The Adventures Of Bette Porter And Sissee Gardner Schmidt After Howie (Part 3, Chapter 1)

PART THREE: SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Chapter 1

As soon as we got back to California, Bette wanted to stop at Tina’s to see Angelica, even if it was late. I knew she missed her terribly while we were gone. She had picked up little gifts for her here and there, including a slick book of art which she had purchased from the Yale Book Store. More apropos was a little teddy bear with “Yale” blazoned on its chest that she had put in her carry-on for easy assess on the ride home which she planned to give to her tonight.

Mary and I wanted to see Angelica too and via cell, Tina was fine with our nocturnal visit. The baby was in her new single bed that Tina had put portable railings on each side of because her daughter was a thrasher. When we let her sleep between us once in a while, she tosses and turns all night with a few kicks on either side. Tina may have been rushing the bigger bed but at least the railings kept her from falling off of it.

Angelica was so happy to see us. The genuine smile that lit up her youthful face was totally endearing. Bette bent over to give her a hug. Angelica threw her arms around her mother’s neck and would not let go. The teddy bear got crushed between them. I saw how Bette’s eyes got misty as she lifted her up and held her in her arms. Angelica wrapped her legs around Bette’s waist and buried her sleepy head in her neck.

Tina stood by smiling amicably. She was gorgeous, as usual, still dressed in her work clothes. In fact, her make-up almost looked fresh, as if she had touched up her face for her expected company. Here it was, the end of the day and still she appeared energized as if she had just had her morning expresso at the Planet to get her jump started.

When we had walked in she greeted each of us with a hug and while I looked for that spark in Bette’s eye at seeing her, the only thing I saw was the back of her head as she bolted for the baby’s bedroom.