“Nope, I’m up,” Bette said, turning her body so she was now facing Tina.

“Wanna talk or play cards or something? I can’t fall asleep.”

The girls stayed up all night, sitting across from one another on the bed talking.  They talked about Bette’s sister who wanted to become a famous singer, and her dad who was always too hard on both of them.  They talked about Tina and what it was like when her parents divorced and how she felt being an only child.  They talked about what they wanted to be when they were older.

“I want to be a famous artist and have so much money and give it to everyone.  I want to make sure all the homeless people who I saw in Philadelphia get food every day,” Bette said proudly.

Tina smiled widely.  Bette’s face lit up like a light bulb when she talked about art and her future.  “I want to help homeless people too and kids who are hit by their parents.  My cousin was hit by her dad and she stayed with us for a few months.”

“Wow, that’s really scary.”

The remaining portion of the weekend, the two girls were inseparable.  Bette and Tina clung to each other, because neither of them knew anyone else.  They didn’t care about the activities they were doing, as long as they were together.  When Sunday morning rolled around, after another night of staying up late and talking, the girls prepared to pack to go home.

“I don’t want to leave, Tina.  This is the most fun I have ever had with someone,” Bette said as she was starting to sob. She tried to control herself, but she knew the tears would come soon. 

Tina’s heart burned for her sad friend and because she’d have to leave the only real friend she’d ever had.  “Well, I will call you as soon as I get home, Bette.  And I’ll write you and then you write me back.  And in 5 years we’ll have cars and we’ll be able to visit each other all the time.”

“I know, but I’m going to miss you so much,” Bette said as she went in to give her friend a hug.

Bette started to pull away from the hug, but Tina placed a gentle, momentary kiss on Bette’s unready lips. Tina was shocked by her actions and quickly backed away and tried to come up with an excuse.