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Bette’s Loss and Gain (Conclusion)
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“So you never went back to men? You know, just to make sure?”
“Nope, never did.”
“Did you ever see Ash again before tonight?”
“Yeah, about fifteen years ago. Coming out of another door.”
* * * * *
Bette had been going through her finances one more time, wondering if she could swing the purchase of this beautiful painting she had seen at this tiny, tiny gallery in Venice. She figured that if she took cash advances on three of her credit cards and dipped into her savings, she could make the purchase. It was expensive, but she was convinced it was worth it. Just as she was punching in numbers on her pocket calculator, the phone rang.
When she answered, she heard stunning news. Her college friend, Michael was on the other end and he had terrible news for her. Their close friend, Sterling was on his death bed. This was the first time someone she had been close to had been diagnosed with HIV, then went on to have full blown AIDS. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last time. Michael explained that Sterling wanted to say goodbye to all of his friends, but that he’d understand if she couldn’t or wouldn’t come. Bette promised to be in New York City the next morning. That trip was much more important than the painting. Making the trip to see him one last time had no price in her mind.
Sterling had been a good friend to both Bette and Ash. He was an exceptionally talented artist, able to work in all media with flair and sophistication. Bette had two treasures that Sterling had created—an oil on canvas self-portrait that was both judgmental and mischievously teasing and a charcoal drawing of a little boy looking up at a mounted policeman and his horse. She had carried both pieces of art with her from city to city and state to state.
The following afternoon, she arrived at the hospital and had just suited up in a yellow, hospital gown, matching, elastic hat that resembled a shower cap, and white, paper slippers. She lifted the mask over her face, covering her mouth and moved to the door where Sterling lay on the other side. Just as she was about to push the door open, it opened and Ashton Schwartz, dressed in the same outfit came walking out. His mask was still covering his mouth, but his eyes were visible and it was obvious that he had been crying. His eyes were puffy and red, his mask was damp at the nostrils area. She was shocked to see him and to see him in such a state.
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I just finished reading the entire story in one sitting and I am overwelmed. Gail had just the right amount of maturity and young Bette had just the right amount of immaturity. Everything was so believable and sweet. I have no idea how Alice sat through the telling without a cold shower at the end. Bravo, wonderfully compelling
God this was so amazing. You had so much raw emotion running through this whole story…i was suppoed to be in bed an hour ago to wake up for work in the morning. I read the forst two chapters and told myself i could finish tomorrow, but it was just too good. Wow…wow…
Excellent! It was made even better by having each chapter posted together so that I could read them all in one sitting. I haven’t put the laptop down since I started reading.
Awesome! I read them all – you got Bette totally right on. Careful the show may steal this story! And the music, I knew every song. Sugar Walls indeed.. write again soon.
Oh my God. This story was FANTASTIC! I couldn’t stop reading til I got to the end!
I sat up when I saw your name–excitedly I began to read. This story is amazing. Thank you for taking me into this voyage of self discovery. Love reading your works. Bravo!
Also wanted to say thank you for posting your entire story at once.
Okay I just read all of these and you are truly talented–your stories are so clear and vivid I feel like I know Bette a litte better. Thanks for sharing this. EXCELLENT!!!!!
This story is absolutely amazing. Thanks so much for sharing and for posting it all in one go. I truly enjoyed it.
That was an amazing journey…so powerful…I hope this isn’t the last we hear from you…I get so lost in your writing…beautiful portia…thank you.
BRILlIANT.
Thanks also for posting your entire story.
That was well written! Great story and thanks for posting it all at a go.
I had many things to do today but once I started your story I had to read through it all. Your writing is lively and vivid and great fun to read. Thank you so much.
Spectacular – wonderfully written throughout!! Hot and inviting!!
That was a wonderful story you are an excellent writer..But I wish you would have ended it with ore of a conclusion with Tina Please don’t end it here..
wow! every chapter was wonderful! i’m kind of dazed from the sheer power of the story itself and an added bonus of the imagery and your writing is astonding. very very good. thanks for writing this. :D
Wonderful story! Thanks!
Greaaaaaaaatttttt!!! thanks bunches…
Read your story into the wee hours of the morning. I just had to keep reading it was so beautiful. I love Bette and you really get her. Thanks for this great comming out story. I also want to say that your writting is wonderful, please give us more.
This was wonderful to read. Like every one else, I started the first chapter, thinking I would read a couple before going to bed. That didn’t happen, and the next thing I knew, it was 1:00…and I was wishing there was just one more chapter to read. Thank you so much. Your talent is big and out there for all to see…and is obvious with the very first sentence.
Bravo Portia! That was excellent. The detailed way you describe where they are, the dialogue…all of it is just fabulous. I look forward to more, of course! Thanks again for this.
Wow 5 stares. This is a amazing, every chapter I read is so much good and excellent! You do a great job and sharing this with us, I reall love it! Thank you so much for excellent story! I hope to see you on next time with more amazing story!
Loved this story. And I was psyched to see you had posted, as I used to read your stories when I first got into fan fic here. :D Excellent job. 5 stars!!