Tina:  But her face is you… and her body is more like yours than mine. Probably a swimmer. Yes, let’s get her. Shall we have it shipped to the house?

Bette: Yes, she’s probably a lot heavier than we want to deal with for the rest of the evening. Happy Anniversary Tina.

Bette then kissed her on her forehead. And then continued looking. Tina went and found the clerk and made the purchase. She gave him the shipping address.

Tina:  Not a bad price. It was only $800. I thought it would be more. And the clerk was thrilled. He would include the artist information in the shipping.

Bette: Shall we go to the next shop?

The next shop was a myriad of examples of portraits. Some in an old style as if they were from the twenties or thirties. And some were of people in western attire and their rough looking faces on people who looked to have been on a drinking binge. There were children with innocent faces and elderly men and women who seem to be contemplating something serious with something their weathered skin and the discolorations of age. Bette and Tina were just enamored with the various portraits of people who were not know to them but who’s face and expression told a story. They went through the shop twice.

Bette: What do you think of these Tina? Do you think we need one of these for our home?

Tina:  I love that older woman in blue with her glasses and her hand propping up her face. She looks like she could be a member of my family. I wonder what she’s thinking.

Bette:  I don’t know. But that is going to be one of us in about twenty-five years. She is so beautiful. She has weathered the storm and has come out the other side. And if she ever speaks, I want to hear everything she says.

Tina: Let’s get her then. Any idea where you would like to put her?

Bette:  The library. Near the piano. What do you think?

Tina:  I think that’s perfect. I was going to suggest one of the bedrooms, but I like the idea of her being in library better.

Bette:  Well, we can always change our mind about where to put her. And you know Jim is probably going to have an opinion as well. You know, I’m really pleased with the work Jim is doing. Have you seen Margaret’s room?  I mean really looked at her room.