Well. Im back.
Id been in New York, with my mum Helena. It was strange at first, because I had never spent that much time with her alone, just the two of us. She always seemed to be at work or at some glamorous party. And there was also the fact that mom wasnt there either, which made it even weirder. I suppose I was going to have to get used to that now, them not being together I mean.

Dont, get me, wrong, I love Helena, we just didnt really do that much stuff together, like I said, she was always real busy and never around that much. And I liked New York. I lived there for most of my life, between living there in the summer and living in England during the winter it was home to me, but somehow, this time it just seemed like a nice place to visit, and LAs a nice place to live. I think what Im trying to say is that Im happy to be home, because home to me is where ever my mom is. Okay, so know you know, Im a mommys girl, but you have to understand, me, and my mom are close, she adores me, and I adore her. Thats just the way it is.

I searched the crowd for my mom. There she was. At the back. And from what I could tell she was not alone. As I got closer I could see it was Bette Porter, my other mother. And from the expression on her face I could sense she was feeling as nervous as I was. Even though I had met Bette, should I call her Bette or should I call her mom? Oh jeez, was this confusing. Well even though I had met her before, and I liked her, I liked her a lot, I was beginning to wonder if shed treat me differently now she knew I was her daughter, and would become more, mom like, you know like mom, strict sometimes and not let me cuss, I accidentally sometimes say Bloody *****, its not my fault though, I learnt that from Helena, she says it all the time. She was beautiful though, and I still think shed make a great actress. I hope she takes me to one of them artists parties so I can get dressed up.

Youre back. Said Mom. You made it home safely. She threw her arms around me and pulled me in to a hug, I thought she was going to suffocate me, I couldnt breathe, she hugged me that hard. I think Bette noticed that my face was turning blue, because she turned and said Laughingly.

T, I think you should let go, youre cutting off her air supply. And then she winked at me. And I gave her a goofy grin back, which I think made us both feel a little less nervous with each other.

Were you okay on the plane, all by yourself baby? Mom asked. After she decided to let me breathe again.

I nodded and gave her one of my, looks, that I had perfected over time.

Mom I am not a child, I am perfectly capable of getting on a plane by myself you know. I said smugly, in my grown up voice, the one I used when she insisted on treating me like a five year old. Although I did have a voice like a five year old, when I wanted something from her, or wanted my own way, hey Im a kid, you have to learn how to manipulate your parents, its our job.

So how was New York? Did you enjoy yourself with mum? Mom said, and looked kind of sheepish at Bette as if she shouldnt be mentioning Helena.

Why are grown ups so complicated? Why cant they all get along, like us kids? You dont see us falling out when we get a new boyfriend or girlfriend, everyone in our class has been out with each other at one time or another, and you dont see us acting all weird. I am never getting married and I am never having children, its too much trouble.

I shrugged my shoulders.

It was okay. I said nonchalantly. We visited The Cloisters, that was fun. Well I wasnt going to tell her that I really missed her and wanted to come home, she really would think I were like a five year old.

Did you like all the medieval art, and parts of monasteries and chapels? Bette asked, she looked excited at the fact that Id said it was fun. What she didnt understand was I had enjoyed it, but not cause of all the art and stuff, but because it was in a park and we had, had a picnic and I got to eat tons of ice cream, because it was a really hot day. And I got to run around with Peggys dogs, I always wanted a dog, but mom would never let me. So that was the only reason Id enjoyed it, I thought museums and stuff were pretty boring. But I didnt want to upset Bette, because I knew she liked that kind of stuff, so I lied.

Yeah. I said, nodding my head enthusiastically. It was great. And hoped she didnt try to elaborate any more, because Id not taken the slightest bit of notice of anything in the museum. I heaved a sigh of relief when she just beamed at me, and I couldnt help beaming right back at her.

When we reached the parking lot it was weird again, because we werent getting in to our car, Bette had brought hers and it was all neat and tidy and there wasnt any of my stuff in there. It was too clean. Not for long though, I thought as I piled my junk in the back. There was quite a bit more than when I had left. I mean, youve got to buy souvenirs and go shopping when youre in New York. Isnt that half the point of being there?

Did you eat on the plane Ellie? Mom asked, peering over her shoulder at me, as we set off home.

I shook my head, and screwed up my face.

No, have you tasted that stuff, its yuck, but I ate a big bag of potato chips and a snickers bar, but Im still starving mom, can we call at Macdonalds mom, please mom, please? I said in my five year old voice. Well sometimes it works. Mom was just about to say no, when I spotted Bette, through the rear view mirror, so I concentrated my pleading look on her. And I think it worked.

Oh come on T, I could just eat a Macdonalds, myself. She said, in a whiny voice, smiling at my mom, and squeezing her hand, which was laid on her thigh, for some reason. Why are adults so touchy, touchy, it makes me want to barf.

Mom started laughing at Bette, when she said this, although I dont know what was funny about it, but she found it rather amusing.

Youve never wanted to eat a Macdonalds in your life Bette Porter. Mom grinned, shaking her head at Bette.

Well, I do now. Bette said to my mom. Then she looked at me again and smiled and winked through the mirror at me.

I smiled and winked back at her.


Mom was right. We are a lot alike.




(To Be Continued.)