Chapter 32

Tina stood at the airport desk tapping her fingers; she was on stand-by and awaiting further information about the next flight back.

She sighed, the call to the government office with her explanation of an unexpected family emergency had gone much better than she had expected and they had agreed to continue processing the divorce.

“I’m sorry Ma’am…; we don’t have any seats available until the morning…”

“Are you sure, they told me on the phone there was one seat available on the 6.45 flight…”

“No ma’am…, there was one earlier but that seat has already been taken…”

“Can you check again…, please this is an emergency…, what about an indirect flight?”

“Ma’am, I’ve checked them all for you…, the first one I can get you on is 7.30 tomorrow morning…”

“What if I stay here…, if one comes up before the morning one…?”

“I’ll be sure to tell you Ms Kennard…”

“Okay… Thank you…”

Tina turned and sat on the seat that faced the airline desk, she would continue with the eye contact to make sure she wasn’t forgotten, but not before trying to get through to Bette once again.

***

Bette wandered around the studio, her fingers traced the dusty work surface of Lily’s bench, the fine powdery porcelain residue coated her finger…, such a fineness to the touch.

There was one thing about Lily’s sculptures…, they were so fine that the word perfection always came to mind…, they were always faceless figurines but you could see and feel their emotions…, they were such exquisite pieces that you were afraid to touch them, and yet there was a force that drew you to them and you couldn’t help but allow your finger to trace along the finery.

There were two unfinished pieces, supposedly ones that Lily had either started and not had the inspiration to finish, or…, or she didn’t have time…

Bette came to the end of the bench where Lily usually stored her finished work. 

There were none.  Just a fine white muslin cloth covering, what Bette assumed to be, a single sculpture.

Bette turned and glanced around her, knowing that there must be some finished pieces in the studio somewhere, she looked around her and saw the shelf at the back of the room.