Im going to stop talking now, because I need to think this through, Bette said evenly. Im getting in the shower to get ready for supper with daddy.

With that, she stepped into the bathroom and turned on the taps to the shower.

Tina threw on shorts and a t-shirt awaiting her turn in the shower and went to the kitchen to make her calls.

She dialed the first number from memory.

Edward? Hi its Tina, she began. Im just calling about your offer from earlier today. Im calling to accept. Yes. Thats great, Im very excited about coming back as well. We have some negotiating to do as far as the details. Of course. My main priority is this pregnancy, but being there todaywell, I dont have to tell you. Its exhilarating. Ok, well talk first thing in the morning. Bye

She hung up the phone, paused and picked it up for a second call.

Alice? she spoke into the receiver.

Hey Tina, I was hoping youd call back tonight. Was anything up with Bette? Whyd she come home so early?

Oh no everything is fine, well, sorta fine I guess.

Ok spill it. Alice sighed.

Bettes just being such a such a sorry Al, shes just being such a man right now, Tina finally blurted out her condemnation of Bettes behaviour. Honestly Al, I dont even know how you handle dating men sometimes. Its so frustrating when she shows these traits, its crazy making

Tina relayed the conversation regarding Tinas return to work, and Bettes reticence given the fact that shes pregnant.

It just feels like she wants to keep control of me somehow, Tina finished. As though my return would upset the power balance in our household.

Tina, its just that shes worried about youabout the babydont think its because she wants to keep you in your place or something. Bettes not like that.

You didnt hear her tone this afternoon, Tina sighed.

What, so youve been fighting about this ever since she got homesince I talked to you earlier this afternoon? Alice was surprised Tina could hold Bettes attention in an argument for that length of time

Ah, no not exactly. I just told her about five minutes agoshe came home early to, ah, she came home and we, I mean, she

Alright, alright, dont twist yourself in a knot Tina, I get the idea. The make up ***** happened before the argument actually did. You dont have to paint a picture for me

The argument didnt last longshes just in the shower right now and Im sure shell be finished any moment, but I needed an ear. Youre right though, maybe shes calmed after the shower. So you dont really think shes controlling

Whoa, now wait a minuteBettes controlling alright, all I said was that shes not just trying to keep you in your place, Alice said with a bit of a laugh.

Tina laughed at Alices honesty. Thanks for your wisdom Alice. I know I can count on you to lay it on the lineoh, the showers off, I have to run. Talk to you tomorrow.

She set the phone down and returned to the bedroom.

Feeling better after the shower? she asked as she stepped into the bathroom.

I think we should just get ready to meet daddy, and talk about this later, Bette said as she slipped her bathrobe back on. Try not to make any commitments until we have a chance to talk it out a bit okay?

Tina was silent for a fraction of a second while she pondered whether it would be easier to lie and face the consequences later, or to just let her know she had already accepted the offer.

That sounds like a good idea, she responded.

That wasnt a lie, she thought to herself. I said that sounded like a good idea. It was a good idea. Why didnt I think of that before accepting the offer. Oh well. Too late now I guess.

Tee?

Yes? Tina was brought back from her reverie by Bettes voice.

I think you should start getting ready

Oh, yeah, Tina replied. She absent-mindedly stripped off what little she wore and turned on the shower to prepare for the supper with her father-in-law.