No matter how prepared you are some things just shoot everything down. For Bette she always seemed ready for anything, she had backup plans for her backup plans, she could turn anything around and make it work. When she thought about Rachel, she just lost it. She was ready for this exhibit; ready to showcase this amazing talent any day, although from the way she stressed herself out you wouldnt believe it. After she hung up with the woman, she stared out in a daze, memories flooding through her. When they first met Rachel was just another hot college chick Bette was hoping to land, but somehow Rachel was above the powers of any Porter seduction. She was completely focused on her work and wasnt willing for any outside distractions. Bette was persistent but realized maybe friendship is what she needed. In time Bette could only look at her that way, she was too close and it wasnt like Bette was ready to settle for anything less than fleeting.

The years passed and they saw each other through personal victories and heartbreaks. When college finally came to a close they went their different directions, but stayed in touch as often as one can. It had been three months or so since they last talked and that even was through email. Bette had no idea why Rachel was hurting so much; things seemed to be looking up. She had told her about a very determined and attractive woman who was helping her get her script to the next level. This movie, if it made it into production was going to be Rachels big break, what she spent all those years working for.

Bette pushed herself back from the desk and sighed, she called out for James and waited for him to come into her office before continuing. James, I need you to cancel any appointments today, push all my calls through to my cell phone if they are urgent, other than that it will have to wait a day. She started gathering papers and filing them into her briefcase. James stared at her in disbelief, she must be sick he thought. Are you leaving…for the day?

Bette nodded lost in her own thoughts, she wanted to mourn her friend the right way and not bury herself in her work. Yes James, but mark my words the show will go on, I just need…I just need to handle some arrangements for… She couldnt bring herself to say it, with that she walked out of the office missing people working and running around to get things in order.
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After Tina hung up with Todd she got in immediate contact with Rachels family, she wanted to know what was going to happen next, but most of all when she could pay her respects. She had met the woman months ago, after calling her for a few days to exclaim her love of the script. For months Tina had been sorting through ***** and this one was something worth so much more. She was relieved when she landed it, hoping that Ms Lee hadnt given the rights to another company, in this business you have to work fast.

They met over lunch the first time and drinks the all the others, she was so full of life and dedicated to every part of her story. Tina would have points to ask her about and Rachel didnt even pause a moment before answering, it was this kind of passion and dedication that moved Tina to give this thing her all.

After what seemed phone call after phone call, she finally locked down some sort of game plan. She called Todd back to set up the details; the showing was to be the following afternoon with her formal burial on Wednesday. She checked with Gail to clear any appointments for both the days, so she could give this the proper attention it deserved.

She sat back hoping that there wasnt anything she forgot, Gail buzzed her on the intercom to tell her Todd was one line 1, again. She picked up the phone to hear her production manager talk a mile a minute.

Ok, ok I know we have spoken more today than in our entire lives, but Tina this is important. The big guys want to make sure we have this thing nailed down before we go any further.

Todd the woman just killed herself, can we remember that for a moment here. Tina was beyond angry.

Look I know that, but time is money, you should know that Tina, I am sending our lawyer down to your office now, we need you to see her family so we can make this thing a go.

Wait, Todd I have a ***** load of work to get through, why is it important for me to do this, cant it wait a day?

No, it cant, you said yourself it should be personal and this is your baby, so we want you to see it through. Tina was clenching her fist at the thought of it, drudging all this up to her family and the woman hadnt even been dead for an entire day.

I just want to remind you how ***** this is Todd. She spat as she stood up reaching for her purse and sunglasses.

Thats the business babe. But it was too late; Tina had slammed down the phone out of frustration. She walked out of the office and practically into their corporate lawyer, Albert. Gail handed her directions to Rachels parents place apparently she got instructions too. Gail, please send all calls to voicemail, I dont think I will be coming back today, I can get more work done at home.
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Bette drove around for what seemed like forever trying to clear her head when her phone started ringing, she hit the button angrily hoping that it wasnt another prick artist wanting reassurance, where that is exactly what she was trying to find for herself. She thought she had made it pretty clear to James how she didnt want to be bothered.

Bette Porter.

Bette, God how long has it been? The old voice crooned to her. Bettes expression softened as nostalgia swept into her.

Mrs. Lee, it is so good to hear from you. I am so very sorry. Bette sniffed back the small hint of tears that gathered in her eyelids.

As good as one can I suppose, Bette I dont want to be a bother to you, but do you think you could drop by the house today? I have something that I want to give you and well dear, I would love to see you.

Bette complied agreeing to be over there as soon as she could, while she spoke she threw her Mercedes off the exit ramp so she could speed down the Lees home. How could she refuse, it must be important and Bette didnt mind. She wanted a chance to talk to Rachels parents before the showing the next afternoon.
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Tina and Albert stepped out of the car and looked up at the Lee home. It was very well landscaped with flowers and life everywhere. It made Tina jealous with its beauty, what she wouldnt give to get out of her apartment and into a beautiful home…*****! She forgot to call Eric, so much for settling into a home…

The two of them made they way up the porch and to the front door. Albert reached for the doorbell, but Tina beat him to the punch by knocking. A tall lean man opened the door and peered out at them, he looked like he had been to ***** and back, and Tina guessed it was Rachels father.

Can I help you?

Albert chimed in, Yes we are will AlphaVille Production Company, we are hear to discuss some legal issues involving Ms Lee.

The man look at Albert and fire raised in his eyes, How dare you come here and… he was interrupted by a very forward Tina. Excuse me, Mr. Lee, my name is Tina Kennard, we spoke on the phone. she extended her hand to him. Please excuse my companion, I am very sorry to hear about your loss, Rachel was a very gifted and exuberant woman. Tina hoped that what she said countered Alberts very forward non-apologetic actions.

The mans anger dropped as he took Ms Kennards hand. Kenneth Lee, it is nice to finally meet you Ms Kennard, Rachel had told us a lot about you. With that he opened the door and gestured them in, he continued talking as he ushered them through the house. They had stopped in the dining area where they met Mrs. Lee, she was about Tinas height with long flowing brown hair. She looked a lot older than her husband and she talked in such a soothing tone, Tina could have listened to her speak for hours. She extended her hand in greeting as her husband introduced Tina and her partner; Mr. Lee snubbed him with as much disrespect as Albert had at the door.

It is nice to meet both of you, I am so sorry to have to come over hear to bother you, I know this must be a horrible day for both of you, I am truly very sorry about this. Albert jumped at Tinas last remark to get down to business, The reasons we are here, is that your daughter, Rachel, had made some creative changes o her script two weeks or so ago. They were accepted and added in, but she never legally signed off on them, we cant do anything with the piece right now, because it isnt what we originally wrote up. Albert began shuffling through his briefcase.

So what is it we are suppose to do? Her parents exclaimed not knowing for sure what he was asking for.

We need you to sign some paperwork and other legal issues regarding your daughter and her work, we know she doesnt have a lawyer so we couldnt just approach them, we are sorry to intrude on you like this. Albert let his guard down a bit and was sympathetic.

Mr. Lee spoke at that, Rachel got advise from out lawyer sir I can give him a call, we have all her documents legal and otherwise in den, if you would like to follow me, I can give you what it is you need. Tina started to follow but was stopped when Mrs. Lee gently brushed her arm, Dear let them handle that, and they seem to have it under control. I was just about to have a drink and sit out on the porch, would you like to join me?

Tina agreed and walked out into the back with Mrs. Lee, who had settled down on a lounge chair overlooking their pool. She didnt say much; she just leaned back and seemed to soak in the suns rays on her face. It is a beautiful day isnt it Tina?

This shocked her, the woman had just lost he daughter and she looked so at peace. Um, Mrs. Lee if you dont mind my asking, what exactly happened to Rachel?

Dear call me Amanda. She sighed, Rachel had been having a hard time for awhile, her relationship with Kristen had ended abruptly a month or so before and she really couldnt handle it. The doctors told us that she overdosed on pain killers and slipped off in her sleep. With that she turned away from Tina, trying to keep it together.

Tina didnt have time to respond to what Amanda had said; she felt a slight breeze make its way up her body. She hugged herself to brace the coolness and turned around the sound of a womans voice.
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Bette had let herself into the unlocked door, after no one answered her first few attempts at knocking. She wandered around the halls a bit calling out to see where everyone was. After searching she stepped out onto the porch to find Mrs. Lee and a stunning woman talking softly.

Bette didnt know if it was the emotion of seeing her friends mother or the beautiful thing next to her that made her step back and brace herself.

Bette! Mrs. Lee exclaimed as she shot up and embraced her daughters friend. Bette held onto her as she quietly let go of the tears that were coming on from talking to Tina. She gently rubbed her shoulders as she soothed her with words of comfort, as the beautiful stranger looked on. Amanda Lee braced herself as she let go of Bettes strong embrace and the women walked over to where Tina was sitting.

I am so glad you could make it over here Bette, there is so much to say and do… Mrs. Lee looked at her again to make sure she was still aware of what she was saying. Bette and the stranger had been looking at one another silently for the past few moments. Ooh yes, I am losing my manner arent I, I am just such a wreck. Bette, this is…

Honey do you know what we did with that…oh Bette, when did you get here. Mr. Lee walked over and gave her a hug similar to the one she just had with Mrs. Lee. She whispered her condolences to him and tried to give her best smile. I am sorry Bette, but I need Amanda for a little bit, will you two excuse us?

Bette nodded and watched the two of them leave.
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Tina couldnt help but stare at the woman who had abruptly walked onto the deck. She stood as the woman, whom she now knew as Bette made her way over to her. She was ready to introduce herself when…

Gosh this day has been one trip to another, Bette sighed as she brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. She pushed her sunglasses up into her hair to help hold it back. Bette Porter, and you are? as she extended her hand to Tina.

Tina Kennard, taking Bettes hand and firmly responding with a shake. The woman was completely stunning from head to toe, her voice oozed with confidence and strength.

Bette smiled at her and watched her take her hand back from her. Tina felt a rush of nervousness enter her when she got her hand back from Bette, the only thing she could do was to say something to try and soothe herself.

The house is beautiful very alive and enchanting. Did that sound stupid, God she hoped not, as she smiled at Bette.

Yeah, it is, Amanda well Mrs. Lee has always lost herself in planting and gardening. Did she show you around at all? Bette asked quizzingly.

No, well we had only been out here for a few moments before you came out. Tina blurted.

Bette laughed at her bluntness, Well do you want a tour?

At this point Tina forgot all about Albert and the legal issues that brought her here, the piles of manuscripts in the backseat of her car, she simply nodded at the invitation.

Bette extended her hand to help her from the chair and felt the chill surge through her body again. Maybe she should have worn a jacket, no that cant be it.

Tina willing took Bettes hand as the women headed off the side of the deck…