Mary: You got your trust distributed after his death.

Bette: Yeah. When I was fired from the California Arts Center, I still had 18 months on my contact. So, they had to pay me even though I didn’t have to do any work, since they fired me without cause. So, I could do some of the child care, hire a nanny and take my time about finding my next position. Tina and I were not communicating very well, and she thought we were in financial trouble. But in reality, we were very sound financially. That little period taught me to talk to her about our financial position and keep her updated on any changes, good or bad. But from that point on, we have been very secure financially. She has made a fortune in the film industry. I have done well in the art world and now dear Melvin is going to give his children the balance of the estate. So, we are making the moves that will allow us to live our life without obligation to others and live very comfortably. Hopefully, our children will be in a similar position someday.

Mary: Amazing what Melvin has done for his family. I’m still in shock over all this money.

Bette: Well, you deserve every penny you have. Now is the time to enjoy your life with it. You do not have to worry about me, or Tina, or Daniel, or Angie, or Paris, or Jeanette, or Kit, or Sonny, or David Waters and his family. Melvin has provided for all of them. You need to provide for Mary Southerland. You need to do what will make her happy.

Mary: Thank you, Bette. I have always known this, but hearing you say it makes it somehow more real.

Bette: I love you, Mom. And I want you in our lives as much as possible. But you have to determine how much of that you want and what will make you happy.

Mary: I have thought of nothing else since I landed in Los Angeles. You and Tina have made me an attractive offer. I will be back for the holidays. We will talk and hopefully I will have a plan by then. Just be patient with me.