At the CAC

Before she opened the front door, Bette took a deep breath. She instinctively checked her reflection in the glass door and was horrified at what she saw. In the bright sunlight, her bruise looked even worse and her eyes were puffy and bloodshot. She briefly thought about running back to her car to put on at least some make-up, but when she saw Franklin walking towards her through the glass, her mind was made up for her. She pushed the door open and stepped inside. This is a disaster! he screeched, Where the ***** is that carpenter? James has her number at his desk, Bette replied in a monotone gazing up at the reason for Franklins soon-to-be stroke. The display had broken free from two of its four ceiling supports and was precariously swinging back and forth, squeaking with every sway. She made her way to James desk with Franklin close behind her, The cleaning people saw the first two wires just pop right outI mean do you have any idea how much that piece costs! I know exactly how much it costs, Franklin, Bette answered coldly as she sifted through papers on James desk.

Ive called the fire department; they said they would be here any minute, which means with traffic theyll be here next week! Franklin continued running his hands through his hair, over his forehead and across his chin, I need to get some coffee! Ignoring Franklin, Bette found what she was looking for, grabbed the telephone, and began dialing. Hello? Hi, yeah, Candace, this is Bette Porter, Bette tried to keep her voice even, to sound professional, One of your displays seems to be coming apart at the seems and the artwork is at risk, so its in your best interest to come here and get this resolved quickly. Uh, umokay, Candace was at a bit of loss for words, Well, what exactly is the problem Bette quickly interrupted her, Look, we dont have time to discuss this, you need to come down here and fix this unless you want bigger problems on your hands! Her voice was shaking a bit and Bette hated herself for losing her composure. Fine, fine, Candace replied raising her voice, Im on my way. Bette immediately hung up the phone and felt that she would fall apart again. She leaned against the desk and tried pull herself together. Just then she heard sirens wailing in the distance

At Alices apartment

Alice pushed open her front door, Lucy, Im hoooome! she called, struggling with the two duffle bags she was carrying. Tina tore herself away from the living room window and went to meet Alice. Okay, heres your phone, Alice handed her the cell phone and started retracing her steps to deposit the bags in her bedroom. Dana called, Alice, Tina softly said as she settled back on the couch. She did! Alice had a hard time concealing her excitement, Whatwhat did she say? Just to call her back when you get a chance, Tina answered while pushing buttons on her cell phone. Alice noticed that Tinas voice had lost some of its sadness and she sounded more like herself, Maybe shes feeling better, she thought to herself. Tina put the phone to her ear and thoroughly cleared her throat, trying to gain her composure. Hey, hi Oscarum, Im okay, how about you? Thats good. Listen, I dont think Ill be coming to the house tomorrow. Ill just head over to the center and see if Esai needs help with anything and lend a hand there. UmI just think Ill be more useful thereyeah. Thanks, Oscar. Okay, bye.
Tina closed her cell phone and turned Alice who was sitting at her computer pretending to do something, Al, can I ask you for a favor? Alice turned to Tina, Sure, what doya need? Tina exhaled slowly and then spoke, For you to take me home, I need to talk to Bette. Alice was taken aback by Tinas request and it showed on her face. Tina turned around to stare at the phone in her hand, Will youcan you? Alice sighed softly and answered, Yeahof course. Alice debated whether to go ahead with what she wanted to say or not, and finally, she made her decision, Tina? she asked. Yeah, Tina replied without turning to face her. Bette wanted me to tell you something, on her behalfdo you want to hear it? Tina slowly closed her eyes, Yes, she whispered. Alice swallowed hard and spoke softly, She said that she loves youwithall her heart.

Back at the CAC

Candace along with some members of her crew had coordinated with the firefighters to secure the rogue display to the ceiling. When she came into the building, Bette had immediately directed her toward the firefighters, barely exchanging a word, much less a glance. Bette had since gone into her office making dozens of phone calls to people associated with the show that all was well. She was just hanging up from her very last phone call, when she heard a knock on her door. Bette got up to open the door, but it flew open just as she reached it. Suddenly she was face to face with Candace. Is everything in order? she asked coldly. Candace drew the door to a close, Everything is fine, except for youwhat happened to you? Bette suddenly became aware that Candace was talking about the welting bruise on her cheek.

Bette let out an exasperated sigh as she walked back to lean on her desk with her back to Candace. Once youre work for Provocations is over, I dont ever want to see you again. Do you understand me? Its over. Her words were laced with contempt and she placed special emphasis on the last one. Is that what you really want? Candace asked taking a step closer to Bette. Bette spun around so quickly she nearly made herself dizzy, Yes, Candace, thats what I wantI want YOU out of my life. Bette had raised her voice, but it was shaking and tears were welling at her eyes. Candace took a step back to her original position, and just returned Bettes gaze. Okay, she finally said, Ill leave you my partners number, so you can contact her if anything else comes up. You can leave it on the desk outside, Bette replied, turning to lean back against her desk. Before she opened the door to leave, Candace had to say one last thing, Goodbye, Bette. Bette chuckled to herself a bit, Why couldnt I have been this strong and stubborn before all this ***** happened, she gave up so easily? she asked herself inwardly. She made no reply to Candaces farewell. In fact she didnt move until she heard the door to her office close shut. She sunk into one of the chairs facing her desk and stared at the artwork hanging around her office. She wanted to cry, but she had no tears left. She suddenly felt so tired