Samantha:  “Cool”

She said that in almost a whisper when the mother walked back in.

Mother:  “Sam that’s your father on the phone he’s going to be late but he needs to ask you something about graduation.”

After Samantha finished on the phone she listened from the top of the stairs as Bette and her mother spoke.  Bette told her mother about her work, Jenny and Shane and Angelica.  When Bette left Samantha went to her room and watched her as she crossed the street. 

A few days later Bette was outside watering the lawn.  There had been a bit of a drought during the summer months in California.  Samantha was with a group of friends and was dropped off in front of her house.  As Samantha walked up the driveway she heard Bette behind her.

Bette:  “Hey Sam”

Samantha almost tripped as she turned and saw Bette.

Samantha:  “HeyBette.  What’s up?”

Samantha laughed uncomfortably.

Samantha:  “Well I’ll catch you later Bette.”

Bette remembered she had a date that evening with the girls but Angelica would be over. 

Bette:  “oh hey Sam.”

Samantha turned again.

Bette:  “Do you think you could baby sit for my daughter tonight.  She’s 3.  I know its short notice so if you cant I understand.”

Samantha felt nervous about being in Bette’s house.

Samantha:  “UmSure.  What time?”

Bette:  “Round 7?”

Samantha:  “Yeah ok.  See you later.”

Samantha turned and walked into the house with a new pep in her step.  She told her mother she would be baby sitting and ran up stairs.  It was only 2 in the afternoon but Samantha began picking out an outfit to wear that evening.  She wondered what kind of outfit Bette would like.  At 6:55 Samantha was at Bette’s door.

Bette:  “Hey you’re right on time. Come in”

Bette walked her into Angelica room.  Angelica was already in bed.

Bette:   “Angelica this Samantha she’s going to stay with you tonight while mommies out ok?  Ok.  Night night.”

They walked out the room.

Bette:  “She should fall asleep soon with no problems.  You may want to check in on her in a couple hours but besides that, that’s all.  There’s sodas and beers in the fridge but don’t get too drunk” Bette said with a laugh.  “There’s cookies and pop corn on the counter.  TV and DVD player here in the living room.  I guess that’s it.”