Awww, thats sweet, but that gallery means everything to you.

No, I explain, you mean everything to me.

That was a happier timewhen I knew what I wantedand I wanted Tina. Now I cant seem to figure out what I want. I need to talk to someoneI need to talk to Andy. I rise from the bed and call his number.

Susan answers the phone in what Ive come to know as an ever cheerful voice, hello, St. James Rectory.

Hi, is Father Andy available, I inquire.

Im sorry, the father is saying Mass at the moment, she informs me. Can I take a message? He should be done in about thirty minutes.

Uhcan you just tell him Bette called, I hear the disappointment in my own voice. I need to speak with him if he has a chance.

Sure, Ill pass the message along.

Thank you., I say. Bye.

Have a blessed day Ms. Porter. I hear the last words as I hang up. Did she just call me Ms. Porter? Does she remember my last name? No, Im sure Andys told her about me. I move to the kitchen table a sit, staring out the window. I can see Tina sitting by the poolher two-piece enticing me to join her. I close my eyes and shake my head, taking a deep breath.

The phone rings and I anxiously answer ithoping Andys done,hello?

Bette, its Alice, I heat the familiar voice from the other end. Whats going on with you and Tina? Nothing is going on with me and Tinawere over. My thoughts drag my mood even lower.

What are you talking about? I dont want to volunteer any unnecessary information to her.

Im talking about every time Tina goes to talk to you she ends up more hurt than before, she sounds angry.

Look Alice, Im growing defensive at her tone, tell her not to come see me anymore and she wont get hurt.

NO! Bette Porter, you are NOT getting out of this so easily. Stay where you areIm coming over there. She almost yells before hanging up the phone. She didnt even give me a chance to tell her not to bother. I just wont answer the door when she gets here.