Coming up for air – part two

“I’m sorry…” Bette cried, trying to get off the couch to clean up the mess she’d made.
Kit knew all too well how Bette felt at that moment. Far too many mornings in Kit’s life had been spent exactly like this, in shame with a body reacting to the toxicity of the alcohol, a mind clouded partly in denial, partly in amnesia. Bette had cleaned up after her big sister on many occasions. Kit would never have guessed that she would be repaying the favor in this way.
“Stay where you are. I’ll handle it…” Kit said and went to the kitchen. Bette sat in apathy end let her sister take care of her.

Kit was down on all four trying to save the rug when Bette broke the silence.
“I’d like if you could help me remember, Kit… I’d like that very much,” she whispered.
Kit stopped rubbing and looked up at Bette.
“Ok, that’s what we’re gonna do then,” she smiled. Bette did her best to return the smile but she looked more like she was trying to swallow something unpleasant.

Fifteen minutes later Bette was soaking in a scalding hot bath while Kit tried to make the place look somewhat presentable. She turned up the stereo and let the sound of old school Chaka Khan fill the room. She knew Bette probably had the mother of all headaches but she didn’t care: It was Saturday morning, the sun was shining and a little music might remind Bette that the world was still standing and that she had every right to venture out into said world.

“God, I didn’t even know I still have that cd. I haven’t heard it in years… actually its Tina’s,” said Bette, leaning against the kitchen counter behind Kit who was trying to make the dishwasher work.
“Damn! You scared me… how does this thing work? Kit asked.
“Here, let me get that,” Bette said, while quickly getting the dishwasher started, “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you, Kit.
“It’s ok. Wow, you cleaned up nicely. You look almost human – skinny, but human. How’s your head?”
“I’m fine, Kit… it smells so different in here.”
“Mmmm, it’s called cleaning products, Bette – why doesn’t Sonya come by anymore? You could really need her help, you know,” Kit reprimanded.
Bette shrugged and left the kitchen.