Tina chuckled, smelling like sex but too lazy to care. It felt nice to smell like sex sometimes. “Hey … we really have to find out more about this Ralph guy.”

“Tall, lanky, nerdy, and socially awkward. I don’t think we have a hell of a lot to worry about.”

“What?” Tina laughed, “How do you know all this?”

“I uh … just happened by the school when her lunch let out.”

Tina grinned, “Oh, your super important meeting the other day? … I see. Good to know you’re spending your time wisely.”

“I am. I know that he’s strange now, but also that he’s really kind of sweet. You can tell by the way that he spends time with her. They look kind of like friends, but there’s something there … not sure what to make of it. It’s kind of cute, actually.”

“God, I hope he’s really awkward,” Tina whispered back, “Like … so awkward she just realizes that all that kissing and everything is disgusting.”

Bette held her tight. “You don’t really want her to think that, do you?”

“No … I know. But it hurts, to think of anyone … ughh. I don’t wanna think about her being interested in anyone, because she’s growing up too fast, Bette.” She was quickly becoming defensive.

“T, I know. Don’t you think I know that?” Bette started, not even fazed by the after-sex conflict. They’d been together long enough to know that it happened every now and then. “If I even had the slightest inkling that he’s even thought of doing anything … Trust me. I would have spoke with him.”

Tina laughed, “Is that supposed to make me feel better? You killing him? Is that really a healthier train of thought?”

Bette laughed, too. “Well, it makes me feel better.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

“He’s harmless,” Bette insisted, while gently tracing her fingers over Tina’s arm.

“And the others … What if there are others? You know. Like, if she gets any older, and there are any other boys. And what if they’re awful.”

Bette thought for a moment. “I don’t think Angelica would tolerate any of that.”

“Hormones.”

It was difficult not to laugh at Tina’s obvious concerns, but the insistence was humorous. “I know, T. I just think that she wouldn’t do anything crazy, and that we need to trust her like we always have. She needs it and you know she deserves it.”