I watch her get up from the table, put her plate in the sink, and walk around the table where she was now standing behind me. She leans down and whispers in my ear.

”Now I see why you were always so crabby. One or two must have made their way in unnoticed and claimed squatter’s rights on your coochie land…..Bettenezer” She says laughing as she walked out of the kitchen.

”Fucking Secret Santa..’Secret’ my ass” I mumble as my frown slowly becomes a smile thinking how good it felt to talk and laugh with Tina like we just did.

I get up from the table and put my dish in the sink with the others and head to my bedroom to grab my warm coat. I know Tina and I still have some major things to discuss tonight but it seems we have broken the ice. And it only took talking about coochie chasing hermit crabs to do it.

Tina:

I am smiling right now as I walk outside with Angie. After laughing more than I have laughed in the last five years I feel renewed. It’s ironic that the person who caused so much pain for me five years ago could bring a smile on my face and laughter back in my life. Of course Angie has always brought me smiles and laughter but it is the kind a mother has for her daughter.

I think that Bette and I can really talk things out rationally and calmly this time. We have both changed in the last five years. I know I have and I know Bette has but I sense a sadness from her that is no doubt because of me. I really am glad she is here. I missed her. All of her. And when I whispered in her ear and caught a whiff of her perfume and familiar scent it took all had not to turn her face to mine and plant a passionate kiss on her lips.

I got so lost in thinking about Bette I didn’t hear her walk up behind me as I was helping Angie build the bottom layer of the snowman.

”That looks like a lopsided breast” Bette says as I jump and turn to look up at her as she kneels down in the snow between me and Angie.