Chapter 14 The B Word The Baby but where is Bette

The chapter begins at the Planet.

Alice, Dana, Jenny, Kit, and Shane are sitting around a table.

So I had to go and pick up Shane and Maria.. Jenny was sharing the story from last night. When I was leaving I saw Bette and she road with me.
Oh My God you should have seen Marias face when Bette walked in! Shane started laughing.
I bet Maria got an ear full on there drive home. Alice commented.
I think Maria called her Warden Porter! Jenny said laughing.
So are you guys going to come to my match this weekend? Dana asked
Where is it Dana? Alice asked.
Its in Santa Barbara Dana stated.
They all agreed they would try to make it.

At the CAC.

Bette is in Franklins office.
Bette I know you might not trust me because of the past but Please believe me Im on your side. Franklin pleaded with Bette
Bette was wearing one of her power suits, She looked very serious and was too upset to sit down. Franklin you tried to get the board to fire me before Provocations! Bette yelled
Yes but Bette a lot has changed since thenI recognize what an asset you are to the
CAC. I know the number of places that would love to steal you from us. Franklin said trying to convince Bette. You have put this place on the mapWe have gotten so much
From your work. Please just ignore Helenashe has no teeth in her bite.
Franklin it is so hard for me to trust you.one because of our past (referring to him and her.) and two Helenas hate for me.
Our lawyers said you are fine. Said Franklin
Bette left his office confused and frustrated. Thinking why cant Helena Peabody just disappear. When Bette entered her office there where two enormous arrangements of flowers. This took Bette back for a surprise
Just then James walked. Bette those just came for you a minute ago.
Who are they from? Bette asked
This one is from Dr. Mitchell, that one is from the Hietz family. Heres are the cards.
Bette read the cards Bette we just wanted to say thank you for your hard work at the CAC and we are looking forward to many more years with you.
The other one said To the hardest worker in the art worldwe love your effort and we cant wait to see all the exhibits you have lined up.
See Bette I told you not to worry. Franklin stated as he heard her reading aloud.
Bette I want you to take some time off this afternoon and do something nice for yourself. This place is stressing you out too much. Franklin said.
Franklin I think I will take you up on it. Bette stated hesitantly
I will see you tomorrowBette just leave this place here tonight and relax James said to her.
Bette returned a couple of calls and emails. She packed her stuff up to go home for the day. She carried out one of the arrangements of flowers.
Good night JamesBette said as she was leaving.Im going go and visit Tina and surprise her with these.
Good Luck!. James said

Meanwhile at the Center
Oscar and Tina are in a meeting with a large group of people.
Maria is in the gym shooting baskets with some of the teenagers.

Well this looks like it is in order Oscar said As he was putting the papers back in the folder.
All we can do now is cross our fingers Tina said with an encouraging smile.
Oscar someone is on the phone for you. The secretary stated.
Hello this is Oscar how can I help you? Oscar said.
Oh sure She can stop byI wont be here but Tina will be and she can answer any of the questions she has. Oscar replied into the phone Oh she is five minutes away.? Ok I will tell Tina to be expecting her.

Tina had stopped in the gym and was watching Maria playing basketball with the boys.
Wow you are pretty good. Tina told her when she came over to the side to get water.
Well my dad played professional ballSo needless to say I was always playing with him. Maria said as she returned back to the courtIts ours you guys knocked it out of bounds remember

Bette just walked into the center and poked her head into the gym. She didnt see Tina be cause She came in an opposite door.
Hey Maria!
Hi Bettetime out.. Maria said as she walked over to see Bette.
So what brings you here today? Maria asked
Franklin had me take the afternoon offas a gift so I thought I would stop by and
see you and TinaMaybe treat you guys to lunch? Bette stated.
Really that would be nice. Maria said Im starvedI have worked up an appetite schooling these kids in basketball. She said joking as she attempted a shot from half court. The kids laughed and yelled brick!
Im going to go and see what Tina is up and then we can arrange a tim?
Bette said.
That works for me Maria said as she took the ball and drove for a lay”up making it and yelling that counts

Tina headed to her office..She was standing there when she heard a familiar voice say
Hello Tina Tina turned around to see Helena Peabody in front of her holding flowers.
Helena held the flowers out to Tina. Tina this is a sign of peace I would like to make with you..since I will be helping to fund the grant for the Center.
Tina took the flowers and said Thanks, you didnt have to do thatIm a professional and I want the best for the Center.
Helena leaned in to give Tina a hug but Tina didnt hug her back.
Just then Bette had just started to walk into the office and saw the interaction between
Tina and Helena. Tina had her back to the door so she didnt see Bette.
Helena looked right at Bette with a snobby grin. Then Helena kissed Tina on the cheek.
Bette froze..Then she turned around and stomped off! She got in her car and peeled out of the parking lot. She tried to call Tina on her cell phone but it went right into voicemail.

Helena asked if she could sit down and chat for a minute.
Well Helena I would say yes but right now I have a pending engagement
Tina shared as she looked at the door and a little girl who was standing there waiting with her book and paper.
Oh I see Helena said as she walked out of the office.

Bette was on her way home hitting her fist against the steering wheel *****! That *****!
She was stopped at a light when she saw a little bar on the corner.
She turned into it and went inside. She seated herself at the bar and ordered a double shot Martini. Bette didnt look good at all she was mad but had tears in her eyes.

Tina had just finished helping little Amy with her homework.
So just come back on Thursday if you need any more help Amy.
Thanks Ms. Tina. She said with a smile as she exited the office.
Maria come into the office to see Tina.
Wow you look like you have been playing some basketball.
Maria was all sweaty she had her hair in a pony tail and she was taking her basketball shoes off to but on some flip flops.
Those kids are good. Maria stated Keshawn is really good.
My goal his to keep him out of the streets and hitting the books. He is a smart kid but was around the wrong crowd. Tina shared.
So where is Bette? Maria asked
Tina looked at her puzzledBette should be at the CAC ..Why do you ask that?
No Bette was just here she stopped by the gym and said hello and she was heading to your officeShe had gotten done with work earlyShe was going to take us out to lunch.
Oh no! Tina said I hope she didnt?
Didnt what Tina? Maria said in a concerned voice.
Helena was just here and gave me these.She gave me a hugI hope Bette didnt see itIt would make her jealous. Tina said in a worried tone of voice.
Ill be right back Tina Maria ran and checked to see if Bettes car was in the parking lot. She called her cell phone but it just went into voicemail.
Maria headed back in the center.
Tina was getting her purse and belongings. Come on let get out of here.
Tina said to Maria. She has to be at home.
Maria grabbed her bookbag and shoes.
They got into the carand Tina was driving..
Tina started having cramps.Oh no.
Whats wrong Tina? Maria said as she encouraged Tina to pull over.
Its the baby.! Tina screamed and started to cry
Maria and Tina switched seats.Im taking you to the hospital.
Maria sped off but was cautious because of Tinas condition.
Maria called the house but the answering machine came on.
She called the planet but Kit wasnt there.
She called Alice.
Whats wrong MariaSlow downTalk to me. Alice said in a coaching manner.
Tina is having crampsIm rushing her to the hospitalBettenever mind Bette is somewhere upset at Tinaand Helena.. Maria said in a confused manner.
The hospital.We will meet you thereWheres Bette? Alice said as she was motioning for Dana to get the car keys and their purses.
I cant get a hold of her.. Maria was in her really serious mode..She was in her flight or fight mode. Call Kit on her cell phone for me. Maria requested before she hung up.
Tina stay calm.your going to be ok Maria said trying to remember how they handle this on those television shows. Breath Tina
Maria was maneuvering thru trafficlike a nascar driver.

They pulled into the emergency area. Maria jumped out of the car and ran inside to get help. Two nurses came running out with MariaOne of them pushing a wheelchair.
Then rushed Tina inside Maria parked the carand brought in Tinas purse.
The nurse was making her fill out all the paperwork..Maria was getting frustrated and anxiety was setting inShe didnt care about the damn paper work she wanted to be back there with Tina.
Maria where is she? a familiar voice said.
Maria looked up to see Dana and Alice in front of her.
Boy I am glad to see you guys. Maria stated as she finished the paperwork and handed it back to the attendant.
Tina is in the backI dont know what is going onI was out here doing the paperwork. Maria stated.
The nurse called out for the family of Tina Kinnard.
Thats usMaria said as the three of them jumped up.
Please follow me. the nurse said
Tina was in a private areaShe was struggling and crying.
The doctor came over to talk to them all.
It seems as if Ms. Kinnard is starting to go into labor. The young doctor stated.
We placed her in this private area so it wouldnt be as stressfuluntil we can get her upstairs. I think it would be in our best interest if we can get her to calm down.
The doctor said.
Calm downshe is getting ready to have a baby! Alice said
Yea but she is also upset because of her and her partner a fight or something The doctor shared.
Maria looked at Dana and Alice. Bette saw Tina with Helenait was innocent but Bette stormed out before Tina could explainI havent had any success locating Bette.
That damn Peabody! Dana said
Just at the momentKit pushed passed a nurse who was saying Excuse me miss only family is allowed back there.
Alice looked at the nurse and said She is family!!!
Kit gave Tina a hug Whats going on baby girl? Kit asked Tina
Tina just started to cryKit held her and said hushits going to be ok..
You just need to calm down so you can take good care of that niece of mine.
If you guys dont mind Im going to go out and see if I can find Bette Maria stated
You find that sister of ours and tell her ..her wife needs her! Kit said.

Maria headed out of the hospital on a mission to find Bette.