The Adventures Of Bette Porter And Sissee Gardner Schmidt After Howie (Part 2, Chapter 4

PART TWO: NEW HAVEN, CONNETICUT

Chapter 4

Mary had checked in with us a few times, by both text message and calling. She was having a blast with her new friend and getting acquainted with many others. They had gone to the printing press facility at Silliman, to check it out in detail since Mary would be spending a lot of time there with her pursuit in journalism. Then they lightened things up by playing Frisbee on the courtyard after which a group of them went out to eat and watch karaoke at Naples Pizza while Bette and I had dinner.

Back in our room we both decided to get ready for bed and then take some time to set up our laptops. Bette sat at the desk and I was across the room from her at the round table. Back to back we e-mailed family, friends and work related personnel. We both got absorbed in our own on-line world until I got a pop up indicating I had mail – from Bette. I was amused but said nothing.

She wrote: “Turn on your IM.”

I entered my password into my Instant Messenger account and we began to communicate, back and forth.

“Are you having a nice time?” she asked, in writing.

“Yes, I am. Are you?”

“Absofuckinglutely.”

“It’s like a honeymoon for us.”

“I know. That’s what I like about it.”

“I really feel close to you.”

“I agree. I close my eyes and I see your face.”

“And I hear your voice, even when you’re not talking.“

“And I can smell you on me,” she said.

“Funny you should say that, the same thing crossed my mind when I sat down. Even though you were across the room I could smell you on me, too.”

“We’re really connected, Sis.”

“I know.”

“Which reminds me of the tattoo connection. Have you thought more about it?“

“I have to admit I’m kind of scared.”

“Of what?”

“The needle.”

“Well, like we said, a wet lunch will help.”

“Okay, I’m for that but then there’s the name part.”

“What about it?”

“Well, you hear all kinds of stories……..”