Well . . . I.

You cant keep running away Tina, you have to face your fears.

Face your fears. Said Ellie. You sound like our counsellor at school, she makes me want to barf. Ellie grinned all over her face. Her curly hair looked like it could carry her off. She dug her hands in to her jeans pockets

I thought I told you to leave? Helena said to Ellie.

She checked her watch, she was not in the least bit afraid of Helena, her attempts at being stern with her always seemed a little ridiculous to Ellie.

Why? She said cheerfully. School doesnt start for ages yet.

Jesus. Tina. I wish you would make your mind up, you wanted to come back to LA, you said you were bored with New York, you said it was too cold in the winter and you missed the sunshine in California. What the ***** is going on with you Tina? Helena said in a strained voice.

I dont know. Tina whispered.

Look, what is going on? Said Helena.

Tina leant against the mirror.

I think I should go. Ellie backed out of the room.

Maybe you just dont want to be disappointed, maybe your afraid if you see her after all this time shell just disappoint you. Helena said softly.

Tina grinned. Youre so romantic Helena, you think your not, but you are so romantic. She said, passing by Helena and going back to the bedroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that day after Tina had picked Ellie up from school and called at the Mall to do their weekly shop, they unpacked the groceries together.

The next, door neighbour Jane approached Tina and Ellie as they stood behind the Jag, unpacking the shopping.

Hello Jane, weve been shopping. Said Ellie.

So I see. Said Jane, as if trying to remember what shopping was. She smiled heartily at Ellie.

We went to the mall it was fantastic. Ellie said, slipping her arm through her mothers.

Good. How enjoyable. Jane replied.

I used to hate shopping, didnt I mom? But I dont now, I like it. Said Ellie. Boy . . . but Im hot. She wandered off towards the house.

Jane watched Ellie closely. Adults were often, mesmerized by Ellie, because of her radiance, and her zest for life and her utter sense of excitement. Children tended to find Ellie odd.

Mom. Ellie called. Shall I put this lot in the freezer?

Jane smiled at Tina and walked away.

They brought the rest of the food inside, and Ellie put them away making sure diligently, everything was in the right place. Ellie was in fact one of the most untidiest people imaginable and hardly ever put anything where it should be, mainly because she was far too interested in everything to decide that her interest had ended.

Where would you like me to put the carrots? Ellie asked.

In the fridge Ellie please, thank you.

The fridge isnt even full. Said Ellie.

It leaks. Laughed Tina.

Ellie frowned, wondering what that had to do with the fridge not being full.

It leaks? Oh well. Ellie spun round. She had no time for anything depressing. I think Ill just go outside. And she strode importantly off.

Tina watched her, shook her head, and chuckled under her breath, thinking what a drama queen she had for a daughter.

They had a game of chess when Ellie came in from the yard.

Mom. Said Ellie, as Tina moved her knight. What happened between you and Bette?

That was years ago. Check. Said Tina, avoiding, looking, at Ellie.

Mom, why do I look so much like Bette Porter?

Ellie asked Tina, moving her Bishop and staring up at her mother.

Check mate.

Mom?

TBC>>>>>>>>>>