And why was she comfortable? Bette was comfortable because Vaila never pressed her for anything..she seemed to wait for Bette to come to her. And she really liked that, Bette never used to hesitate like this. Vaila also actually opened up to her. Kirsten never did. But Vaila did…they didn’t tell their deepest secrets, that was for later. But they went as far as friends did. Bette knew that Vaila was scared of water because years ago when she was six she witnessed the drowning of her kitten out in the ocean. Vaila had been too small to know that letting the kitty swim was a no-no. Ever since then even the sight of swimming pools made her sick and sad. Bette also knew that Vaila loved the season of autumn because the leaves sounded like cornflakes. That Vaila had once lied to her parents about a high school field trip so she and her friends could smoke pot and get drunk at a Burning Spear concert. And that her childhood was scarred by her mother’s addiction to alcohol…but blessed by her father’s kindness.

 In return, Bette opened up about the mundane and important things in her life. Things like how Angelica was the most difficult person she had ever dealt with. But was also the only person to literally make Bette’s heart burst with love. That Fleur had somehow filled a missing part of herself. How spring was HER favorite season because the smell of rain made her feel good. That Bette’s childhood was scarred by the abandonment of her mother…but blessed by the silent affection of her father.

 After dropping Vaila off bette turned into her driveway, they had not kissed but hugged upon coming back from the mall. Bette could feel her lips throbbing with memory. She laughed to herself….never had their been a slower courtship than theirs. Bette also noticed she had been content to let it be that way.

 Angelica sat at the kitchen table. That seemed to be what people did in this house. Fleur was at school, her kidergarten was going well. She turned five only three days before. THere had been a big party and shane had come…and Kit too. Nobody knew about the rest of the gang. It was sad really how they fell apart. Angie guessed it showed where the strong friendships were. Talking to shane was difficult. never before had Angie felt so ashamed of herself.

 Bette came in and Angelica looked up…for a minute they were complete strangers. And Angie saw Bette as only a stranger could. The clothes were getting a big baggy because of Bette’s weight loss and the bags under her eyes were larger…but Bette was beautiful. Because she was hopelessy in love. Angie could see that clearly…so it was even more painful to tell her the news. After Bete greeted her Angie said quietly….”I have something to tell you…it’s not good”…Bette’s face fell and setted back into stone, she sat down opposite Angie.

 ”Mom’s…..the flowers where mom’s ashes were spread, well…..they demolished that entire area for construction”