Bette felt refreshed the next day holding the love of her life in her arms all throughout the night gave her the boost she needed.  She took a leave of absence from work in order to take care of her ailing father.  Franklin was not happy about this, but she could care less about what he or anyone else thought with the exception of Tina and maybe Kit.  She and Kit tried to calm down an angry Melvin as he rejected help from the nurse who was only doing what she was hired to do.

“I don’t want this woman near me.”

“Daddy she is here to help you”

“You and Bette will do just fine”

“You need a professional in your.”

“Then you should have left me in the hospital.  Why bring me here and take a leave of absence from work if you can’t take care of me yourselves?”

“I wasn’t going to leave you in the hospital Daddy”

“If you can’t stomach taking care of your dying father Bette, how will you do in taking care of your daughter?”

     The remark was bitter sweet and left Bette standing looking at her father as he got up on his own using whatever strength he could muster.  Her father had just acknowledged her becoming a mother.  She told the nurse that her services were no longer required and that she would look after her father.  Bette bathed, fed and read old slave narratives to her father for the next two days.  On the second day, Melvin Porter passed away. 

     The chapel was filled with friends and relatives of Melvin Porter.  Kit’s son, David, drove from San Diego to say farewell to the man who raised him.  All of their friends were there as well, and Tina stood by Bette the whole time watching as she greeted everyone who knew and loved her father.  She whispered to Bette that she needed some fresh air and would be outside if she needed her.  Bette looked concerned and asked if she was okay to which she reassuringly replied and told her she would be right back.  Bette wanted to follow her out but knew she was needed inside so she reluctantly let her go alone but told her she would be out to find her once was free.