“Watch that tone or that phone of yours is mine,” Bette warned with an air of humor, although she’d become just as strict in such moments as Tina always had to be.

And while Angelica was annoyed, she sighed, and picked up her pizza again.

Tina looked at Bette as she ate, and then back to her daughter. “Hunny … could you spend less time on this … school campaign? I know there’s voting soon, but we’re worried about you.”

“At least you came out and said it,” Angelica mumbled, taking a few big bites of her food before coming out with a response. She often took time in answering anything – knowing that words could be her enemy if she let them. So she was patient, finally looking up to Tina. “I’ll try.”

“Do you promise me, hunny? Please.”

Bette watched the tension slowly dissolve as Angelica gave in to her mother’s genuine concern.

“Okay. Fine.”

“We can help with anything,” Tina offered, nodding over to Bette, who just shrugged and smiled, too.

“Yeah. Of course!”

Angelica laughed, “Still volunteering Bette for useless crap, I see?”

“Tone,” Bette reminded her, being more direct about it that time around.

Angelica laughed again, despite herself. “Sorry … It’s been … a rough week.”

“For us all,” Tina agreed, leaning in and squeezing her daughter in a big hug.

Angelica tolerated it for all the embarrassment she felt, actually respecting Bette more in such moments that she could appreciate how strong Bette was for her mother. As much as Angelica tried to fight her own struggles with teenage stereotypes, she found they tended to nag at her endlessly. But she knew Bette was right – she should watch the way she spoke to her mother. Now, if only she could help it. Was it her hormones? God, I hope not.

“We both love you so much,” Tina whispered, finally pulling back to try and pretend that she wasn’t as emotional as she felt. She picked at the bacon on her pizza, looking over to Bette for strength and support.

Even on the other couch, Bette was as close as always. “Me the most,” she teased, getting a smile from both of her girls that she truly enjoyed. They’d both been so tired and stressed lately.