“Bette seems to have spun her web particularly well this time….Just remember Tina, leopards never change their spots. I should know." It had been spoken so softly and venomously that it had penetrated her guard instantly.

It had only been seconds after Kate’s retreat and she had still been shaking from fury and something else so subtle that Bette had called about Angelica and the bee sting. She felt like a weak and emotional mess when Bette had called and it had been so easy to fall into old patterns for her–for Bette to be the one to be strong and to ‘fix’ everything.

Now sitting in the car Tina’s thoughts raged as she continued to wipe the tears of frustration and fear from her eyes. She had tried so hard to ignore Kate’s words but with every attempt the insinuation had gathered steam. Finally she had decided to face them; despite the last week and a half and how much it had felt like a dream come true her thoughts haunted her How the hell am I supposed to do this? Can I do this again? What do I really know about this Monique woman? By the time she reached the driveway the internal chaos her thoughts had created subsided some and had ordered themselves somewhat. Tina checked the mirror under the visor to make sure that the evidence of her tears was not immediately evident. Satisfied that she looked together enough she turned off the ignition gathered her things and headed toward the door to home.

**Inside the House– 5:35 pm *

By the time Tina arrived Bette’s frustration level had reached critical mass and she barely registered her entry as she was once again trying to contact Monique. She had put Angelica in her play area where the little girl sat happily; giggling as she listened to an interactive learning tape narrated by Bob the Bee.

As Tina walked through the door all of the work of the last few minutes as she drove home evaporated as she walked into an all too familiar environment charged by restless aggression. As Angelica sat in her play area listening to Bob the Bee and playing with her toys Bette stood with her back semi turned to the door and living room talking on her cell phone. Tina could not make out the words but she knew all too well the tone. See she hasn’t changed at all. She’s just lured you back again for more pain laughed Kate’s voice in her mind.