“Baby I couldn’t resist. How was your flight?”

“Long Tina it’s great to see you.”

“Well then weary traveler lets get you home so you can rest up before the big dinner tomorrow night.”

“That sounds wonderful T. Thanks for inviting me…I was not looking forward to spending the holiday alone. You always did know how to really really celebrate Christmas.”

As they drove away from the airport the silence between the two of them was comfortable. Each enjoying the nearness of the other in quiet solitude.

When they entered the front door Tina was greeted by a loud “Mommy, Mommy… You’re home!”  Two small legs ran toward her with arms out stretched for a hug. Scooping her up and placing kisses over her face Tina said, “Angelica you remember my friend Bette? She is going to spend Christmas with us. Can you say hello to her too?”

“Hello Bette, Merry Christmas”, said Angelica as she suddenly became shy drawing herself closer to Tina’s body.

“Hello Angelica, I’m sure you have been a very good girl this year and Santa will be bringing you lots of presents.”

“Yes, I have been a good girl…but mommy said Santa would only bring me two presents this year because he had to have some to give to other children too.”

“That’s right Angelica…mommy knows Santa very well but you know you might get a present from me and some of your mommy’s other friends.”

“Oh I know Aunt Rachel will get me a present she does every year and she gets me one for my birthday too!”

“Aunt Rachel must love you very much you are a very lucky little girl.” Bette said, as tears sprang to her eyes.

“Angelica” said Tina setting her down “let’s show Bette where to put her things away.”

Later that evening as Bette and Tina relaxed with a cup of tea they talked well into the night. Bette’s body finally gave in to its exhaustion and she admitted that they should call it a night. Bette insisted on sleeping on the couch although, Tina did everything in her power to persuade her to sleep in her bed. Bette explained that it wasn’t that she didn’t want to she was concerned about how Angelica would react…not really knowing Bette very well.