Bette, I trust you will keep up your strong academic performance and let me know if there is anything you need. He said.

Bette smiled and nodded. Yes, Daddy. I wont let you down. I promise.

Melvin pulled her into an embrace and said, Thats my girl. Ill leave you to it. He turned to Tina and shook her hand again. Good luck to you, Ms. Kennard.

Tina nodded and said Thanks. I appreciate that.

With that, Melvin Porter was gone and Bette stood in the doorway, watching him leave and not moving until he was out of sight. When she was sure the coast was clear, she closed the door and turned the lock.

Bette leaned against the door and sighed heavily, Thank God thats over with.

Tina smiled, unsure of what to say. Bette placed her hands on her hips and brought her dark brown eyes to meet Tinas gaze. That man is going to drive me crazy.

Again, Tina just smiled. She sat there, noticing just how beautiful her new roommate was. Bette reached up and pulled some of her dark, unruly locks behind her ear and smiled at Tina. So, Tina are you gonna help me rearrange my side of the room?

What? I thought you just got all set up. Tina replied.

Bette shook her head slowly and said, No, Melvin Porter just got set up. Everything has to be his way. I have learned to just fall in line and change things when hes not looking. It saves me so much more time than arguing with him.

Youre a smart girl, Ms. Porter.

Bette took a slight bow, a goofy grin on her tan colored face, Yes, thank you. I do my best. Come on, lets get me situated. Then maybe we can get out of here and walk around campus or something. Is that okay with you?

Tina nodded, thinking that there was nothing else shed rather do.

Forty minutes later, Bette was re-hanging her reproduction of Munchs The Scream while Tina rearranged Bettes books on her bookcase. Theyd passed the time with small talk and light chatter. Tina stopped for a moment and looked at a framed picture of her and Mark on her side of the room. So Bette, do you have a boyfriend?, asked Tina.