Bette looked from the child to Tina unsure of how to respond.

Seeing her unease Tina spoke up, “Bette we would love it if you would join us. Angelica and I go there once a month to see the new exhibits.”

Staring down into her coffee mug she said, “You sure…I would not want to intrude on your day and besides I have things I really should take care of.”

“Bette we wouldn’t have invited you along if the both of us did not want your company. Please Bette come with us. We will make sure you enjoy it and if I remember you really use to love going to museums. I am sure however, that the small one they have here is nothing compared to some that you have visited in your travels.”

Bette looked up at Tina and spoke in a voice so soft she almost didn’t hear her. “Tina I have not visited a museum or gallery in over five years.” Picking up her mug she moved across the floor toward the coffee pot and said over her shoulder, “but I would love to go with you and Angelica today. Thank you for inviting me.”

Realizing this would give her more time to gather her courage to share her secret with Bette and talk to her about the scars she had seen earlier this morning Tina was glad Bette accepted their invitation.

Later that afternoon after Tina had dropped Angelica off at Kara’s house for their planned sleepover she knew this was the perfect time to talk to Bette.

“Bette would you like to stop and get a bite of lunch before it gets to late? I am kind of hungry…breakfast was hours ago and there is something I would like to talk to you about.”

“Anywhere is fine Tina…Thank you again for letting me spend the day with you and your daughter.” After a few moments of silence in the car Bette continued. “Tina can I ask you something?”

“Sure Bette…go ahead.”

“Tina where is your husband and Angelica’s father? I don’t mean to pry…you don’t have to answer me if you are not comfortable.”

Tina knew this was the time to tell Bette but she wanted to wait until they were around other people. She was not sure of what Bette’s reaction would be to her news. After a moment of thought she said, “Well Bette that is part of what I wanted to talk to you about but how about we wait until our lunch is served…if that’s ok with you. I will answer all your questions then…ok.”