“Our baby.”

Bette just let the words keep rolling through her thoughts.

“Our baby.”

Probably the two loveliest words she’d ever heard. Then again, perhaps they were a close second after “I will.” Those were the words their lives joined, or seemed to. But considering how Tina had acted towards her lately, she didn’t think that those words were ones she should dwell on. Instead, she had new words.

“Our baby.”

The words shouted hope to her heart.

Lost in her thoughts, staring at the kinetic sculpture, Bette almost didn’t hear the knocking on the door. But the aural intrusion brought her back to reality. Resigned to the fact that the visitor didn’t seem to be leaving, Bette answered the door.

“Hey,” Alice showed herself in. “I wasn’t sure at first you were home. I mean, your car’s here.”

“I was occupied.”

“I brought some beers.” Alice pushed on into the living room. She stopped short at the sculpture, seeing it laying on the box. “Hey, that’s cool.”

“It’s for the baby.”

Alice looked back at Bette. “You’re giving the kid glass? This is an earthquake zone.”

“Not for right over the crib.” Bette rolled her eyes. “But maybe in a window, where it’ll catch the light.”

“Ok, I can see that. Beer?” Alice held up a bottle.

“No thanks,” Bette answered. She looked around for another box to empty the packing materials into, so she could repack the sculpture for now. “So, why are you here?”

Alice popped her head out the kitchen window. “Do I need a reason to visit?” A cheery smile plastered on her face. “I haven’t seen much of you, I missed you.”

Bette found another box, and was making a mess, dumping in the packing peanuts, scattering them across the floor.

“Let me help you with that.” Alice came over and aided in the transfer.

After most of the box was emptied, Bette sat it down on the ground. “I’m happy for you, Al. I suppose I’ve just had trouble being around you guys.” She placed the sculpture back in the box, and directed Alice to dump in the styrofoam.

Alice carefully tipped over the second box, getting most of the contents into the right place. “I can understand. That’s why I thought you might want some company.”