Chapter 41....HEART to HEART....part three

Tina was happy a heavy weight had lifted off her shoulders. She realized she had just jumped over one of her major hurdles. She smiled as she folded the blanket.

Tina caught up with them and they walked back to the house.

As soon as they got inside the house, Angelica raised her head from Bette's shoulder.

"Mommy"

"Yes baby"

"Will Auntie Linda cry, when Momma come stay here with you and me?"

Bette's heart made a thud. Tina choked on her saliva as she tried to swallow.

Bette and Tina looked at each other with wide eyes. Their daughter was certainly full of surprises. They searched each others faces for answers. Who would be the one to answer this question? It was addressed to Tina, but Bette was the person in question.

Tina's eyes plead to Bette. Please answer, please, because I have no clue as to what to say.

Bette took Angelica over to the couch and positions her daughter in her lap. Angelica's eyes were sleepy but she was waiting for the answer. She raised her eyes to Tina.

Tina looked at Bette again. It was obvious they were both equally lost.

How do they explain to Angelica that they can not live together? How do they put it simply for Angelica that, the love they had once was not there anymore so it was just easier if her Momma stayed with Auntie Linda?

Tina's world seemed like it was closing in on her. Bette gave her nothing so she knew she had to try. "Ahm. Mamma won't be staying with us Angelica, Ahm....."

Bette cut Tina off. "Mamma is staying with Auntie Linda for a little while Sweetie. Auntie Linda will cry if Momma leaves her, because she will be all alone." Bette smiled down sadly at Angelica.

Disappointment was written all over Angelica's small sleepy face. She knitted her brows in confusion, not understanding the reasoning.

Bette's heart broke. "You don't want Auntie Linda to cry, do you?"

Angelica slowly shook her head.

"But you can come over and see Momma whenever you want to."

Bette thought she too was about to cry. She was playing on her little girl's emotion to fulfill her and Tina's personal agenda. Her heart hurt. She didn't dream of separated parents for her child, but the worst of circumstances have led to this.

Bette raised her eyes and looked at Tina.

Tina knew the intention of Bette's glare. The statement in Bette's eyes was very clear - This is your fault, all your fault.