“Thank you Angie – it’s the best birthday I have had for a long time “

Angie got onto Bette’s knees and they hugged

“Thank you sweetie “ Bette was feeling emotional and being held by the child who she was increasingly beginning to think of as her own daughter was such a fantastic feeling. She looked at Tina who was smiling – seeing Angie so utterly crazy about Bette just reinforced to Tina that they were doing the right thing.

“Do you like your presents ?”

“They are beautiful – thank you Angie – you have great taste “

“Mommy helped me “

“Well mommy is very special – we will have to make sure when its her birthday that we take good care of her “

“Its my birthday soon “

“Is it ?” Bette said faking surprise

“Yes “

“How old will you be ?”

“I will be 5 on the 30^th of December “

“I will write that down “ Bette said

“Okay – enough of your birthday Angie – this is Bette’s birthday – now I will get my presents for her”

“I get more presents ?”

“Those were from me “ Angie explained

“Oh right – well thank you again Angie”

“Its Christmas next month”

“Well we will have to talk about what Santa might bring you “

“I don’t want my presents to go to LA”

“I’ll see what I can do – I might have his email address somewhere “ Tina replied as she walked across the room

“You have Santa’s email ?” Angie said in awe

“Mommy’s and daddy’s get Santa’s email so they can tell him who has been naughty and nice”

Angie considered this and nodded – it seemed to make sense to her. Tina returned and sat down beside Bette – Angie was still sitting on her knees

Tina handed Bette an envelope – it was printed receipt

“Its for 10 new games from your favourite game site – you might struggle to find the time for all ten “

“You could buy me a game “ Angie suggested “ That’s the site you got my box game from “

“Thanks Ti “ Bette was laughing. The whole business of how much time she spent playing online games was now a joke between her and Tina.