Kit was furious! She ran outside to the car hoping that Ivan was in it, but he wasnt. He couldnt have gone far, Kit said to herself as she tried to decide which way to walk. Bette ran up along side of her.

Did you find her? Bette asked Kit who was seething with anger and frustration.

No! Maybe he went for a walk? Or at least I hope he did. Im gonna go look for him, Kit huffed, rolling her eyes at Bette.

Does she have a cell phone?

Uh, yeah! Kit replied indignantly.

Then call before you go roaming the streets, Bette replied trying not to sound as nasty as Kit did. Im sure she didnt go too far, Bette walked away giving Kit a little privacy as she dialed and waited.

“Hey!” Kit said softly. “Hey, what happened to you? Why’d you leave?” Kit knew it was a stupid question, but she asked anyway. “I know hun, but I’m cool. She’s just being Bette, Melvin’s clone,” Kit was pacing back and forth in the driveway and wasn’t aware that Bette heard her comment. “Can you wait where you are and I’ll come and pick you up? Okay, see you soon.” Kit hung up and headed back inside to get her purse and saw Bette was sitting on the couch fuming. “What’s that face for?” Kit asked only half-interested.

“How dare you talk about me to Ivan the way you did?” Bette blasted Kit.

Kit brushed Bette off and began walking out the door not wanting to get into another argument with her.

Dont ignore me Kit, you know what you said, Bette continued.

The truth. I said the truth Bette and if it wasnt you wouldnt be arguing over it. Truth hurts. Isnt that what they say?

Bette opened her mouth, but the words wouldnt come out. It was true and she hated Kit for making it a reality by pointing out yet again. Get out! Just get out! Find your own way Kit, Bette curled up on the couch and closed her eyes.

Kit left. She drove to the convenience store where Ivan was patiently waiting for her. She wiped away the tears that slipped from her eyes as she drove not wanting Ivan to see her that way. She wanted him to see her with the strength and resolve she had to stand up to Bette.

Hey man! Kit cooed, as Ivan opened the door to get in. Actually, you should drive, Id feel more comfortable, Kit got out and walked to the passenger side. Ivan stopped and held her tight, knowing she needed some comfort.

Are you sure youre okay Kit? Ivan whispered in her ear. I mean for real, Kit eased backward.

Lets go get some coffee. Ill feel better when I get some java in me, Kit babbled.

Ivan drove kit to a nearby eatery where they idly chatted over coffee. Kit was reluctant at first because she didnt want Ivans feelings hurt any more than they probably already were, but she knew she couldnt hold her feelings inside so she prepared herself to talk.

Did she hurt you hun, Kit reached for Ivans hand.

Ivan squeezed Kits hand. Yes, a little, Ivan admitted. I didnt like what she said about either of us. She made it sound like Id been preying on you somehow, Ivan sipped his coffee.

What am I doing thats so wrong is what I wanna know? Kit questioned. Shes acting like Im sixteen or something.

Shes worried about you, Kit gave Ivan an odd look. She is Kit. I have to admit Id be a little worried too if I were her,

Whaddya mean?

I mean she thinks Im luring you into a relationship youre not prepared for and youre in denial about who I am. Shes been a ***** for years and, But she wasnt always a *****, Kit jumped in. That may be true Kit, but she is now and has been for a long time. That gives her some authority on the subject, Ivan finished his coffee and beckoned the waitress for a refill.

Fine! Kit conceded reluctantly. But does that give her the right to judge you? Or even me?

Of course not sweetie. She has no right to judge anyone, but youre her sister and in her eyes shes just looking out for you, Ivan rubbed Kits hand.

Kit stared off into the night. She watched the people scurrying too and fro and wondered what their lives were like. She tired to project herself back into the happy place shed been in up until she decided to go see Bette. She hated herself for opening up and letting Bette share her world. How could I have been so stupid? Kit thought. Shes just like daddy and he wouldnt approve either. *****, he barely approved of her being with Tina, so why cant she see that Im happy and just let me be? she continued her internal tirade.

Kit? Ivan broke Kits thoughts.

Huh? Oh, Im sorry, I didnt mean to get all distant on you, Kit sipped on her very cold coffee and made a face at it.

Wanna share your thoughts?

Not really. Im just so pissed and hurt cause all I wanted was for her to be happy for me. I just wanted to share something special with my sister and all she could do was ***** on my happiness, tears filled Kits sad eyes and Ivans heart began to break for her.

Kit, maybe we should back off for a while,

No ***** way man! Kit pounded the table. Why should I have to give you up cause it doesnt make Bette happy? She didnt give up Tina when daddy didnt approve so why should I give you up? Well, that aint gonna happen. No siree Bob!

Ivan chuckled at Kits expression. He understood her frustration and empathized with how she felt, but he wanted her to be realistic about her expectations from people as well as herself.

Okay, well if youre not going to listen to your sister, will you listen to me? Ivan slid his chair closer to Kit. Kit nodded and shrugged her shoulders. Kit, Ive told you a hundred times how I feel about you and that wont change any time soon. What we share is really special to me and its not something I want to give up. But, Kits eyes widened. Relax, Im not quitting us. Im suggesting we keep our relationship between us like we were going to in the beginning. Its not what I really want for us, but Id rather see you the way you were earlier than to see you the way you are now. MasterCard could have used you for one of their Priceless commercials, thats how good and how happy you were, Kit smirked. Im serious Kit. Happiness is rare and precious in this crazy world and if you get a first chance, take it cause there arent always second ones. Give Bette more time and shell come around. Now, let me take you home, Ivan kissed Kits cheek, stood up, and with his usual chivalrous actions, extended his arm for Kit to take. Kit took it and they exited the eatery.

Kit and Ivan hummed to the tunes playing on the radio as they cruised the freeway back to Kits apartment. Ivan took the long route home making sure Kit was completely calm by the time they arrived. Ivan parked and walked Kit to her door.

Here you go malady. Your noble steed has delivered the Queen to her door safe and sound, Ivan declared and they both roared with laughter.

Kit leaned her back against the door staring sweetly into Ivans eyes. He looked back at her with the same affection as he ran his hand across her cheek and Kit leaned into his touch. It was so soft and so soothing.

Wanna come in?

Ivan gave the idea some thought. As much as Id like to say yes, I think I better let you have the rest of the night to yourself. Give you time to take a bath, relax some more, and then drift off into some good sleep where you can dream about me, Ivan smiled and leaned in for a kiss.

Kit hated what Ivan said, but enjoyed the kiss. Okay, if you insist. Call me tomorrow okay?

Sure thing. Good night, Ivan walked away as Kit entered her apartment.

Kit took a bottle of water from the fridge, sipped off it, and then went into the bathroom to run the bath. She turned the stereo on letting the soft music permeate through the apartment, as she entered her bedroom to get out of her clothes. Kit stripped and walked to the bathroom ready to get in the tub when she heard a gentle tap on the front door.

Who could that be, this time of night? she said out loud. Kit walked to the door and looked out the peep hole and a huge smile covered her face. Kit opened the door flashing Ivan her hundred watt smile.

I changed my mind. I dont want to spend the night alone.