It only took one.  That’s all it took.  I guess that’s how these things work.  She was familiar with the sounds, so that didn’t scare her at all.  What she wasn’t accustomed to was the feel.  Or even the taste.  No, those things were completely foreign to her.  Now as she lay here looking up at the serene sky above, she wished harder then she had ever wished before that she had made that second cup of coffee, read over that file one more time, hugged her kids just that much longer.  Anything to get those 10 seconds back.

That morning.

Bette:  “Babe do you think you could pick up Angelica’s prescription from the pharmacist today?  I won’t have time before it closes.”

Stevie looked at the clock on the microwave-8:27-as Xavier hopped around putting on his shoe.

Stevie:  “Sit down and do that X, before you fall.”

She turned her attention to Bette.

Stevie:  “What time does it close?”

Bette:  “6.”

Stevie:  “Um…I guess if I go before my first client arrives I’ll make it.  I have 3 back to back so I’ll probably be working even after you and the kids get home.”

Bette pouted and wrapped her arms around Stevie’s neck.

Bette:  “Awww poor baby.  What time do you think you’ll be in?”

Stevie:  “Not too sure, probably around 8.”

Bette leaned in to whisper.

Bette:  “Does that mean we wont be having any ‘adult’ time tonight.”

A wicked grin spread across Stevie’s face.

Stevie:  “Oh I can always muster up strength for adult time.  Don’t you worry Ms. Porter.”

Bette stole a chaste kiss.

Bette:  “I’ll hold you to that.  Ok kids lets go.  Don’t forget, it’s the pharmacy on 2^nd.”

Stevie:  “Yeah, yeah I got it.”

Stevie gave each of the kids kisses on the forehead and the they followed Bette to the car.

She smiled then turned and looked around the house.  Food and toys were everywhere.  She cursed under her breath and began to clean up.  20 minuets into it she caught a glimpse of the microwave clock once more-9:17.

She swore once more, and then grabbed her keys heading to the car.