Later that evening, Tina laid down on the bed trying to relax her tired body. She really wanted to finish reading her book, but found herself too exhausted.

Bette called out to Tina, “Tee, have you seen my hand cream”?

“Yes, it’s in here on the night stand”, Tina replied.

Bette flipped off the bathroom light and walked over to the bed. “Sometimes I think I’d forget my fricken head of it wasn’t attached”, she said. Then with a sigh, she turned off the bedside lamp and laid down. Tina and Bette lay there staring up at the ceiling. It was very quiet and still. Bette could hear Tina’s breathing become more shallow with each breath. Her body twitched, as she too lay there, trying to relax. “I’m so glad you’re coming with me opening night of the exhibit, Tee”, Bette said. You could hear the smile.

“I wouldn’t miss it”, Tina replied. She turned over to face Bette, who was already laying on her side.

“Tina”, Bette said, with a weakness in her voice, “Do you miss us”?

Tina’s sighed as she fought back tears, and then quietly answered, ” Yes”. She reached over and took Bette’s hand, she slowly brought it to her mouth and gently kissed it. She then held on to Bette as she drifted off to sleep.

Friday morning had come quickly. Bette, couldn’t believe how time flew by so fast. The Allen Barnes Exhibit would open that evening and Bette was ready. She loved it! The excitement, the art. Allen’s work was incredible. And at last, ‘A Season in *****’ was to be shown were it would truly be appreciated. Bette arrived at the museum eariler the usual that morning. There were final touches to be made and she wanted nothing to be last minute. Charlise called for Bette to join her in her office. Bette was totally surprised to find all of her colleagues waiting to congratulate her. The look on her face when she entered the room was priceless. “Speech, speech”! James calls out.

Bette was completely unprepared. “I don’t know what to say”, Bette whispered breathlessly. “I’m at a loss for words”.

“Bette Porter….at a loss for words”? someone piped up from the back of the room, which brought a rousing round of laughter and applause from everyone.