Fan Fiction
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Guilty Conscience
The following morning, the sun pours through the wide glass walls of the Bette Porter Gallery, bathing abstract sculptures in soft gold.
At the far end of the gallery, Bette stands before a massive mixed-media installation featuring metal, mirror, and flame. She takes a few steps back and sighs as she glances at James. “I don’t know if I like this position or not….”
James gently nods. “Wanna try it in the north corner again?”
Bette keeps her eyes on the display. “Maybe…”
They both then turn around when someone enters the gallery. Bette creases her brows when she sees Joyce Wischnia step inside.
“Joyce?” Bette says as she looks at her watch. “I thought we were meeting at your office in like an hour?”
Joyce slides her hand into her pants pocket, looks around, and whistles. “Wow, I really need to come in one day and let you fit me for a nice painting…up my high society game, ya know..” She clicks her tongue twice and winks at Bette.
“Yeah…I’d be happy to…but why are you here now?” Bette asks.
Joyce gives Bette a gentle smile. “Let’s chit-chat in that swanky office of yours, huh?”
Bette nods. “Of course….” She then turns to James. “No calls…”
James nods. “You got it….”
Bette then leads Joyce down the hall to her office. She lets Joyce step inside first, then closes the door behind them. “So…what’s up?” She asks as she walks around and sits down behind her desk.
Joyce sits down in one of the chairs across from Bette’s desk.
“Michelle’s lawyer reached out this morning,” Joyce says. “She’s preparing a petition to restrict your custodial rights. Specifically, she’s demanding that your current partner, Ms. Tina Kennard, be prohibited from any contact with your son during your custodial time.”
Bette blinks. “I can’t believe she actually went through with this bullshit. On what grounds?”
Joyce arches a brow. “Essentially, that Tina once moved out of state, disappearing for years, and therefore represents an ‘emotional risk’ to young Michael.”
Bette laughs—a short, disbelieving sound. “That’s absurd. Tina’s been nothing but wonderful with Mickey.”
“Well, of course, we both know that,” Joyce says. “But this isn’t about logic. It’s about leverage. Michelle’s jealous, she doesn’t like that you’re moving on, and she’s trying to weaponize custody law to reassert control.”
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Well said Carmen, what a bitch
Does Michelle really think she will make a chance in the court. Bitch.
Love how Bette calms Tina and shows her unconditional love.
Thank you so much for the update!