Bette held a hand up to shield her eyes from the sun. Ill meet you out in fifteen minutes. She barely took a breath before answering. As she entered the house, she felt like a teenager. Her friends simply watched her grinning as she gathered her things and they shook their heads, wondering how this week would end for her.

Tina was outside waiting for Bette dressed in a bikini with a sarong covering her lower half. Bette had on a full piece suit with cut off sweat pant shorts and a wife beater. Bette noticed Tina had packed a picnic basket and she couldnt help but smile as she remembered so many times in the past when they headed out to the Pacific coast on days just like this, together.

Ready? Tina asked.

Only if you are.

I was born ready. Tina smiled and put her sunglasses on.

I think we both were. Bette laughed, following Tinas lead.

Ready and willing? Tina raised an eyebrow behind the tint of the shades.

Depends on the circumstances.

***

Bette laughed and looked at Shane.

Whats so funny? Shane asked.

I was just remembering that day. That whole week seems like a dream.

So tell me more. Why are you laughing? Shane couldnt hold back her curiosity.

We just had a good time. Bette shrugged.

Shane arched an eyebrow. More, please.

Do you want more tea or something?

Shaking her head, Shane said, This has got to be good if youre totally trying to change the subject!

Bette rolled her eyes and looked away.

I could go and wake Alice up and ask her to fill me in if youd like. Shane challenged Bette and shot her a wicked smile.

Why dont you wake Tina up while youre at it? Im sure shed have some intriguing insights. Bette dared Shane back.

Hmm… not a bad idea. Shane stood up and glanced at Bette over her shoulder. It might be nice to hear from both of you, side by side. She acted like she was going to head down the hallway.

Bette jumped up and grabbed her, pushing her back down on the couch, laughing. Dont you dare!

Shanes skinny frame struggled under Bettes grasp. Whats the matter? Afraid?

No. Bette said as she released Shane and sat up. Shane loved witnessing this playful side of Bette that rarely worked its way out. Its just not the kind of story you want us both here for.

That good, huh?

Depends on how you look at it.

Ive heard a lot of that this week. Shane said, taking in the true meaning of those words.

The good, bad and the ugly.

In that order?

Theres no order to life, is there? Bette smiled.

Depends on how you look at it. Shane grinned.

I think youre catching on.

Ive got a good teacher.

You might change your mind by the end of the night. Bette countered.

Let me be the judge of that. Shane replied. You just tell what you know and Ill let you know what I think in the end.

Like an evaluation? Bette laughed.

Exactly. But I need to finish the course first.

Deal, and Ill quiz you in the end too.

I have a feeling you can be one mean teacher. Shane said.

Depends on how you look at it. Bette sassed.