Bette: Really? Thats great Mel!

Mel: Yea they say theyre really interested. So I might have to stay out here a while. Or you could fly over?

I thought about it for a split second I wouldve said yes if she asked me a few days ago. But now that I have other things on my mind

Bette: Id love to but I cant. Ever since Helena came in with her people I have been spending so much time at the gallery and the

Mel: Oh come on Lizzie! Even if she didnt ask you to do the show, Im sure youd still spend hours at the gallery! You should relax babe!

Bette: (I smiled) I know I know. But one thing is for sure. Once this is over, Im going to take a VERY long vacation!!!

Mel: Well, you dont have to worry about thatIll plan everything ok? So you just relax!!!

Rachel: Ummsorry to interrupt Miss Porter but Miss Helena Peabody is here.

Bette: (Covering the receiver) Ok thanks Rachel. Ill be right out. (Turning my attention to the person on the other line) Sorry Mel I have to go. Helena is here.

Mel: (Sounding disappointed) Ok well, I hope Ill be back soon. Make sure Helena keeps her hands off you babe Bye.

Bette: Bye.

Helena, keep her hands off me? Hah! I walked out of my office and found Helena at the main gallery, looking over some art.

Bette: Helena.

Helena: (Without turning around) I really like your little gallery Bette. I still dont know why my mother has to choose this over MOMA.

Helene turned around.

Bette: How are you Helena?

Helena: Never better.

Bette: What can I do for you today?

Helena: I was just in the neighbourhood. I wanted to check if things are according to plan and going smoothly.

Bette: I have been doing this since I can remember Helena; so you need not worry cos everything is fine. In fact, its more than fine. Its almost finished. I wouldve thought it to take longer than a month but yeah two weeks

Helena: Well, thats great to hear so I guess we can go ahead with another thing

Bette: Another?

Helena: Yes, just so everything will continue to go smooth

Bette: What is it that you want to be done?

Helena: I need you to meet with Miss Jill Valentine. She will have some working paper for you to sign so they can release my mothers collection to your gallery before they can be transferred here.

Bette: Okay just let me know where and when

Helena: Tomorrow at 9 am at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Bette: WHAT?!?! You want me to fly to LA? I cant do that! I have the gallery and with the preparations here I dont think I can leave Its just too last minute.

Helena: You have your assistant here

Bette: Yes but Rachel is just that, an ASSISTANT. Im sure shes capable of making sure everything goes according to plan but

Helena: So its sorted. She will look after the gallery for you for a few days.

Bette: A few days?

Helena: Yes I figured since youd be going there, you might as well make sure that they have everything; itll take a few days. Shouldnt take longer than a week.

Bette: (sarcastically) and I suppose I should pack for tonights flight?

Helena: Up to you either tonight or tomorrow morning, but the papers need to be signed so they can begin to go through (Helena looked at me) you are ok about this arent you?

Bette: Is there any way that I can change the appointment to another date?

Helena: I think thats impossible. Everythings been arranged. My people have sorted everything for you. They probably have faxed you the details. So you are going right?

Bette: Do I look like I have a choice?

Helena: Thank you Bette. That means a lot. Well I better head back. I have a fund raising dinner to attend. Update me with any news Bette.

I cant believe the nerve of that woman. I looked at my watch its already three in the afternoon.

Bette: Rachel, can you please get me a flight to LA tonight?

Rachel: Oh youre going away tonight? But I thought you have a meeting tomorrow afternoon. Should I cancel that then?

Bette: Yes, I need to talk to you about that. I would be away for a few days. So I would need you to take care of everything. Make sure everything is done according to plan. Actually most of the things are done so I just need you to make sure And about the meeting well have to reschedule. Looks like the meeting in LA couldnt be moved to a later date.

Rachel: Ok Miss Porter. Itll be fine

Bette: Sorry to put this all on you very last minute Rachel, its just that all of a sudden I have a meeting tomorrow morning in LA. But of course youll be fine. So err just get me a flight tonight. I might have to leave early today to pack. Is that ok?

Rachel: Yes everything is ok Miss Porter. Ill get right to it.

Bette: Thanks I dont know what Id do without you

Rachel smiled and left the office to run some errands. I sat I my office thinking about LA. The last time I was there was about three years ago I remember we had lunch at The Planet, everyone was there except Tina. She was still very mad at me for the hurt Ive caused her. I dont blame her for not joining us for lunch. It was all very emotional, not just for me but for everyone

Alice: But promise us youll stay in touch ok?

Bette: I will. Dont worry. A promise is a promise.

Kit: You will still come home right baby sis? I mean of course youll return home right?

I contemplated on that for a moment. Will I be back? Maybe to visit yes but to stay longer? I dont think so. Not when I cant have Tina. I smiled at Kit.

Bette: Of course Kit, of course I will. I have all my friends here (It was all I could say then I didnt want to break anyones heart so I told them a white liein truth, I dont think I want to return if I cant have Tina)

Dana: Were going to miss you Bette. We will I hope youll be back soon though Please dont take too long to find whatever it is that you need. And I hope you find it soon!!!

Kit: And well support you in whatever it is you do baby sis.

Bette: Thank you guys thank you. I dont know how I will be able to get by without you guys

Alice: Oh come on (Alice had tears in her eyes) Bette, you know youre a strong woman… youll pull through with or without our help… we all know that… but thank you for.. Oh *****. Who am I kidding? Come here Bette!

Alice pulled me into a hug. She was crying. I was too. I couldnt believe I was leaving West Hollywood without a plan, looking for something that might not be. I needed to be alone and try and find myself. Im heading to New York but I really dont know what I will be doing there. I had packed all the necessary things and this might be the last lunch I would have with the girls. Alice was my dearest friend and leaving her is just I dont know. Never would I have thought I would leave this place behind.

Dana gave me a hug after Alice.

Dana: Were so going to miss you Bette. But well definitely be here for you always

Bette: Thanks Dana I will miss you guys too.

Shane looked at me. She hasnt said a word after lunch. She was just there sitting at the table taking everything in. I couldnt even read her facial expression. Her eyes were cold and sad at the same time. I dont know what she had in mind. Is she mad at me for cheating? ***** yes Is she mad at me for leaving? Probably so Will she say her goodbyes? I dont know. But one thing I do know is that Shane has helped me above water ever since my break up with Tina. She not so much says anything about it but she listened to me the whole time. I stared back at her but this time she averted her gaze to the drink in hand.

Kit hugged me.

Kit: You know youll be back Bette, Im sure of it.

Bette: Well see how things go Kit. You know how hard it is for me to stay here. Ill just be away for I dont know how long

Kit: I know baby sis. But just make sure you eat right!!!

I smiled.

Bette: I will.

I turned to Shane. She was just sitting there playing with the bottle.

Bette: Shane?

She didnt move.

Bette: Ok well Im going to go now Shane. My taxi is here. Ill miss you

I smiled through tears. Dana, Alice and Kit looked on. They knew how close Shane and I had gotten.

Bette: Im so sorry Shane

I turned around only to be stopped by Shane pulling my arm.

Shane: Bette

Shane pulled me into her arms as she cried. I cried while the rest cried seeing the exchange between us two. We stayed like that for what seemed like hours, none of us want to let go. But my taxi was waiting and time wasnt on our side. We broke free both wiping the tears that were now falling effortlessly. I picked up my bag and walked towards the taxi that was going to take me to a place where I could find myself again. I looked back and saw the girls holding each other. This might be the last time Ill be here. I got into the taxi and waved as the car left The Planet. Even from afar I could hear Shanes heart breaking the same way mine was.

I guess both of us understood what it feels like to lose someone you really love. I have never seen so much change in Shane ever since Cherie. She opened up her heart to someone who couldnt embrace the love she felt; and how she totally guards her heart ever more since her break up. And I understand the pain that she goes through and so does she and the pain that lived inside of her have blocked whatever it is that will make her feel. I feel so sorry for Shane. But I know love will come to her again as I know I too am capable to love and be loved again