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Tee, I can’t wait until you meet my grandmother, we call her MaDear.

I can’t wait babe (Tina is not really happy about meeting Bette’s grandmother she is thinking she is just older female version of Melvin).  Babe this is beautiful country.  Tina and Bette had flown in and driving a rental car to MaDear’s house.  They turned off of the main highway and arrive at the homestead. 

Babe this is beautiful.  Two story plantation house.

Bette and Tina get out of the car.  Lillie opens the door, Child look at you how have you been. Bette gives her and hug; Great Lillie, where’s my grandmother. 

Child she is the garden gathering vegetables for tonight, where are your manners.

Sorry Lillie, this Tina, my girlfriend, Tina Lillie.

Nice to meet you Lillie, Tina begin to stretch out her hand for a handshake and Lillie grabs her and hugs her.  Child we only shake strangers hand and if you are Bette’s girlfriend than you are not a stranger.  Lillie looks at Bette, go ahead, I will walk Tina to the garden. 

Bette takes off running through the house and out the back door to the garden area.

Come on your child lets go meet your future grandmother.  Okay, Lillie.  Child what’s the matter with you, you don’t sound excited.  I look forward to meeting Mrs. Porter.  Lillie looks at her, and simply says Uh hum.

Hey MaDear, Bette runs into the garden and hugs her grandmother.  I missed you so much.  I couldn’t tell.  Planes are still flying and Ma Bell is still in business.

MaDear, I will do better.  Child you better now where is Miss Kennard that I have heard so much about?

At this time Lillie and Tina are walking up.  Hello Mrs. Porter, It is a pleasure to meet you I am Tina Kennard.  MaDear looks at Tina and then Lillie and smiles.  Well Tina Kennard, I am Elizabeth Porter, but I am commonly referred to as MaDear by grandchildren.  You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Porter and a lovely garden thank you so much for the invite to your home.   Well Miss Kennard, I can hear your southern accent, where are you from, North Carolina madam.  A southern belle well I will take the liberty of calling Tina since you are southern girl and since you are my granddaughter’s girlfriend you can call me MaDear, unless of course you stand on formality.