***

Predicament
Rile
Ordeal
Vexation
Offbeat
Corners
Aggravations
Teasing
Incitements
Outlandish
Niggling
Stresses

Provocations; the exhibit that was intended to provoke did just that but metaphorically speaking its presence at the CAC would be akin to Pandora’s jar. On opening night the evils unleashed into Bette’s world were the likes of which she, her friends and family had never experienced before. Vanity, greed, disease, strife, misery, shame, war, cruelty, envy, pride, sorrow, madness, paranoia, toil, callousness, anger, jealousy, depression, suffering, blind rage, death, unrequited yearning, excessive behavior, regrets and stupidity would prevail and bring them all to their knees. They would forever be plagued by demons and as the story goes only HOPE which did not escape Pandora’s jar was left as a single blessing to succor them.

***

The CAC Gallery

Cherie’s husband: If you ever come near my wife or my daughter there’s not one street you’ll be able to walk on without fearing for your life. You understand me?

Cherie: You heard him. He’ll kill you.

Shane: You know, my entire life, people have said that I would become a psychopath if I didn’t learn how to feel. And I want to know, Cherie, what the fuck is so great about feeling? Because I finally let myself, and I feel like my heart’s been completely ripped out.

Cherie: I’m sorry.

Shane: I had this insane idea that you and I could be together because it felt real.

Cherie: It was a delusion.

Shane: Then I’m delusional because I would swear you felt the same way about me.

Cherie: What if I did what difference would it make. What if in the time we spent together I felt more alive than I have in the last 20 years of my life. What if that were true? Did you think I would leave my husband, my child, my houses in Bellaire and East Hampton, my trips to Paris, my black tie galas to run to some rank little love nest to a 25 year old assistant hair dresser who barely has her foot in the door? In this fucking ugly world that kind of love does not exist.

***

Jenny’s home

Marina on Jenny’s answering machine: Jenny it’s Marina. I’m sorry; seeing Robin and bringing her tonight. I think I’m in love with you … I know I am and I would do anything to have another chance