Chapter 53 – Painting with Kids



Bette was a little nervous as she was setting up all the supplies. Her first group of kids where to be here any minute and there is always a difference between talking about what you want to do and really doing it. While Bette was feeling a sense of exhilaration she still was a little nervous.

The first group of kids started filing in, they consisted of two little boys maybe 6ish and two girls both older maybe 8 or 9ish. Bette was scheduled to have four different groups today. Tina and Bette had had discussions about class size and Bette had been firm about no more than four per class so Bette could maximize her individual time with each child. Bette wanted to start off with finger painting and then move to other mediums in upcoming classes. Bette had set up a working area for each child complete with large pads of paper on little adjustable easels and pots of different color paint in trays in front. As she took each child individually placing them in front of their easel, Bette got their name and introduced herself. She then dipped her finger in a pot of paint and spelled out their name on the sheet. With all the intros done, Bette began to instruct the kids in general about what the goals for today were and how they would get there. From there she went back to the individual attention for each child.


It had taken about two months to get on the Shelters Board of Directors agenda. Since they only met once a month for about four hours on the third Wednesday of each month, Tin had to fight to get on the schedule. Tina had given a successful presentation to the board which in turn approved the whole concept of the class with just one hearing. Tina had been so excited she had gone right over to Bettes after the board meeting had concluded despite the lateness of the hour. Still brimming with enthusiasm and excitement she nearly jumped into Bettes arms as Bette opened her door. Stopping herself at the last minute, Tina was grateful for the cover of darkness to cloak her blushing cheeks.
Ah Bette we were successful, I mean it was approved the program, the board resoundingly loved it. Your whole idea they wanted it all, everything they loved, every detail. With a little luck we can have the whole think up and running in two weeks. Tina gushed.

Wow, thats great! Bette exclaimed, caught up in the same enthusiasm she herself reached forward and brought Tina into a hug and began spinning her around dancing a circle. Bette immediately felt the heat between the two of them. Putting Tina down, Bette backed away apologizing and looking down.

Tina felt the intensity also looked to Bette wanting to alleviate the situation. Look Bette, I know you have problems with these feeling but at least lets recognize them. I still have those intense feelings for you. Its that same bond we had the first time we ever touched. Its there for me and and it there for you. Am I right? Tina implored looking to Bette.
Yeah. was all that Bette could say.
Right. Well we can either deal with this straight up or ignore them. Ignoring doesnt seem to be working. Im not ashamed of these feelings. Its not a bad thing its just something we need to deal with. I like being in your company. I like so many things, our conversations, our mutual interests, let alone the fact that youre going to be apart of my shelters now. You arent going to run each time we touch or make some sort of contact are you? Tina was trying to at least reason these feelings away. Her thinking was if they at least acknowledge these feeling then maybe Bette could move forward.

Ah No. Bette answered back. She wanted to move forward in some form also and didnt like that she kept getting hung up. She and Tina had been spending some time together and its an aspect of her life that she didnt want to give up.

Great, Bette I love the feel of your touch but I am never going to do anything about it unless you want me to. Do you trust me? Tina had moved directly in front of Bette and looking to her for an answer.

OH yes, I trust you. Bette answered immediately as she didnt even have to think about it.
All right then Tina says as she snaps her head in a quick nod to signal that she was moving on. Then I suggest we celebrate our victory. I know you dont drink but maybe we could have a soda or something. What do you think?

Bette considered all that this meant, they both have these feeling but that doesnt mean they needed to keep having these awkward moments. I think youre right. Come on in. Bette responded and with that they over came an awkward hurdle that would never be an issue for the two of them again.


Back to the present .
Tina couldnt resist peeking in on Bette. She didnt want to interrupt her first class but she just couldnt stay away. Peeking in through the door she felt amazed by Bette once again. The Bette in front of her was so comfortable with the children and went out of her way to make each child feel the impact of her care and attention. She moved through her lesson accomplishing each goal as she set them out but more importantly, each child began to express themselves at different levels. That had been the whole point. Each child expressing their own feeling with any outlet was the most important objective and Bette was achieving this magnificently.

If Tina hadnt known Bette before and knew about her fears with the two of them having a child, the fear of being able to interact with children in a meaningful way, she never would have guessed that this was the same woman. The nurturing and caring way that Bette addressed each child spoke to the centered, generous woman that Bette had developed into. Tina was so proud of Bette. Proud of how she had grown.

After the day was done and Bette had finished cleaning up the area, she went in search of Tina. Finding her in her office, Bette stuck her head in.
Hey there, you almost done for the day? Bette asked.
Bette, Hey back to ya, come on in and sit. Are you done for the day? Tinas whole face was lighting up as she saw Bette at her door.
Bette came in, sitting in front of Tinas desk. Yep all done. I think it went OK. Bette responds but still thinking about the day and if she could have done anything better. I think the interaction was good. Ill know more at the next session as the kids seemed to be opening up. Bette concluded.

Well I have to admit I couldnt resist. I had to come to peek in to check on you a few times. It looked as if things were going well. Tina praised Bette.

Really you think? I didnt notice you. Bette looks to Tina. Tina nodding her head reassuring Bette.

Well if youre happy. Im good but you will let me know of any feed back good or bad right? Bette asked.
Of course. Tina responded quickly.
Great well than I think Ill go you look like you have a lot to finish up there. Bette said getting up and turning to leave.

Hey wait a minute I wanted to ask you something. Tina remembered.
Bette standing turned around to face Tina.
You know its my birthday next week and I was thinking of playing hooky for the day. I wanted to drive up the coast and hit some of the specialty shops and just sort of laze away the day. Do you think you might be interested in coming with me? Tina asked looking up with a little hesitation.
You know that sounds like a good time, sure count me in. Bette responded.
Great Ill pick you up, what around nine? Tina asked sounding a little relieved.
OK Bette responded and then waved See you. and left.