Shane smiles and tries to remember at what age she stopped counting half birthdays. “Man, I used to get so bummed that half birthday’s weren’t celebrated. I always thought that was so unfair.”

“It’s totally unfair! You should at least get half a cake or something.”

Shane laughs.

Before they can continue on with their conversation Tina enters the room ready to start the movie.

As Tina’s talking about the movie she’s selected Shane leans in toward Bianca. “Is it cool if I sit with you?”

Bianca just looks at her and nods her head. Shane smiles and leans back in her chair covering her mouth to mask her smile.

After the movie Tina splits all the kids into groups and assigns them each a dinner dish to prepare. Shane oversees the making of the salad and it’s dressing. She can’t help but be impressed by what Tina’s doing here. Without the kids realizing it they are learning to make a balanced meal and have fun doing it. Salad, pasta, sauce, fresh bread and a fruit salad for dessert and all being made by the kids.

At the end of the night some of the kids are driven home by staff members while others get picked up by parents. Before Bianca catches her ride home Shane finds her to say goodnight.

“You taking off?” Shane says as Bianca stuffs her book in her backpack.

“Yeah, Miss Viv is giving me a ride home.”

“Cool. Hey, I wanted to say thanks for hanging out with me earlier. I don’t know how often I can come on Fridays because of work, but I am going to try my best. So maybe we could hang out again.” Shane says smiling at Bianca.

“Ok.” Bianca says putting her backpack over her shoulder.

“Ok.” Shane says.

Bianca smiles big before hurrying off to catch her ride.

Tina walks by Shane having just witnessed her interaction with Bianca. As she passes by she puts her hand on Shane’s back and gives her a smile. Shane just grins back.

***

“I am so happy that your business is taking off.” Ruthie says wiping her mouth on her napkin.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and patience but it’s all finally paying off.” Harper says with pride.