She was swinging from the vines, tree to tree, free like Tarzan. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that she would be here, standing in a shambled empty warehouse three thousand miles from home in her own gallery or at least soon to be gallery. A week ago, shed been living the life her parents wanted for her, the life her ex laid out for her, but, not one of her own. Somehow the shove gave her the courage and made her face her fears; being talented was the easy part, making it into something was the challenge.

Bette smiled through the two large floor windows at passing pedestrians and roller bladders, as the city passed her warehouse by, none of them gave the old warehouse a second thought. But, they will just wait they will.

Bette Porter walked down the block to a pay phone and dialed her parents telephone number collect. She made a mental that telephones would be the first thing she gets installed.

Hello, Alexis. Beep.

A collect call from Bette Porter. Do you except?

Yes. Mrs. Alexis Porter answered in a sharp tone.

Mother.

Where the ***** are you?! Your Father is going crazy and Brad is no help. Alexis was voice filled with anger and disappointment.

Im in LA. I am doing fine. How are you, Mother? Bette replied defeated, already wishing shed never called.

Excuse me. LA, as in Los Angeles?

That would be the one.

Well, you need to get your ***** back here and see about working things out with Brad. Your Father and I have spoke – –

There is no Brad and I.

Of course there is. Your Father – –

Mother!

The hum of the telephone became the only conversation as the silence that resonated their relationship filled the void. Bette finally spoke, in a small tone, seeking something anything.

I just wanted to let you know that I was alright and I love you, both, Mom.

Ill get your Father.

Its alright. I have to go.

Bette slammed the phone down onto the receiver. I love you, too. She mimicked, but knew better. Alexis Porter had her own agenda, an agenda in which everyone around her had to follow. Bette leaned against the telephone booth with head resting in her hands.