CHAPTER 2

Tina Kennard has been the center of your world for as long as you can remember.

Ever since you were just little girls, she has been the very essence of everything you think, say and do. You remember her when she was young, clear as day. You remember seeing her for the first time in the park, on her father’s hand. You remember forgetting all about the game of soccer you were playing with your brother and cousins as she walked by. You remember being completely unhinged by that girl passing by. You remember your brother and cousins teasing you. You remember trying to keep your clothes clean in case she notices you – you don’t want to give a bad first impression. One of your father’s many words of wisdom is that the first impression is the most important one and can never be undone. At that age, you still take your father very seriously. You don’t see him for the corporate prick he is yet.

You remember the first time Tina Kennard looked at you, with those piercing hazel eyes. You remember being thrown off balance by the incredible sadness in her eyes, and you remember thinking that it was so wrong that a girl this beautiful should ever be this sad. You remember that first weak smile she cast in your direction. You remember how your heart fluttered and your stomach dropped. You also remember stumbling and falling over your own feet the first time she let go of her father’s hand, walked over to you and greeted you shyly. You remember her giggle and the burning of your cheeks, your momentary intense death wish.

You remember hearing her voice for the first time.

"Hi, I’m Tina Kennard."

Soft, smooth.

Music.

You remember being so utterly enchanted by her very presence that your brain couldn’t form a coherent sentence. You remember being so embarrassed because Marcus, your brother, put his hand on your shoulder, crooked a lazy but charming smile and said: "This is Bette Porter."

You remember how you cleared your throat, stuttered, looked at your feet, back at her, into her eyes. And just when you were about to say that that barrette was really nice, her father called her back. She waved at you and then she ran to him, and you were left speechless.