Chapter 7

Tina was so excited at the thought
of spending time with her baby again.

Although she knew Angie had only
been gone a short while to her it felt like forever.

As she tried to focus her thoughts
on work to make the time pass more quickly she hoped that their time apart had
strengthened their relationship.

Because it was just the two of them
for Thanksgiving dinner Tina had put off preparing anything ahead of time but
she knew that soon her daughter would begin to bring friends home with her
during breaks. She remembered the times in her own life when she did.

College had been an exciting time
of self discovery for Tina and she knew it would be the same for her daughter
and she hoped she enjoyed every minute of it. Her mind drifted to the late night
conversations she and Bette once had about their child’s future and she
wondered what Bette would say now about Angie’s dream of becoming a physicist.

Angie’s bus arrived on time and
Tina was there to meet her with hugs and kisses. It had been such a welcome
surprise when she had called her to say she was coming home for the holiday
after all. Tina had not been looking forward to spending it alone.

It’s a good thing Tina had not
accepted her sister Kasey’s invitation to come and spend the holiday with her
and her family or she would have missed Angie’s unexpected call.

Thanksgiving afternoon was spent on
the sofa just enjoying each other’s company letting their wonderful meal
settle. Tina had consumed so much food it would take two weeks of steady exercise
to work off the pounds it would add to her hips. But every delicious bite had
been worth it.

Later in the evening as she and
Angie sat on the couch just after finishing a movie Angie shared with Tina her
enjoyment of university life. She told Tina about her classes and all the new
things she was learning. She also mentioned a few friends she had made since
the fall semester had started. When Tina questioned her about her grades and
her work schedule she assured Tina that things were good. Although she admitted
to being tired she assured Tina she was having a great time.

Now it was Tina’s time in the hot
seat as Angie began to question her on the topic of dating. She encouraged Tina
to put herself out there by saying you never know who you will meet mom until
you try. Mom I want you to be happy and I don’t ever remember a time that you
were not there for me but I am an adult now Mom and it’s your time to do the
things you always wanted to but couldn’t because you had me to be responsible
for. Go on a date, take a trip, heck or maybe even a cruise Mom live a little.
I know Henry broke your heart but don’t you think it’s time you got over it and
returned to the land of the living Mom?