At the CAC
Okay, what just happened? James asked as he rushed into Bettes office. I looked up long enough to see this haze of what looked like Tina zoom past me. Whyd she leave? Bette? Bette are you okay? James inquired as he walked around Bettes desk. She had her back turned to him with her face buried in her hands. James pulled her hands away. Youre not crying are you? James asked, his voice warm and sensitive.

Bette reluctantly looked up at him and managed to force the tears back. No, Im not crying, she sniffed. Im just confused. I dont know what just happened? Bette confessed.

Me either, James agreed. I came from Franklins office and she was pacing back and forth as if she wasnt sure what she was doing. I asked her if she wanted to see you and she said yes, but that she didnt to be announced and then she went it. Then the next thing I know shes flying out the building. You two didnt fight did you? James sat on the edge of Bettes desk holding her hands.

No, we didnt fight. Actually, it was a pleasant, though limited exchange, Bette mumbled.

Then whyd she leave? James was now as confused as Bette.

She said she wanted to try to talk to me, but got overwhelmed and had to leave, Bette said with a shrug. God, she looked so good, Bette smiled softly.

So, what are you gonna do now? Will you get to see her or talk to her again?

She said we can try again, but I have a feeling it will be sooner than later, Bette said, cryptically.

James gave Bette an odd look. What do you mean? What did you do?

Sit down, Bette directed and James sat in the chair in front of Bettes desk. I sent her an email detailing my innermost thoughts and its sitting in her inbox, Bette informed.

Wow! You did that? When did this happen? James curiosity peaked.

The other night after I left DL95s with you and Katey. I couldnt sleep and I wrote it, but, Bette paused.

But what? James quizzed, anxiously waiting more details. I hate when you do this, just spit it out, James fussed impatiently.

Well, I originally didnt send it to her, I sent it to myself. Well, it was supposed to go to myself so I could read it over before I sent it, but it went to my father and sister too? James mouth fell open. Yeah! Thats kind of how I felt when they called me, Bette ruefully admitted.

Why didnt you just send it to her in the first pl, oh I get it, James stopped mid sentence realizing that while Bette was pouring her heart out, she had somehow digressed to the Im only going to tell you so much information, part of herself. Oh Bette, you have to just start letting go, James carefully instructed trying not to be offensive. So, which version did she get?

She was going to get the edited version, but Kit threatened to send the original if I didnt after ripping me a new one, Bette chuckled.

She needed to because I would have. Wait, you said your father got it too? *****! How did he take it?

Not good. He ripped me a new one too, so suffice it to say, I now have two completely new *****, Bette laughed, seeing the perverse humor in it all.

Listen, I know youre going through it hard right now and I dont want to rip you a new one too, James laughed, so, all Ill say is, be patient, be strong, and most of all be honest. No edited versions of anything. Okay? James reprimanded and Bette nodded. Now, with that said, back to business, James commanded. This picture, he paused. Its fantastic. I cant believe Bertrand stopped painting, James studied the piece.

Me either, but when your vices take over your life, it wins over everything else I suppose, Bette stated, and sighed heavily as yet another reference was indirectly made to her own life.

Well his unfortunate loss is our gain, James stated. And now its time for another unfortunate event, James looked at Bette, we have to see Franklin about it, James made a face.

Ugh! Bette fussed. Come on then, lets get it over with, but if he gets out of line, were so playing hooky again, they both laughed.

At the Center
Tina avoided the computer like it was the plague, deathly afraid of what the email might contain. Time after time, Tina tried to click the open button, only to find her fingers act like rigor mortis had set in. *****! she cursed in her mind, Why cant I just open it? Tinas inner voice questioned. Its just an email. Just words. Just thoughts. How bad can it be? Do it Tina. Do it! The voice continued until she finally gave in. Tina took a deep breath, clicked the OK button, and almost forgot to breathe again as she began to read. Tina let out a heavy sigh and allowed the words to fill her mind as the tears filled her eyes. She read it, printed it, and read it again, but this time in the confines of a stall in the ladies room where she let her tears flow like lave, burning her cheeks with each drop. All the things, all the thoughts, and all the words shed long to hear where right there in front of her. Tina clutched the paper to her chest and sobbed releasing all the anxiety and tension that had built in her over the years and recent months; the mlange of emotions consumed her as the tears saturated her face.

Oh Bette, why did it take you so long to open up to me? Why? Tina sobbed out loud. So, much could have been avoided if youd done this before. Why did it take infidelity to make you see the proverbial light, Tina grieved to herself. God, why? Why oh why does it have to be this way? Tina continued until she heard someone come in the bathroom.

Tina quickly forced herself to regain composure and waited until the bathroom was empty again before she came out and refused to look at herself until shed washed her face. Tina fixed her face and hair as best she could without the benefit of makeup and a brush. When satisfied with her appearance, Tina left the bathroom and returned to her quiet desk. She busied herself in her work as not to allow the email to break her down any more. After exhausting every task she had on her schedule and a few extra ones, Tina finally called it quits. She knew Bette would be waiting to hear from her, but it was too early. She still needed time to think. Everything seemed to be happening at mach speed and she was clinging on by breaking thread.

Tina called Alice hoping to have a sounding board, but she was not available. Tina thought about calling Mrs. Honor, but shed already used her for the day. Knowing that one way or another she would have to face Bette, she finally called her. Tina thought back on the quote, Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth. Tina nodded knowing that the words were absolutely and infinitely true and if Bettes email had any shred of truth to it, then it was time to put things into motion. Tina picked up the phone, called Alice and left a message. And then she dialed again and waited.

Bette, its Tina, Tina let out the breath she was holding. Would it be possible to meet tonight?

Bette held the phone tightly to her ear hardly believing that Tina was on the other end and Kodak would have paid millions for the look on Bettes face.

Bette? Are you still there? Tina nervously inquired, stunned by Bettes silence.

Uhm, yes. Yes, I am, sorry, Bette fumbled for words. Tonight? Yes, of course, Bette tried to mask her swelling excitement. She had no idea what it would lead to, but just to be in Tinas presence was enough for her right now.

One catch, Tina paused. Id need you to pick me up from the Center, Tina added.

Thats fine, Bette rushed to reply. What time would you like me to be there?

Now, unless youre still working.

Bette looked at her watch and then at the agenda. She had something to do, but she would put it off if it meant seeing Tina sooner. Sure, I can get away. Ill call you when Im a block away, Bette said through a smile.

Okay, see you then, Tina replied and hung up.

At the CAC
Bette rushed around the office gathering her papers and stuffing them into her briefcase. She had the disposition of an ebullient three year old and the grin to match. Thank you God, Bette whispered as she headed to the door.

Wheres the fire? James inquired.

Wherever Tina is, Bette grinned.

For real?

Yup! She called and asked if she could see me tonight. Im so excited, Bette gushed. I cant wait to see her again. I hope she took the email well, she paused for a moment. Doesnt matter. She wants to see me and thats enough, Bette quipped.

Well, you better get going, but remember, James cautioned. Be patient. This is her show right now okay?

Bette nodded. I know and I will. Ill remember everything you, Kit, and even my father said to me, Bette confessed. Now, I have to go. See you tomorrow.

Bette rushed out the building, jumped in her car, and took the most expedient way to the Center. No time could be wasted in seeing Tina.

At the Center
Tina scribbled some thoughts into her journal to quell the trepidation building within her. She hoped her meeting with Bette would fair better than the one earlier and that she would be able to say the things she needed to. Bettes revelations had given her plenty of additional information to work with. She looked it over one last time before she folded it and put it into her journal.

Moments later Tinas cell phone rang and it was Bette telling her she was a block away. Tina walked out the door and waited on the curb for the well-known blue Saab to arrive.

Hi Tina, Bette beamed as Tina got in the car.

Hey, Tina replied casually, trying to suppress the tidal wave of emotion she felt.

Im happy you called back Tina, Bette continued trying to maintain conversation.

You, you left me no choice, Tina said in a distracted tone. Your email was, um, was very moving, she stuttered.

Bette tensed a little, not sure of how to take Tina. Her demeanor was pleasant, though distracted and aloof. She knew it couldnt be easy for her and said nothing as she maneuvered through the busy street unaware of where she was going. Instinct told her to go home, but personal desire hadnt relinquished itself to reality. Bette turned on the radio to provide some ease and allow them to relax. Tina wrung her hands and stared out of the window unaware of Bette stealing glances at her. She looks so beautiful, Bette thought. More beautiful than before, if thats possible, Bette allowed her thoughts to linger as she relaxed into the seat.

Where would you like to go? Tina asked out of the blue and startling Bette.
Huh? Uh, Im sorry, I was lost there for a minute, Bette

Its okay, Tina reassured. Im probably not helping by being quiet and nervous anyway.

Dont say that, Bette instinctually reached for Tinas hand and rubbed it. Tina flinched a little, but didnt push it away. Bette felt the warmth of Tinas skin ignite a familiar spark and she gently eased back as not to become too comfortable. Im nervous too. More so than you could ever believe, Bette said softly in a soothing tone.

Tina felt her shoulders relax, the tension lift, and she allowed herself to simply be. Now was not a time to regress into the person she used to be and the habits she used to have. Tina needed to emerge from her cocoon called Bette and be the beautiful butterfly shed become with and around other people.

Ive changed Bette, Tina stated. Im not the same person anymore and I thought you should know that up front, she continued making quick eye contact before turning away again.

Bette nodded. I know. Ive noticed how vibrant you look and how confident you seem to be, Bette glanced over and away. By the way, we could go to Maries if youre hungry, Bette finally answered Tinas question.

Thanks. And yes, Maries is fine, Tina replied. How are you doing? You look thin and not as rested as before, Tina delicately informed. Hope Im not being offensive, Tina quickly added.

No, not at all, Bette chuckled. Its true and please, feel free to say whatevers on your mind. I know I havent always been responsive to your opinions, but I want to change that, Bette zipped into an open space in traffic and sped up to make the exit before she got cut off. Tina winched a little having forgotten Bettes need for speed. Maybe Bette forget she was driving her Saab and not a Ferrari!

So, what prompted the email Bette? I mean its pretty emotionally explicit and quite unlike you, Tina asked with ease finding herself less captive in Bettes presence.

Wow! Thats a tough one. A long story really, but to cut it short, I realized, finally, Bette agreed to her own admission, that I needed to let you back in. To show you the human and not superhuman side of myself, Bettes tone was withdrawn as she tried to suppress her nervousness.

But what one thing made you tell me all those things? Tina inquired with intent.

Kit mostly, but also speaking with my father and later with James. I hadnt realized or chose not to realize that we were falling apart and I used you as the glue to hold us together, Bette painfully admitted. And, Bette paused and swallowed hard, knowing that I lost you and the future I thought was mine. Tina. Baby, words will fail to adequately express the pain and disgust I feel inside for what I did. No one should have ever come between us. Im not looking for absolution through the email, but I would like you to try, if you can, to work with me to get through this, Bette almost pleaded.

Youre about to miss the restaurant, Tina informed, managing to change the subject for a moment.