I was about to get a crash course in Evan-Marie, 101.

Tina, this is my daughter Evan-Marie. But she only likes to be called Evan, Bette introduced holding Evan by the shoulders in front of her.
Hi, Evan smiled.

The same infectious smile as her mother. In fact more than her smile was the same. The curly brown mane, the big childlike chocolate eyes and the charm. Evan was a heartbreaker.

Hi Evan, my name is Tina
Can you help me with something? she asked tilting her head to the side.
Uh, sure.

She took my hand and pulled me behind her.

You stay here, she said to Bette stopping her mother from following behind us.

I trailed behind the little girl until we reached her closed bedroom door. She stopped and tugged my hand. She motioned with her finger to come closer.

You have to promise not to tell my mother.
I dont know, sweetie. I cant did something happen?

She looked behind me to make sure Bette wasnt listening.

II broke mommys pen, she whispered.
Sweetie, Im sure your mother wont be angry.
Uh-huh.
Well let me see what I can do?

The pen in question was an antique broach. Not a family heirloom but something Bette had found in a second hand store in college. And Evan was right Bette was angry.

Evan, how many times have I told you to stay out of my jewelry box? Bette yelled.
Bette, calm down. Shes just a little girl, I said wrapping my arm behind myself.

I was holding onto a cowering Evan. I could see the steam blowing out of her ears.

A little girl knows that my jewelry is of limits.

I turned around to face Evan and told her to go to her room.

I want to talk to you mother.

She wasted no time running down the hall.

Bette, you need to calm down. Shes just a little girl who wants to be like her mother. Her beautiful, level headed mother. She may know that it was wrong but Evan was caught up in the moment. Im sure she is peeing in her pants terrified of her mothers wrath. You need to apologize to her for becoming so angry, I instructed.

The look in Bettes eyes told me that she was thinking.

No thinking, Bette. Go. Do.
Okay, she sighed.

I watched Bette walk to her daughters bedroom door and go in. In the mean time I relaxed on the couch looking at a picture of Bette holding Evan in her arms.

Beautiful I thought.

Minutes later, with my eyes closed, I could feel her walk up beside me.

Hey.
Hey, I replied opening my eyes.
Feeling a little tired? she asked sitting next to me.
Yeah, I sighed.

Silence. She brought my hand to her lips.

I want to thank you for making me do that. She was scared. But I did apologize, we hugged and now shes waiting for you to tuck her in.
Me?
You, she smiled.
Uh, okay.

I sat up and slowly climbed off the couch.

Tina, she said stopping me.
Yeah,
Youre going to be a good mother to her.

I smiled at the words, thankful that she believed in me.

Thank you, I whispered.
Youre welcome.