Scotch was her drink of choice now. Maybe it was because Bette had drunk it for so many years and yes, it had been an acquired taste. A drink she had developed a taste for after Angelica stopped breast feeding to make the nights less lonely and long.

At eight p.m. the phone rang Tina knew without even looking at the caller I.D. that it was Kit calling.

“Hello Kit”

“Hey Tina so how did it go at work today? Did Bette get in?”

“Yes Kit but there is a few problems. Kit I am not suppose to be talking to you about this I could loose my license if it were ever found out.”

“I understand Tina but please tell me that you will be able to bring Bette back to me. It has been so long since I have enjoyed the company of the true Bette Porter.”

“Ok Kit but promise me.”

“I promise…not a word to anyone.”

“I am still the lead doctor in her case. If she refuses treatment she goes to jail to serve the 5 year sentence.”

“Oh Tina, did you not tell them about your past relationship?”

“Yes, Kit I did but the board insisted I lead the case however, a colleague will review all treatment recommendations.”

“Oh Lord Tina I don’t know if Bette will cooperate.”

“Kit there is one more thing I have to tell you this is going to come as a shock. Kit I have a child…her name is Angelica.”

“Tina I am so happy for you. I always knew you would make a good mother. I am so thankful you found love again with someone else.”

“Thanks Kit…she is the light of my life…Kit…I was pregnant when I left Bette. Bette was to be her other mom.”

“What! Did you just say…? Let me make sure I heard you right. Bette is a mom and she does not know it?”

“Tina even if Bette eliminates all her past reasons to drink and do drugs finding out about Angelica after 6 years will kill her Tina. The guilt will eat her up inside and cause her to start using again.”

“Tina I can’t believe you kept this hid from her hell from all of us this whole time. If you had told her right after you left she might not have felt so alone and like such a failure that she begin to drink and do drugs.”

Tina’s anger started to rise.

“You listen to me Kit Porter. Bette was the one who cheated on me. I had planned on telling her the night I found out about the affair but my whole world collapsed too. At least she had you and her friends I on the other hand had no one. Yet, I did not turn to alcohol and drugs. You know everyone always thought Bette was the strong one in our relationship but I have a news flash for you…inside she was always scared and insecure. It was me that helped her keep those fears hidden from everyone. Don’t blame this on me.”

“You are right Tina. I am sorry. I am just worried about how Bette will react when she finds out.”

“Kit it depends on Bette’s treatment progress if I tell her about Angelica.  And remember your promise to me when we started this conversation.”

“What are you saying Tina?”

“I am saying if I don’t think she is mentally healthy enough to handle it I will not tell her. In other words she will never know she is a parent!”

“Oh Tina…Bette will hate both of us if she ever found out we did not tell her. Kit I understand how you feel but I’m sure she still hates me for leaving so it doesn’t matter. As for you forever is a long time Kit and you are her only living relative she will eventually come around. Time heals all wounds Kit.”

“I hope so Tina…I sure hope so. Tina I got to go I have to do payroll tonight and it’s getting late. Take care Tina…Bye”

“Bye Kit”

Tina hung up the phone feeling sadder than she had in a long time. Going into Angie’s bedroom and lying down with her to seek a little comfort.