Bette and Leigh settled into their seats, fastened their seat belts and prepared for takeoff. As soon as the flight attendant announced that it was OK to use portable electronic equipment Bette removed her IPOD from the case and put her headsets on. She turned away from Leigh, rested her head against the window and closed her eyes. Bette’s body language made it very clear that she did not want to be disturbed. She intended to listen to her music and to catch up on her sleep.

Bette did just that for the first couple of hours before she had to get up to stretch her legs and use the bathroom. By then the flight attendants were preparing to serve the complimentary snack available in the first class cabin. Bette had had very little to eat all day so she partook in the light fruit and cheese plate accompanied by sparkling water.

Once the meal trays were cleared away the cabin lights were dimmed and people were left to their own devices to pass the time. Most opted to watch the movie, a few took out laptops and other electronic equipment while others either read, talked or slept.

Although they hadn’t spoken to each other since the initial acknowledgement at the beginning of the flight Leigh and Bette did keep stealing glances at one another during the meal. They each noted how stunningly beautiful the other still was and the physical attraction was still apparent.

Bette started to put her headsets on in preparation for another couple of hours of slumber when Leigh gently touched her arm. She spoke in a soft voice.

“Bette you don’t owe me anything. I understand if you don’t want to talk to me but will you listen for just one minute?” Leigh pleaded.

Bette put the headsets away and turned towards Leigh in a gesture that indicated she was willing to listen so Leigh continued.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry for the way I treated you and the way we ended. I disrespected our personal and professional relationship. I breached my commitment to you and to the gallery which cost me more than you can imagine. You can’t begin to know how much I regret the decision I made to get involved with Helena Peabody five years ago. I found out later that it was just her personal agenda and not my talent that drove her to make the offer. I was so naïve Bette. You warned me and you were so right. So I just wanted you to know that I am truly sorry and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. We don’t ever have to see each other but I cringe at the thought that you’ve hated me all these years. I just couldn’t stand it to know that you still do.”