Chapter Twenty Two

As they started to walk away from the car they heard another car pull in to the driveway behind them. Ben turned around and waved to his cousin as he got out of the car.

Justin: “Hey guys” he said walking up to them

Tina: “Hey Justin” she replied giving him a hug. “How are you?”

Justin: “Well besides the obvious I can’t really complain. You?”

Tina: “Yeah, im doin alright.”

Justin: “So who’s this?” he asked, nodding towards Bette

Tina: “Oh yeah, sorry. Justin this is Bette, Bette this is my ever so well behaved cousin Justin”

This was Bette’s cue, it had begun. She pushed all her nervousness aside and composed herself in classic Bette form. Bette flashes her thousand watt smile and extended her hand.

Bette: “Nice to meet you”

Justin: “Yeah, likewise” he smiled, returning the gesture.

The three outcasts and their guest finally made their way through the front door. It was almost like a home movie in slow motion. There sat every member of their fathers side of the family, the silent rivalry still very obvious. There it was, right on cue. The fake smiles and false interest. They said their hellos and Bette was introduced. Bette was somewhat pleased with their lack of interest, the less they wanted to know the better.

Tina: “Where’s dad?”

Ben: “Probably in the kitchen with uncle Jimmy.” he replied before walking through the living room.

It felt strange for them to be walking through their grandmothers house without her there. Even though she hadn’t lived there for a while most of her belongings were still in there place. As Bette walked through the house she saw various pictures of Tina and Ben when they were little, the house was covered with pictures of the entire family. It was apparent she was a caring woman and the rock of the family.

They walked in to the kitchen and Tina spotted her dad and his wife sitting at the breakfast table alone. Ben and Justin walked in first.

Justin: “Hey uncle Dan” he gave his a playful punch on the arm. “Where’s my dad?”