Looking and A Promise
Chapter Thirty-Five



Libby was now in school, and it was now time to jump head into work. But before she could start Bette felt she needed to catch up with Susanna back in New York.

No everythings good.

Well then why the call.

Well I just wanted to talk to you first.

About what?

Everything has kinda went so fast and I just really wanted to stop and catch my breath.

Im glad to hear that.

So thats a good thing then?

Of course its is. Would you have done this before?

No.

Then there you have it. Is Libby doing well?

Yes, shes in school and I think she might be falling in love.

Oh,

I know, I was scared but then Tina reassured me that everything really will be ok. So how is the center going up there?

Its still good.

Youre still recommending your patients to go there?

Of course. But.

But what?

Well remember that little boy?

Jonathan, as her heart skipped a little faster at the mention of the boys name.

After you guys left he kept asking for you.

We didnt tell him a proper good-bye.

Anyhow a few weeks after you guys left, um his guardian got sick and didnt get well.

So what is going to happen to him?

Right now hes in the states custody, but he still goes to the center.

Do you think we could go seem him maybe?

Bette I know you have the best of intentions, but maybe that wont be a good idea.

Why?

I dont think he could handle you both leaving him again. I mean he saw Libby everyday and then you once in awhile and then you leaving.

I didnt mean to.

I know.

Susanna

Yeah what if we did go up there, but he didnt have to be alone?

What are you trying to say?

What was Bette trying to say, but before she could stop and think, her mind just went to the little boy who had stolen her heart those many months ago.

What would it take for us to bring him here with us?

A lot Bette. But are you sure?

Well I have to talk to my wife about it but would you mind looking into for me?

Ill see what I can do, but I cant promise anything just yet, will you be all right with that.

Of course, thank you.

Ill call in a few days.



James what do you think about this place? It had been hours it felt like but still no perfect place.

Bette I like this one, but the second one we saw is what I liked even better.

I know James youve told me a thousand times already.

Than make that a thousand and one.

I just want to make sure.

A cell phone goes off and they both grab for their phones.

Tina, Bette mouthed as James closed his phone. Ever since he and Libby had started dating, he had decided to get her phone. Bette had said that instead of the phone, he should have gotten her the car she needed, with his new promotion in all.

No babe, were still looking. How is everything going with the house in all?

James still walking around looking.

Ok , Ill meet you then. I dont know, holding her hand over the phone looking for James, are you guys joining us for dinner,

Yeah I think so.

He went back to looking.

Yeah, babe us four. Okay. See you later.

Okay so maybe a yes on this one.

I dont know.

A cell phone went off again as they repeated the same gestures, this time James mouthed Libby, to Bette.

Hey, um no I thought we were going to have dinner. No cemented plans. If that is what you want thats fine. Okay Ill call you later.

Are you standing us up?

Your daughter wants us to go out with some friends of hers for dinner.

Oh.

Yeah.

Well then, off to the next place.

In the car as Bette was not used to being the passenger she decided to fiddle with the radio.

I never meant to do things to you. And so I have to say before I go…

Oh I love this song, as she settled in for the ride.


Bette we have seen hundreds of spaces, arent we done?

Before she could answer the familiar ringing sounded once again.

Its Alice.

Hey Al,

Porter, you and Tina at Milk at eight oclock. No arguments.

Wait Alice whats going on?

Nothing we just want to spend some time with the Cleavers thats all. So well see you then.

Ok, because Libby was going out, and she and Tina deserved to go out as well.


When she got home Tina was already there. She was already getting ready for the night.

So you got a call.

Yup, and you should go shower so we wont be late.

T, were always late. I talked to Susanna today.

Your therapist?

Yeah.

And?

And she told me something about the center where Libby volunteered at and I was kinda hoping to talk to you about it.

Right now?

Not this very moment, but maybe later.

Ok, now go get ready.

Im going.


Milk.


Hey you guys made it!

How could we turn you girls down?

Bette, Tina,

Dana, how are you?

Good.

So wheres Sha as Bette discovered her own answer as Shane herself was preying away like usual.

So whatll it be for the Mrs. and Mrs?

The usuals.

Good, two usuals coming right up.

The night ventured on as the drinks came and disappeared as fast.

When it was time to break for the ladies room, Bette stayed on because she herself didnt have that many to count.

The music blaring and her water half full, she was fine till someone came and sat net to her.

So she DID take you back?

Excuse me, as Bette turned to view the face she felt staring at her.

It was someone she didnt know but none-the-less, this someone knew of her and Tina.

Im sorry if youll excuse me. Now wasnt the time to get into anything when everything else had been going so well.

She deserves better, you know, but Bette could only contain so much.

No, YOU dont know and I suggest we keep it that way.

Or what?

Taking her cane and steadying herself, as she turned back around, never mind.

But before her turn was completed, her arm was caught by something. Realizing it was the girls hand, with her own free hand, she took it off her arm.

Before Bette could counter act Tina was at her side.

What the ***** do you think youre doing to my wife?

The girl let go and turned to Tina, so now shes your wife.

What?

Where was your wife all those months ago when Amy was mending your broken heart?

Bette looked at Tina and Tina closed her eyes as she said, Erin.

I dont understand, T, whats going on.

Bette it doesnt matter, lets just go.

The ***** it doesnt matter, just because she broke your heart, doesnt mean you have to go and break Amys.

Bette uneasy because of all the unanswered questions did not contain herself.

Will you just shut the ***** up for a second? With Tina now trying to pull Bette away, as the girl said, Im not done.

With one strong right swing she was on the floor with Bette hovering over her, Yes you are, and you tell her that when I see her shell get it for hitting Tina. Now if youll excuse us.

They bid their good-byes to the girls and went home. Laying in bed.

She was a friend of Amys. Im sorry Bette.

Dont be Tina, were bound to run into things like this. But she herself scared of the fact that it could be just as easy to bump into Candace.

How did you know?

Shane told me she hit you that night. I didnt mean to lose it T.

I was going to tell you, but I just didnt know how. I..I never meant to hit you Bette.

Oh Tina, but she couldnt stop the tears from falling from her wifes face. Look at me, Tina that was nothing compared to the chance of losing you all together. I know you didnt mean to, but Im okay now. Were okay now. No more tears, you know that

Tinas smile tugged at her lips as she finished her sentence, you cant take seeing me cry.

T,

Yeah I was trying to think of the most perfect time for this but I think this is it.

For what? Bette rolled over and opened the drawer to reveal a small box.

Going back to Tina, T, Im ready and I think youre ready and I was wondering if you would accept this promise ring that I hade made for you.

Taking it out of the box, she read, Always and Completely, handing it back to Bette.

Slipping it onto her finger, Always and completely, Tina, now and forever. I promise.

I know.

You do?

Yes.

When?

The first time I laid my eyes on you.

But I saw you first.

Only cause you were seeing me in you.