”You’ve never had a corn dog?” Tina asked looking at Bette in shock as they walked up to the counter. ”Yes two corn dogs please”

”Tina I shouldn’t be eating that. I’m not allowed to eat junk food” Bette said seriously

”What can you do Bette?” Tina asked as she handed a corn dog to Bette ”Here take a bite. I promise it won’t kill you. I’ve eaten a million of these and I’m still here”

”Ok” Bette said timidly taking a small bite of the corn dog ”Mmmmm. This is good. Yum”

Tina smiled while taking a bite of hers. ”See I told you it wouldn’t kill you but really what can you do. How old are you?”

”I’m 10” Bette replied

”Me too” Tina answered. ”I was born July 5, 1964”

”I was born April 14, 1964” Bette responded inhaling the corn dog causing Tina to laugh

”Slow down Bette. Didn’t your parents teach you to chew your food before you swallow. You have a lot to learn I see” Tina chuckled.

”I’m sorry. It’s just that this is the best thing I have ever tasted. Thank you. I know I must seem boring to you. It’s just that my father won’t let me do a lot of activities outside of school or my piano lessons. We moved here from Pittsburgh a few months ago. My mom got a job at a museum and my father has an investment company” Bette explained as she finished her corn dog and threw the stick in the trash.

”Your father sounds strict. I’m lucky my parents let me have fun. I mean as long as I keep my grades up they let me do things I want to do. I can’t let my grades go bad anyway with my mom being the Headmaster at school. My dad works at my grandfather’s company Kennard Energy. They put up all these light poles around New York. We are going to take a field trip there for Science class next week. I’m glad you are in my class and will get to go”

Bette smiled as she and Tina made their way to the games and spotted Tammy and Elaine at a booth.

”Uhmm Tina? There are your friends over there. If you want to go over there you can. I’ll wait here”

Tina turned and looked at her friends then back again. ”No. I’m having fun with you. I’ll talk to them later. Let’s go ride one ride before we have to go back. We only have thirty minutes left”

”Ok” Bette replied following Tina to the Tilt a Whirl.

”You said you take piano lessons. So do I. Every Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at Ms. Elise’s Studio on Macon Lane. She’s the best piano teacher in New York” Tina said hearing Bette gasp.

”I take lessons there also except I go Monday’s and Wednesday’s at 3:00pm. I started there two months ago. I have a recital coming up next month”

”Me too. On the 18th” Tina replied.

”Tina that’s the same as mine. Ms. Elise told me I would be giving my recital after another person. How weird is that?”

”Bette? Stop stealing my lines. Now let’s get on this ride before we have to get back for science class”

”I’m glad you asked me to come. I am having fun” Bette said as they got seated on the ride.

”Good. You stick with me and we will have nothing but fun” Tina replied as the ride started and both began laughing while turning the wheel on the ride spinning them around.

TBC