Chapter 20

Angie walked into Tina’s bedroom
and moved around to the side of the bed shaking Bette while softly calling her
name. Bette slowly roused from her sleep and untangled her self from Tina’s
arms.

“Bette, Aunt Kasey has dinner ready
and we thought you might want to come and eat. She has fixed a tray to bring
mom so she can stay in bed.”

“Uhm…thanks Angie I’ll be right
there.”

As Angie quietly slipped out of the
room she heard Bette close the bathroom door and turn on the water. In a few
moments Bette walked into the kitchen just as they all were sitting down at the
table. Kasey sat a bowl of steaming vegetable soup with homemade dinner rolls
before Bette.

“Bette would you like water or
tea?”

“Tea please and this smells
delicious thank you Kasey.”

“Well I can’t take all the credit
Bette. Angie made the homemade rolls and for dessert we have peach pie Maggie
baked for us.”

“Peach pie was always one of Tina’s
favorites.”

“We know!” Kasey and Angie said in
unison.

As soon as dinner was over Bette
got up from the table and began clean up. With Maggie and Angie’s help they
finished quickly. Just then Kasey said Bette would you care to join us in the
living room for a few moments we have made a few decisions I think you should
hear.

Walking into the living room Bette
took a seat in a chair across from Kasey, Angie, and Maggie on the sofa.

“Bette, Tina is going to need
someone to stay with her for a while. And we feel that you are the person in
the best position to do that. Angie and Maggie have to return to Connecticut
tomorrow. They both have school and work and can not afford to fall too far
behind. I’m sure you realize this. I on the other hand, have a family Bette, a
husband, and two children. Although, I am retired I have the responsibility of
my family. My husband and children would never ask me to choose between them
and Tina however, they need me Bette to keep things in all our lives running
smoothly.

Anyway what I’m trying to say is
out of the four of us your job appears to be what you are responsible for the
most. Correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure you have lots of time saved
up that you have not used over the years. So we are asking if you would be
willing to stay here with Tina until she recuperates.”