The mists of sleep shifted slowly bringing Tina back to consciousness. It was a sense of Bette’s absence more than conscious thought that registered for her first. Opening her eyes the blonde rolled over to be greeted by the sweet smell of rose which filled her nostrils; a note lay on the pillow beside the one delicate rose. Tina drew the sheet which smelled faintly of Bette’s perfume to her eyes,

To My Beautiful T,

Love always
B

Smiling to herself, aware that Angelica and Austin were still asleep, Tina crept out of bed, dressed and took a cup of coffe to the patio. The despair and doubts of last night melted away as the day’s light lengthened. The note from Bette in and of itself was concrete proof that although she was prone to throw herself into her work and become oblivious to whatever was outside the realm of the necessary to succeed, change Bette had.

The sound of small feet connecting with the kitchen tiles drew Tina from her thoughts. Seconds later a small figure with big brown eyes and an endearing smile topped with black curls stood beside Tina’s chair" Hungry Momma" Looking down into Angelica’s eyes Tina responded with,

"How about we make some pancakes then baby? When we’re done we can go get Austin and eat out on the patio"

Nodding vigorously Angelica ran giggling ahead of her mom.

Twenty Minutes Later

With a steaming stack of pancakes waiting on the stove top and a once again relatively clean Angelica the two snuck quietly down the hall toward Austin’s silent bedroom. Just as they reached his bedroom door the doorbell’s melody interrupted their progress. Frustrated but knowing she should answer the door, considering she was expecting the script for the studio’s latest project, Tina leaned down and kissed Angelica’s forehead as she spoke, "Momma had to answer the door honey, go play in your room for a few minutes. When I’m done we can go get Austin and eat our pancakes.