  I’ll give you something to hold you till tonight.”

Bette walks over and Tina puts a soft, lingering kiss on her. 

“Mmmmmm….we have to stop.  I can’t suspend kids when you have my head spinning like this.”

Tina laughs, “What are you doing down here, baby?”

Bette sits on the corner of her Tina’s desk.

“What kind of plans do you have for us for Friday night?”

“My main plan is to stretch out on the couch while you rub my feet and feed me grapes as we watch a DVD together.”

Bette sighs, “I love your plan.  But I have to go to the Exhibition on Friday night.  It’s not something I can get out of.  I can rub your feet and feed you grapes when I get home.  How about I call the girls to watch a DVD with you?”

Tina chuckles, “You don’t want me to come with you?  You’re trying to pawn me off on our friends?”

“No, no, no….it’s just I’m trying to be unselfish here.  I don’t want to go, so I know you’re not thrilled about going either.  I’ll feel much better knowing you’re with our friends and relaxing at home waiting for me.”

Tina smiles and stands up to kiss Bette, “You’re too good to me.  Okay I’ll stay home.  It will be fun to watch Alice and Dana make eyes at each other all night.”

“Well, Alice is a pain in my ass but at least knowing that she’ll be there watching out for you gives her a purpose.  Sometimes, I wonder what I was thinking when I went out with her.  What took you so long to come into my life?”

“I got here as fast as could, babe.”

Bette embraces Tina tightly, sighs, and whispers, “Thank you.”