“Hey cutie” I say placing my hand on her head

“Momma said we are going to your game.  I love playing basketball” she says releasing me and looking at my uniform “I want to wear one just like you.  My Momma is teaching me how to play”

Oh God.  The last thing I need is to know Bette will be in the stands watching me.

“Oh that’s great!  I’m glad you want to come watch me play” I say looking over at my Mom and Bette

“I mentioned to Bette you play basketball and that you are one of the top 3 recruits in the state”

“Yes.  That’s really impressive Tina.  I played college ball at Columbia.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear you play too..I hope you don’t mind Maddie and me tagging along as we really wanted to watch you play” Bette says sincerely and of course that just melted my heart

“Uh..Yes definitely” I reply noticing Melissa wasn’t with them…”Where’s Melissa?” I ask

Bette smiles “She got put on nights at the hospital this week so she won’t be able to come”

“Oh well.  I’m sorry she won’t be able to come.  Maybe she can make another game though” and I can’t believe I said that.  Maybe I can be ok with this.

“I already gave her the schedule.  We better get going” My Mom added as we headed out to my Moms car.  Thankfully Maddie sat in the back seat with me.

Mom and Bette carried on conversation as we pulled out of the driveway and I couldn’t help but wonder how much do they talk because they really seem close.  I wasn’t aware or I hadn’t paid attention. I mean I’m at school during the day and evenings and nights are filled with basketball practice and scrimmages and on the weekends I’m hanging out with Skylar so I’m hardly home.  Honestly though, I try to look for things to keep from being home.

“How old are you?” Maddie asks taking me out of my thoughts and I want to reach over and kiss her for distracting me from staring a hole in the back of her Momma’s head

“I’m 17..How old are you?”

“I’m 6” she says matter of factly.  “My Momma is 33 and Mommy is 32”