Bette:  “Ok, thanks.  Bye.”

Bette sat and thought.

She hit 3 on her speed dial next.

Woman:  “Sunny Time Day Care,  Lisa speaking how may I help you?”

Bette:  “Hi Lisa, its Bette Porter.”

Susan:  “Oh hi Ms. Porter.  What can I do for you?”

Bette:  “Nothing, I was just calling to check on the kids.”

Susan:  “They’re fine.  Right here playing.  Would you like to speak with them?”

Bette:  “No, no that’s ok.  I was just…I dunno what I’m doing.  So long as they’re ok.  Thank you.”

Susan:  “No problem.”

Bette hung up as another wave or relief washed over her.  For once in her life she was grateful that her family was so small.  She’d be having a full on panic attack if it wasn’t.

She expected to feel better after checking on Kit and the kids but for some reason she still didn’t feel at ease.  She dialed her last speed dial number 2 and waited.

It rang, and it rang, and it rang some more.

Voicemail:  “You’ve reached Stevie.  If your calling about photography press one, everyone else wait for the beep.  Later.”

Bette smiled to herself as she listened to the outgoing message.  She had told Stevie that it was the most unprofessional thing on the planet and she should get another line.  But somehow the clients kept on rolling in so it must have been ok.

Once the beep came she began.

Bette:  “Hey babe, just calling to check on you.  I’ve been feeling uneasy all day so I’ve been calling everyone to check on them.  I guess I’m just being paranoid.  Anyway, do me a favor and call me back on my cell when you get a minute.  Even if I don’t pick up, just want to know your ok.  Alright well…guess I’ll see you later.  Ok, I love you.  I think I forgot to tell you that this morning.  Bye.”

Bette closed her phone and looked at the time 9:57.

She attempted to take a sip of her coffee to calm her nerves, and then laughed at herself for how dumb that sounded.  The warm fluid did nothing to sooth her.

The clocked clicked 10 and Bette felt a shooting pain in her chest.  The pain started there and radiated throughout her entire body.  She slammed her chair back against the wall and clutched her chest.  Her breathing was coming in slow shallow pants.