Bette took them all to her tiny apartment in the square.  They were simply amazed at the beautiful pictures Bette had painted.  “Babe, why didn’t you paint before?  These are amazing.”

“I guess it was my dad’s influence.  He never wanted me to paint.  So, I guess I gave it up to please him.  You know I spent most of my young adult life trying to please my father.  What at waste of time.”

“No Bette it wasn’t a waste of time.  He loved you in his own way.  Maybe not how you would have liked to be loved by your father but I am sure he loved you in the best way he knew how.  Some people just don’t know how to show love.  They see it as a sign of weakness.  I have never understood that.  I am so much stronger because of your love for me and for my love for you.  I think we can do anything we want if we are together.”  Tina leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Bette’s lips.  They smiled as Bette began to pack up her things.  She didn’t have much so it didn’t take long.  Peggy, Helena and Tina worked on packing up the artwork.  Peggy then arranged for Bette’s painting to be taken to the Peabody jet waiting for them at the airport.

Next they stopped by the center to see Dr. Roberts.  “Bette I can’t believe you are leaving.  The children are going to miss you and so will I but you have your own life to get back to and I wish you well.”

“Thank you Dr. Roberts for everything you have done for me.  If you hadn’t sent those pictures in with the grant, Peggy may have never come to find me.  I will miss you and the children too.  I hate that I won’t be teaching them art anymore.  But, I think that Maria would be great at it if you were willing to give her the chance.  She is my best student and she really loves the children and they love her too.”

Dr. Roberts smiled.  Bette really cared about those kids.  “I think that is a wonderful idea Bette.  I will speak to Maria today and I will tell her it was your idea.  I know she will do it then.”  Turning to Peggy, Dr. Roberts extended her hand.   “It was a pleasure to meet you Ms. Peabody.  Thank you so much for the grant but most importantly thank you for helping my friend Bette find her way home.”

“Dr. Roberts it was my pleasure.  I look forward to continuing my support for your center.”

Dr. Roberts looked at Tina and smiled.  “You know you two really do belong together.  Tina take care of Bette and if you don’t mind send me a letter every now and then to let me know how you are both doing.  You might even include a picture or two of that precious daughter of yours.  Also don’t forget to send me your friend’s email address so that I can forward Bette’s files to her.”  Tina agreed to do that as soon as they got home taking Dr. Roberts’ information with her.

Finally, Dr. Roberts stepped over to Bette.  “Bette, it has been a pleasure to know you and I am so happy you found the woman of your dreams.  She is definitely a keeper.  Maybe you can visit every now and then and I will have Maria send you information on any up and coming artist that we find.”

Bette smiled with tears in her eyes.  “Yes she is a keeper Doc.  It has been a pleasure to work with you.  Thank you for taking me in when I was lost and helping me find my way home.  I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful new artist you find too.”  The two hugged and cried.  Bette quickly went to the art center to say goodbye to the children.  After a tearful goodbye and promises to visit again, Bette made her way to the door looking back one last time on those precious faces.

Peggy softly touched Bette’s back.  “It’s time to leave dear.  We need to get you home.”

Tina and Bette just smiled at one another.  “Home that sounds so good, come on T let’s go home.”