Kit rushed back to the bedroom to warn Ivan that Bette was at the door. She didnt know what to do and scrambled to put something on. Ivan did the same and sat on the bed staring incredulously at Kit.

What are you gonna do Kit?

Dunno! Any suggestions? Kit asked.

Uhm, yeah, keep the bedroom door closed, Ivan suggested. Shes knocking again. She doesnt have a key does she?

*****! Yeah, she does. Lemme get the door before she comes in, Kit babbled, managing to sneak a tap kiss on Ivans cheek as she rushed out of the room.

Kit heard the key going into the lock and managed to open it before Bette did.

Hey baby girl, Kit flustered. Whatcha doin here so early? She continued, stepping back so Bette could come in.

Bette looked around somewhat suspiciously before answering.

I was near the neighborhood and decided to drop in. Brought bagels, Bette stated, handing Kit the bag. What took you so long to answer? I was starting to think you werent home.

Kit took the bagels to the kitchen, sitting them on the table. Trying hard to not show her nervousness, Kit opened the fridge, idly looking inside.

Juice?

Yeah. Sure, Bette answered and sat down. So, you never said why you took so long to answer.

Oh, I was in the shower and didnt hear the door til I came out, Kit lied. And I didnt want to answer naked. All this could scare someone, she teased, running her hands over her body.

Bette laughed at Kits gesture and took the glass from her. Kit sat beside her trying to act as normal as she could, which wasnt easy at all right now.

Kit, I brought the bagels so we could eat them, said Bette, nudging Kit in the arm.

Oops! My bad! Im not real hungry right now though baby girl. Ill fix one for you though, she said, standing and heading to the kitchen.

Id prefer not to eat alone, but theyre fresh, so I guess Ill eat anyway.

Kit prepped the bagel and sat it on a small plate before she handed it to Bette. She sat down again and clicked the TV on.

Im sure theres nothing good on anyway except the usual madness of the world and morning talk shows, Bette said idly, chomping on her bagel.

Yeah, thats true, but it gives you something to talk about though, Kit mused.

Actually, Id rather talk to you Kit. Its been a while since weve just talked ya know, Bette stated, rubbing Kits arm.

Uh, okay, Kit nervously replied. Want me to turn the TV off then?

No, but you can turn it down though.

Kit turned the TV down giving Bette her full attention. Meanwhile, Ivan was still in the bedroom not knowing what is going on in the living room. He turned the radio on very low to keep him company. Time was moving very slowly for him and to make matters worse, he had to pee. There was no way to come out of the room and the more he held it, the stronger the desire grew. He closed his eyes hoping hed fall asleep and forget out his dilemma.

So, big sis, whats new and exciting with you? Havent seen you out that much.

Im fine, Kit said, trying not to let her returned nervousness show. Ive been just taking time out ya know.

Thats good. Have you spoken to daddy or heard from David? Daddy called me the other day to say hi. Thought he might have called you too.

Kit sighed thinking of David. She missed him and wished they could talk.

No, you know Melvin doesnt contact me girl, Kit tried to joke to hide her hurt. And I might find Tupac before David calls me, she said sadly.

Im sorry Kit, Bette said softly, realizing Kits pained reply. He said that David is well if that helps any?

Kit ran her hand through her hair trying to maintain a more stoic composure and not let it show how truly hurt she was, especially with having just spoke of David the night before with Ivan.

Yeah, its always good to know hes doing well even if I have to hear it through the vine. I really hope that one day we can get past the ***** and at least be friends.

I agree, Bette comforted. Anyway, to something more positive. Hows your music coming?

Its coming along. Things with Slim Daddy worked out, as you know and Im getting decent recognition. I havent been drinking and Im just enjoying my simple life, Kit smiled.

Thats great. Im happy to hear that.

Kit and Bette continued with idle banter and were really enjoying each others company. They hadnt spent much time together, so it was nice to catch up.

What was that? Bette asked.

They heard a bump in the bedroom and Kit got up. She remembered Ivan and began to panic as Bette got up too. She had to think fast, but not act suspiciously.

Dunno. Its probably just my plant falling off the shelf. The windows open and it gets breezy up here sometimes, was Kits swift and believable lie.

Oh, okay. Thought you might have someone hidden in there, Bette teased, not realizing she was stating a fact.

Lemme just go look, Kit said, walking toward her bedroom. Help yourself to more juice if youd like.

Bette went to the kitchen and Kit to the bedroom. She opened the door just enough to get in and closed it behind her. She was startled to see Ivan seated on her wastebasket peeing. Ivan put his hand up motioning the ssh face as Kit walked over to him.

I couldnt hold it anymore Kit, he whispered. Im sorry I had to ruin your can.

Its okay, I understand, Kit chuckled, covering her mouth. I heard a noise and came to check on you. Bette almost came too, but I managed to duck her, she continued in a whisper.

I knocked the statue over as I reached the can. Can you hand me a tissue?

Kit handed Ivan the box of tissues.

Ill try to get rid of her. Im so sorry you had to suffer. Ill make it up to you, Kit said sweetly, planting a sincere kiss on Ivans mouth.
Okay, go before we get caught.

Everythings cool. Just like I thought. I cleaned up the little mess it made, sorry if I took long.

Oh, its okay. I should probably be leaving anyway. I didnt realize time had passed so quickly, Bette said, looking at her watch. Its been great seeing you though.

Yeah, it sure has. We need to do this more often baby girl, Kit replied hugging Bette.

Oh, one more thing before I go.

Whats that?

Whatever youre doing is working for you. You look great and sound so focused and positive. I know I dont tell you often, but I am proud of you and I love you, Bette said sincerely, pulling Kit in to hug her again.

Aww, thanks girl. That means so much. Its not often that I get compliments, well except Kits words trailed off as she realized she was about to say something she shouldnt.

Except for what Kit? Bette asked curiously.

No one, Kit replied defensively.

Right. Dont give me that. Tell me, Bette demanded, crossing her hands over her chest.

Its nothing. I got a compliment from someone the other day and it felt good. I guess Im just caught up in it I guess, Kit said, hoping to ward off any further interrogation.

Okay, Ill let it go this time, Bette conceded. Take care Kit. Ill see you soon.

Bye. Love ya.

Kit closed the door and headed back to the bedroom to free Ivan.

Is the coast clear now? Ivan asked.

Yeah. Its safe to come out.

I need to wash my hands and get going. I have something to do today. Youre welcome to join me if youd like, Ivan said as they walked arm in arm into the bathroom.

Ivan washed his hands as Kit stood in the doorway watching. He cozied up to her and they lost themselves in a passionate kiss. Neither heard the door reopen and Bette back come in.

Kit! Ivan? What the *****? Bette gasped.