“Bette” she said in a soft voice that reflected her surprise.

Looking up to meet the hazel eyes of the only woman she had ever loved she exhaled a long breath before she spoke.

“Hello Tina.”

“Bette what are you doing here?”

“Just doing a little research.”

Her eyes wondered over the child who held Tina’s hand quietly at her side.

She rapidly compared the similarities between herself and the child who had now begun to tug on Tina’s hand impatient to reach their destination without anymore delays.

“Bette that’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“Tina the job in Texas just did not work out so now I am currently applying for some positions in Denver.”

“But why are you here Bette? I mean in North Carolina, you have to admit it is a long way from Texas.”

“The short version Tee is… I really don’t know. It’s not like this town holds many pleasant memories for me. You know with the hospitalization and all.”

“Who is your friend with you today Tee?” Bette only asks wanting to change the topic of the conversation although she knew Tina’s answer would cut her fragile heart a little deeper.

Looking down at the child as if she suddenly realized she was there Tina said with pride in her voice.

“This is my daughter Angelica.”

“She is a very pretty little girl and I am sure you are a wonderful mom. I always knew you would be Tee. Well my stomach is telling me it is way past lunch time. It was really good to see you again Tee. Nice meeting you Angelica you are very beautiful. Bye Tee.”

She got up and pushed her chair in and started to walk away.

“Bette, wait a minute.”

Bette stopped and turned around.

“Bette if you don’t have dinner plans tonight why don’t you come by the house this evening say around 7. I will give you the address.”

“Thank you Tee, but really I am fine. I’m still clean if that’s what your wondering.”

“No Bette…I just thought you could use a friend and a meal. Please Bette…share no more than what you are comfortable with.”

“O k”

Tina pulled out a piece of paper and quickly wrote down her address.

“Here you go…I will expect you tonight at 7  have a good afternoon Bette. Bye.”

“See you tonight Tee.”

Turning on her heel she quickly exited the library and headed to her car.

Later that evening as she pulled to a stop along the curb in front of the house she glanced in the mirror one last time at her appearance. This Bette was certainly a far cry from the one Tina remembered…no longer did she dress in $800.00 suits just to impress…hell if she was honest she did good to afford one from Kmart.

Well no more putting it off…suck it up Porter it is what it is…a dinner between old friends. Getting her move on she exited the car and headed up the walk way to the front door.