Out of Closet (B&T time-travel romance), Ch. 18

Chapter 18: Loads of information…but will it solve the mystery? (Alice tells Tina about Christina and Tina makes another shocking discovery)

(Previously) Tina looked over to the bed and once again was taken with Bette’s beauty and purity, “She looks so peaceful and innocent lying there like a child and I can’t help it…I have a very strong desire to run my fingers through her hair and kiss her.”

“Here’s your chance,” Alice laughed, pushing Tina towards the bed, “She won’t mind now.”

“You are such a perv, Al. I wouldn’t do it to anyone, no matter how much I love them.”

“You’re saying it now, wait until you get to know her better and I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to keep your hands of her, coma or not.”

“Maybe you’re right…anyway, tell me about Christina?” Tina asked unexpectedly.

Alice was totally surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation, “How do you know about Christina?”

~~~~~~~~

Place: Porter mansion – Bette’s bedroom

Year: 2005

“How do I know about Christina?” Tina repeated the question, “Well, for starters that’s what Bette called me when she first came out of the closet.”

“She did?” Alice said casually, “well, I’m not surprised considering…you know, let me tell you about my first meeting with Christina and you will understand.”

Place: Porter mansion

Year: 1885

After visiting Eric Fischer in jail the girls were at the studio, talking about Elizabeth’s paintings for the art festival when they were interrupted by Maxine Porter. She came to the studio and said cheerfully to her daughter, “Sorry to interrupt you, Lizzie but I have wonderful news, darling?”

“What is it, mother?” Elizabeth said a little defensively. Alice knew that at this moment Elizabeth was very vulnerable and seeing others being so cheerful was making her angry, as if they didn’t care that she was suffering.

Alice was watching her friend the whole time and failed to notice another woman standing shyly behind Mrs. Porter. She heard Maxine saying, “This is Christina Radcliff. She’s a daughter of my dear friend John, the best artist in the whole Orange County. And Christina is just as good as her father. She actually just returned from Paris, where she spent five years studying the art of painting with the best artists and I invited her to help you finish these paintings for my little art festival. I hope you still want to participate, Elizabeth. I know the last few days have been hard on you…”