After spending about twenty minutes with Ms. Tina, Bette emerges from her classroom and walks towards her car.  She sees that Angelica is sound asleep from being so tired with the school activities.  She looks just like her mother.  She always reminds her of Julie.

“Angel baby, wake up it’s time to go.”

“Am I in trouble mommy?”  Angelica asks Bette with a worried look on her face, like she’s about to cry.

“No sweetie, Ms. Tina said you just have trouble with your math.  Why didn’t you tell me you have trouble with math?” 

“I just didn’t want to worry you and I was afraid that you would be mad at me.”

“Oh sweetie, I’m not mad.  I’ll never be mad at you.  You’re my angel.”  Bette pulls Angelica onto her lap and slowly kisses her cheek.  “But from now on, starting Monday you have to stay with Ms. Tina after school ok? She’s going to teach you math after class.”

“Do I have to mommy, I like Ms. Tina very much but I don’t want to be here after school?”  She asks while playing with Bette’s curls.

“You have to baby.  You should be thankful that she’s willing to help.  I’m so sorry that I don’t get to spend much time with you because of my work.”  Bette pauses.  “How about we go grab some Ice Cream and then head home ok?”  Putting Angelica back down into her seat, Bette starts the engine, presses the gear and drives her car away from school ground.

~~~

Later that night, sitting on a chair outside her front porch Bette found herself thinking about Tina once more.  She was attracted to her, she hasn’t reacted that strongly to a woman in what seemed like forever.  She had been attracted to Julie of course but it was 7 years ago.  Sitting here Bette remembered exactly what happened on the day Julie died.

“Bette, you’re late again.  You promised we would take Angelica to the movie tonight.”

“Julie, I know but I’m handling Peter Connelly’s case.  I want to catch this son of a bitch before it’s too late.”

“You keep on saying that, let others handle the case.  We need you too.”

“I know baby, you think I don’t know that?”  Bette was so angry.  Peter Connelly, the biggest drug dealer had been hiding in Spencerville for so long. They had been watching his every step.  Bette had been working day and night to make sure they caught him.

“Dinner’s ready, go ahead if you’re hungry.  I’m going for a jog. Don’t wait up for me”   Julie quickly passed Bette and ran towards the door.

“Mommy?”  Angelica wakes Bette from her dream.  “Do I have to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Robinson tonight?”

“No baby. I took the day off.  How about we go watch a movie tonight?”

“Can we watch Sherk 3?”  Angelica jumps excitedly with a big smile across her face.

“Of cause baby, anything you want.”