———-Rachel——–

When I came into the kitchen it was half ten. I was dressed, as someone had put all my cases in my room while I slept. It was good to be in my own clothes again. I had hoped that maybe Andy would be there but Bette told me that she had bought the cases back after leaving Andy last night.

I felt so safe around them as they busied themselves tidying the kitchen. Tina had made me some coffee and asked if I wanted anything else. Every time she looked at me I saw and felt the innate kindness that radiated from inside of her and after yesterday I no longer saw pity. A little sadness maybe but no pity and I felt safe in her presence. Bette was different and it shocked me at how much she made me think of Andy. She was a strong force and moved in a proud manner but I would catch her looking at me checking my reactions making sure I felt at ease in the situation her fondness of people was more hidden but if it was there then you would feel it. It was strange I felt at home and yet home was in fact the other side of the country.

Tina and Bette asked me if I would mind spending the next few hours with the girls as they both had to work and I was more than happy they were amazing kids and I truly loved spending time with them. The laughter they bought outweighing the flashes of sadness that still came once in a while as strong as ever.

So we left as Tina and Bette made a show of getting ready for work. It struck me as odd when every thing else they did seemed so fluid and natural but let it go, it must be hard having a new guest in the house after all.

Just as we were headed out of the door Bette called after and invited me to the opening at her gallery and I tried to refuse but she insisted so when she said that Alice would take me shopping for a dress after I got back with the girls I thought I had better go, I certainly had nothing suitable with me. I wonder why none of this seemed strange but I was clueless that all of this was a show that had been choreographed by Bette and my wife the night before.