Woman: Hi. Im Helena. (She shook Mels hand and then turned to me). Its nice meeting you. Ive been looking forward to tonight Bette.

Helena extended her arm to shake mine. I looked at her still not believing she was here. I hate this woman! I really hate this woman. Why the ***** is she here? Did I send an invitation to her? Did Rachel send one to her? What is she doing here? I could see in her eyes that she has been waiting for this moment, to gloat perhaps, or maybe the few months I stayed at the CAC wasnt torture enough.

This is my show. No one is going to ruin tonight. Not even Helena Pea-*****-body!!!

I greeted her with my best smile.

Bette: Helena, how nice of you to come. I didnt expect you to be here.

Be dead be gone!!!

Helena: I wouldnt miss it for the world Bette

Mel: Hey you two know each other?

Before I could speak, Helena beat me to it, her words sharp like a knife.

Helena: Bette used to work for the CAC in LA and my foundation has generously supported it to its fame

Mel: Wait a minute, youre Helena Peabody? Wow, its such a pleasure to meet you.

Helena: Pleasure is all mine

Mel turned to me, her eyebrows raised in awe. I didnt tell Melanie about Helena. She knew how the Peabody Foundation has helped the CAC immensely before Helena took over. But I missed out the part that Ive lost Tina to her. How she has crushed everything that I had. How after meeting Helena, I didnt have a chance of getting back together with Tina at all. God what am I saying? It was my entire fault. Maybe if I hadnt worked with the CAC, Id still have Tina in my life. Wed probably have the family that weve dreamed of all this while

As Mel and Helena chatted away, I realised how my life is right now. How things never go the way they should be. Everything seems to go wrong. Apart from the gallery of course. Its the only thing that mattered to me the whole time I was here in New York. I looked at Helena laughing with Mel. I didnt want to be here. I couldnt stand watching Helena here. She took my life away from me, made my life a living *****.

Bette: Im sorry will you excuse me? It was nice to have met you again after all this time Helena. Thank you for coming and hope you enjoy the show. But I really have to attend to

Helena: Oh Bette. The thing is. I really need to talk to you about something.

I showed her my brightest smile yet. She needed to talk to me? I put on a front and spoke with great confidence.

Bette: Now isnt a good time, as you can see, Im entertaining people tonight.

Helena: Yes, yes of course. Well, maybe I can come by tomorrow? Or should I make an appointment with your assistant?

Bette: That wouldnt be necessary. Just come by anytime in the morning.

Helena: Alright. Thats something I have to note in my Blackberry then. You know how things are, all hectic. I really have to keep up with these appointments.

Bette: Yes Im sure. Well, Ill see you tomorrow. Mel?

Mel: Yeah?

Bette: Ill see you later ok?

Mel kissed me on my cheeks. I smiled as I walked away. Thank god I could leave. I made my way to the bar to get something to drink to calm myself down. I really cant stand that *****. What the ***** is she doing here? Keep up with appointment!!!!! Sure she was. I even shook her hand. God! Those hands have probably journeyed their way up and down Tinas body. The body that was sacred, just for me, and the one thing that she has given to me and no one else. *****! Who am I kidding? I was the one who betrayed everything. I gave myself to someone else. I let someone else touch me. I let someone else pleasure me. Please, let those feelings rest. Ive dealt with it the past years I was here. I just dont want to be reminded of the ***** ***** I was to Tina. Please god, let this all just be a bad dream.

I downed a few shots. I need something stronger. I looked around and people were actually having a good time; congratulating me with the success. Everything went great until that Pea-*****-body appeared. *****.

Shane: Bette!

I startled, I nearly dropped my glass.

Bette: Hey Shane. You having a good time?

Shane looked at me and she knew something was up.

Shane: So uh Bette, was that Helena?

I nodded.

Shane: Well, (raising her glass) it was very classy of you to have invited her, very professional Bette.

I shrugged. How did she get here? Did she fly all the way from LA just to see me here in NY? I remembered the time when I had to fly to NY from LA just to see Helena. I was near begging for her to fund the CAC, and when all was rejected, I just blew up. And thats when things got out of hand. I had to resign. But I think that was the boldest move Ive ever made. So I stood on my own two feet and built this gallery from scratch. My baby, my only baby for now

Bette: The gallery will be closed in (I looked at my watch) about a half hour or so. Are you coming back with us to the apartment or do you have other plans? (Pointing at the lady who has been eyeing Shane)

Shane turned around and smiled.

Shane: Umm nah Im here for you Bette, for you

Bette: Thanks Shaney! Where are the girls? I think I want to go back to doing something else tonight. Get to the apartment and hang out, you know? I need to catch up with you guys

Shane: Theyre around somewhere. Ill get them if you want to go back now, I dont mind.

Bette: Thats great Shane, but looks like they can read both our minds.

I saw Alice, Dana and Kit walking toward us; all with smiles on their faces.

Dana: Im tired you guys, shouldnt we be heading back now?

Alice rolled her eyes.

Alice: Shes been saying this all night and my ears could bleed if she mentions it again so can we just please get back?

Dana: Do you know how hard it is to hit balls on the court when all eyes are on you Al? Its exhausting!!!

I chuckled.

Bette: Yeah well help you out of your misery Al.

Kit: Youre coming back with us? You can stay here baby sis. I mean this is your party

Bette: Nah I think Ill just go home with you guys. Rachel, my assistant will usher everyone out.

Kit: You ok?

Bette: Yes. The limo would be waiting up front; Ill just let Melanie know were going ok? See you guys up front.

The girls walked hand-in-hand towards the front entrance. I downed my wine, straightened myself and started to look for Melanie.

The crowd has shrunk to a few people at the bar, now probably resting their eyes from looking at photographs too long. I bid farewell to some of my regular visitors and buyers. They complimented me on the success of the show.

Rachel: Miss Porter.

I turned around. Poor Rachel, she looks rather exhausted.

Bette: Ill be in tomorrow morning for a short meeting I think but you should take the day off. You deserve it.

Rachels face was beaming. I know she was happy to hear that and it made me happy too.

Rachel: Miss Porter, thank you. Have you seen the front entrance? People have left flowers for you. But here is a bouquet and theres a note for you. The delivery guy said to deliver the flowers directly to you. I took it myself.

Rachel handed me a note. I read it carefully

Bette, congratulations on the show. Its such a success, just as you are.

I read it over and over. Who is this? Is anyone playing a joke on me?

Bette: Did they say who it was from Rachel?

Rachel: Umm no Miss Porter. The delivery guy didnt say. I wouldve thought theyd write it on the note.

Bette: No… They didnt. Well, thanks anyways. Im going soon. So take care of things ok? Goodnight.

I walked over to Melanie who was sitting on one of the sofas. Maybe Melanie sent it.

Bette (Mel): Hey Mel did you(Baby you got more flowers?)

Bette: Oh hmm I guess its not from you huh?

Mel: Aww sorry Lizzie. So whos it from (sounding a little bit jealous)

Bette: I dont know it doesnt say

Mel: Well thats the second oneWell, I cant blame anyone for admiring you Bette. You are one beautiful, *****, stunning and exciting woman Ive ever known. (I placed a quick kiss on Mels lips to shut her up. I can take compliments but when its coming from Mel I just get all shy)

Bette: Im going home now. The girls are waiting in the limo. Are you coming?

Mel: Umm as much as Id love to I cant Lizzie. I have an early flight tomorrow for a meeting. It was last minute. I wanted to tell you but forgot all about it when I saw you. But I will be back in a few days.

Bette: Ok. Well, have a safe trip and call me when you get there ok?

Mel: Ok. Say hi to the girls for me. Bye babe

I waved at Mel. Mel has been so good to me I dont know what Ive done to deserve it. Plus I havent felt this way for a long time. Mel is the only person Ive allowed myself be really close to since Tina. Tina her name lingers in my head and my dreams. The love of my life who isnt in my life anymore. How ironic. I remember every success Ive had with shows and she would still be the highlight of my night. She would be there to hold me and kiss me throughout the night. But I never realised it until it was all gone. I took everything for granted. I shook my head and headed for the front entrance.

I climbed into the Limo and the girls have opened a bottle of champagne from the fridge. Alice was happily drinking away while Kit was singing to Marvin Gayes Sexual Healing. Dana was leaning on Shane her eyes droopy. Shane looked at me and smile. Shane always gets me, Yoda she is!

Shane: That one must be special Bette Whos it from?

Bette: I dont know, it doesnt say

Shane nodded in understanding

Shane: Everything ok Bette?

I rested my head against the door frame and sighedTomorrow I would have to face Helena…

Bette: Yeah Jack (the chauffeur) Lets go home