Suddenly a woman walked in and told her that she had to fill in some paperwork and then would be brought to a room that she would be sharing with another woman. She walked to an office, filled in the forms, and then was leaded to a room. The woman, Greta, opened the door and Tina walked in and placed her suitcase on the floor. Greta said she had to go and took off. Tina looked around. The room was painted white with beige and there were two small beds placed in it. Two little nightstands were also present. On the right side, there was a closet and on the left side, there was a table with two chairs and a little T.V. on it. Only now, she noticed a young woman, sitting on one of the chairs, smiling at her.

“Oh, hi.” Tina said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. I’m Tina.”

The brown-haired woman smiled at her.

“It’s no problem. I am Bette. Come and sit down.” Bette smiled at Tina and the blonde felt immediately at ease. She walked over to the table and sat down. She looked at the woman sitting in front of her. She noticed she was slender and probably tall. She had long, curly hair and a light brown skin. Her eyes were dark brown and looked like it where the windows to Bette’s soul. The brunette looked like she was only 16 or 17 but something in the way she behaved and spoke made Tina think she was older.

“Bette, how old are you?” Tina could not help asking.

“How old do you think I am?” Bette wanted to know.

Tina smiled. “First I thought you were 17 but something tells me you’re older.”

“That ‘something’ is right. I am 19. And you?”

“21… You know, I think I should unpack my stuff.”

“Oh, sure. Let me help you.” Bette said. Tina gave Bette a warm smile. They both got up and walked to the valise that was standing in the middle of the room.

—–

Tina and Bette had unpacked the case in no time. After that, they each sat down on Bette’s bed and began talking. Tina suggested that they would ask one another questions to get to know each other. They would be spending a few months sharing the same room. They both knew it was probably best not to talk about what had brought them to come here. Bette started asking the first question.

“So, haw far along are you, Tina?”

“5 months… and you?”

“4… What are you having?”

“I’m having a twin. A boy and a girl.” Tina beamed with pride and Bette couldn’t help the smile appearing on her face. “And you?” Tina wanted to know.

“I’m having a daughter.” Bette was also looking very proud. “Have you thought about names?” Bette asked.

“No, not really. I love the name Seth or Seren for a boy, Paige, Whitney or Estella for a girl but there are tons of names and I still have about 4 months to decide. What do you have in mind for your baby girl?” Tina asked.

“I was thinking about Nayeli because it means ‘I love you’ in Mexican.” Bette told Tina.

“Are you Mexican?” Tina asked. Bette was darker than she was so it was possible. Bette chuckled.

“It wasn’t your turn to ask a question but I will answer. No, I’m not Mexican.” Now both women were chuckling. “Now, I have to ask two questions, let me think… Oh yeah, what’s your favorite color?” Bette asked.

“Red.” Was Tina’s simple answer.

They kept asking each other questions until it was time to eat. In the dining room was packed with women, off course, and some small children who had obviously come with their pregnant Mom. Bette had made a few friends in the shelter, Alice and Shane. Alice was pregnant and Shane was a volunteer. Alice was probably the funniest and loudest person Tina had ever met but the crazy lady was sweet and she felt immediately welcome. Shane was very charming and laid back. She liked Shane instantly.

After dinner, Bette and Tina watched some T.V. and at 10.30PM, the two ladies went to sleep. Tina and Bette could feel a friendship developing.

——