Chapter 71

Jake opened his eyes and stared at Mary Grace who was sound asleep.

“Hey kid…you gonna wake up soon? I’m getting bored here.” He smiled to himself. Mary Grace was lot’s of fun – and so much smarter than any adult he’d ever met – including his best buddy, Bette. Sometimes Bette seemed to be very smart – until she started acting like an adult – then – well – then it was all over – inferior….inferior!!!! Thank God she didn’t act like an adult very often!!!!

Jake let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. He knew he’d have to wait for Mary Grace to wake up. His little mind took a trip down memory lane…recounting the events of his day and subsequent slumber party with Mary Grace. Ok – so he could forgive her for the ‘dress up party’ – even though he felt like a character out of La Cage ” – besides he always looked good in pink! But come on – a pink bonnet – nope – not his style. Thank God it was only the two of them. He was spared the embarrassment of being paraded in front of Mary Grace’s entire family. He listened to the rule about this – the rule that Bette told him she did not want to repeat. He did, in fact, get dressed in ‘drag’ and he took it like a man! Bette would be proud of him. Jake remembered how Mary Grace dragged him around the pool on his surf board. Her driving skills weren’t quite as good as Bette’s, but it was still a lot of fun – except of course for that sharp turn that sent him flying into the water. At least he was wearing his life jacket this time – thank the doggy gods! Then there was the tea party – that damn tea party. Didn’t anyone ever tell this kid that Min Pins do NOT do tea parties!!!!! Still he had a great time – it ALMOST made him wish he had a kid of his own – ALMOST!!!!

There was something that had been weighing heavily on his mind – but since he couldn’t ask about it, he’d just have to wait and see what it all meant. He let out another heavy sigh. He wondered why Tina had gotten bigger and bigger and bigger as time passed. If it was a disease – he really hoped that he wouldn’t catch it – being that big would certainly make walking an issue for him. Then there was the room. That room with the two cage like things in it. There were these silly looking cartoon characters everywhere – on the walls – the curtains – everywhere. Jake really hoped that the family wasn’t getting another dog – or TWO – what if it was two? Oh no….say it isn’t so!!!!! He’d go into that room and just look around. He remembered seeing something that said P -A – M – P – E -R – S’ on it. He often wondered what that was. Everyone in the house worked awfully hard to make that room look ridiculous! And for some strange reason – his best buddy was always getting smacked on the head when she talked to that BIG part of Tina. He really wondered what that was all about. If it was a disease – why would Bette talk to it? He just didn’t get it.

Jake let out another heavy sigh. He knew now what was bothering him the most. Maybe he was just being silly – or maybe – just maybe – his best friend didn’t want him anymore. Bette always seemed to be so preoccupied. She and Tina were always in their bedroom. They disappeared for hours at a time and then came back looking really happy. Jake just felt left out. He soon drifted back to sleep. He just didn’t want to think about it anymore.


Bette watched Tina while she slept. Their love making earlier in the morning certainly wore them out. Bette smiled as Tina smiled in her sleep. She wondered to herself what it was that she was thinking about. Something was making her happy…probably the thought of actually having the babies. Bette knew that Tina had already had just about enough of being pregnant. She on the other hand, wondered how actually having the babies would impact their ***** life. Bette muttered softly. “***** – how shallow can I be…?” She thought to herself how she loved the fact that Tina was pregnant – and wanting it ALL the time. She constantly found herself staring at Tina thinking she was just beautiful. She craved her – absolutely craved her. Bottom line – she was deeply in love with Tina and she wasn’t going to do anything to mess it up this time. Bette reached her hand out and touched Tina’s cheek softly. “I love you T – more than you’ll ever know.” Tina opened her eyes – she looked so sleepy. Bette looked into her eyes and smiled and started singing to her – she knew Tina always loved that

Love, soft as an easy chair
Love, fresh as the morning air
One love that is shared by two
I have found with you
Like a rose under the April snow
I was always certain love would grow
Love, ageless and evergreen
Seldom seen by two
You and I will
make each night the first
Everyday a beginning
Spirits rise and their dance is unrehearsed
They warm and excite us
‘Cause we have the brightest love
Two lights that shine as one
Morning glory and midnight sun
Time, we’ve learned to sail above
Time, won’t change the meaning of one love
Ageless and ever evergreen
Bette leaned over and kissed Tina gently on the lips. Go back to sleep Baby Tina closed her eyes and almost instantly fell asleep.


Bette quietly got out of bed – took a shower and got dressed. She went next door to get Jake.

Mary Grace was out in the yard with Jake. She threw his tennis ball and he ran off to retrieve it.

“Hi Bette!”

“Hi Sweetie…did you and Jake have a good time?”

“Yes…he spent the night you know…”

“Yeah – I know – did he sleep in bed with you?”

“Yeah he did. Hey Bette?”

“Yeah Sweetie?”

“So this means I get time and a half for overtime – right?”

“You ARE a little extortionist aren’t you?”

“What’s a stortionist Bette?”

“Extortionist – someone who wants alot of money for doing very little.”

“Oh – kind of like you and your job at the CAC huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“You get paid lots of money to look at pictures all day.”

“Who told you that?”

“Alice!”

“Why am I not surprised? Damn hippie!
Bette?

Yeah Sweetie?

Whats a hippie?

Someone who should keep their mouth closed

Oh.soback to this time and a half issue!

Ok kid – spare me – how much?

Another $35.00.

Here – take it. Bette knew shed lose any argument over Mary Graces fees. She felt like such a sucker!

Thanks Bette – heres Jakes stuff.

You know kid – maybe we should start a business together – wed make a killing! You be good for your mom and dad today – and dont torment your brothers – ok?

Ok – bye Bette – bye Jakey!!!!!

Jake walked past Bette – tail clamped to his *****. He totally ignored her. His body language was clear – unhappy puppy!!!

When they got home – Jake walked in to the house and disappeared.

Jackie was in the kitchen reading the newspaper.

Bette let out a heavy sigh. Jake isnt speaking to me – he has some bug up his *****..

Ah Sunshine – does Jake SPEAK to you often – do you need medication? Maybe its from too much *****! This conversation with Jake thing

Bette just smiled – You know what I mean – hes mad at me – what did I do?

At that moment Jake went tearing through the kitchen with a pamper hanging out of his mouth.

Jackie looked at Bette. hmmmmm – I think he has finally given up thongs!

Bette sighed again – Do you think hes wondering whats going on?I bet he feels ignored!
Bette – I do believe you were a Min Pin in a previous lifetimeyou better go have a word with him – and give him some quality time before he offs all the diapers!

I guess sohuh?

Bette walked out the door and looked for Jake – it was time for a serious discussion!

TBC