Bette sat at her new kitchen table starring blankly out of the bay window. The view was perfect, Central Park right under her nose. She had been so dazed since the return from Florida. Between all of the paperwork that needed to be signed for this place and getting back to rehearsals, not to mention having a 17 year old to clothe and feed, the brunette had been run ragged. She was determined to do nothing but rest this morning.

Tina: What are you talking about? You look adorable!

Ashley: I dont want to look adorable! Im 17, practically an adult. Would you want to look adorable?

When Bette heard the two loud voices coming from the hallway she resigned to the fact that rest might not be in the cards for today. She watched as Ashley came storming down the hall with Tina right behind.

Ashley: Bette I look like an idiot!

Tina: Tell her she looks fine.

Bette just sighed.

Ashley: See, she hates it too.

Tina shot Bette a look that said youre in trouble.

Ashley: I dont know why I even have to wear this!

Ashleys voice had become shrill and Bette thought her ears would begin to bleed at any moment. She took another sip of her coffee and stood to face the hostile teenager.

Bette: What seems to be the problem?

Ashley: Whats the problem? Whats the problem?! Look at me! I look like I should be in a Britney Spears video. All I need is to put my hair in pigtails and grab a lollipop to suck on! I dont even understand why you are sending me to this school! Im not catholic!

Ashley tugged at the uniformed skirt the school had given her to wear, trying to shred it with her bare hands.

Bette: Im sending you there because it is one of the best schools in the city.

Ashley: What do I care about the best schools? Its my last year.

Bette: I just wanted to give you the best schooling possible

Ashley: God, You just dont get it!

With that Ashley stormed past both Bette and Tina and headed straight out the door.

Tina: That was fun.

Bette: Tons.

Bette sat back down and continued to nurse her now cold cup of coffee.

Tina: Youre doing a great job with her.

Bette: I feel like whatever I do for that girl is never enough. I painted her room pink when she hates pink. I gave her money to buy stuff to decorate the room, but it wasnt enough money. Now I enroll her the best school but she doesnt want to go there. She fights me tooth and nail. I have no idea how I thought I could do this.

Tina: Shes supposed to fight you. Dont you remember being that age?

Bette: I was never that age. I was born and the following year I turned 25.

Tina cracked a smile and placed a kiss on Bettes smooth cheek.

Tina: Well I remember and I can tell you that she is doing what any normal teenager would. So that means youre doing something right.

Bette: If I get a phone call from the school saying she beat some kid up or set fire to the bathroom Im telling them to call you.

Tina: I have to get going babe. They need me at the studio by 10.

Bette: What time do I need to be there?

Tina: Not until 12.

Bette: Are you ready to jump back into this?

Tina: I have been so eager to get back to work Bette. I want this show to be perfect and it still needs so much work.

Bette: In my experience, and trust me when I say I have some, it will all come together in the end. Just be patient.

Tina: Well with such a wonderful actress in the lead role I have no doubt it will be amazing in the end.

Bette stood and grabbed Tinas waist.

Bette: You look beautiful.

Tina let a red blush come over her face. She always loved the way time would stand still when Bette said something like that to her. The brunette leaned in and kissed Tina softly on her pink lips.

Tina: I feel like this is the first time weve been alone in weeks.

Bette: Thats because it is.

Bette arched her eyebrows and tilted her head toward their bedroom.

Tina: Oh Bette! You know I have to go! That is so unfair.

Bette: Im sorry, go.

Tina wrapped her arms tightly around Bettes body.

Tina: I love you.

Bette: I love you. Now go and make wonderful theatre.

Tina reached across the kitchen table for her purse and headed out the door. Bette took one last glimpse out of the window down to the park. There was nothing more she wanted to do then sit and stare out the window all day, unfortunately there was much to be done. She spun on her heels and made her way to the bedroom to get dressed.

Tina breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped through the doors of the rehearsal studio. It was as if she had come home.

Alex: Your coffee madam.

Tina: Why thank you kind sir.

Alex: Happy to be back?

Tina: God yes.

The front door swung open as Alice made her grand entrance.

Alice: Do you have any idea how hard it was to get a taxi this morning? I hate Wednesdays in Times Square!

Alex: Tourists piled on every corner?

Alice: every single one! Wheres MY coffee?

Alex: I didnt know you were coming.

Alice: Well here I am. So go get me coffee.

Alex: Ask me nicely!

Alice grimaced.

Alice: Alex, would you be a darling and please get me some coffee?