“And have wild passionate sex by the pool…” Alice cut in as Tina reflected on her feelings for Bette.

“Well, that too…” Tina chuckled and sighed, “But mainly I feel this undeniable and incredible connection with her…as I told you before…but I don’t know where this feeling comes from. I can see that she is so confused and scared right now. Everything is new to her and I don’t want to force myself on her because it might drive her away even further. I don’t know what to do, Al,” Tina finished and a sad smile appeared on her face.

“Remember what you told me about the inscription on that miniature?” Alice asked suddenly, thinking of another idea. “Wasn’t it something like ‘my heart will find yours’?”

“Actually, after the restoration I found out that it was only one part of the inscription…the second part reads, ‘just be ready for me’,” Tina said, opening her briefcase and taking the miniature out.

Alice took the painting into her hands and looked at it for a long time. “This is exactly how I remember it when Christina painted it…except for the bullet trace, of course. The colors are so vivid, so bright. She was really talented, you know,” Alice said absently, still deep in her memories.

“Yes, I can see why. She was able to capture Bette’s beauty so perfectly. Christina must have loved Bette very much,” Tina sighed, aware of the heartache she was getting at the thought of the connection that Bette and Christina shared.

“I’ve been thinking, Tina,” Alice said, suddenly full of energy. “If I’m right…and I’m usually always right…and Christina did survive that shooting, then what if this inscription is some kind of a message?”

“Message? To whom?” Tina asked, pondering the possibility.

“Message to Bette, of course. Let’s think logically. Christina never gave it to Bette because there was no time. She finished it on the day of her death and I was with them practically the entire day.”

“She could have given it to Bette while you were changing in the house…or when they were talking under the tree…” Tina noted.

“Yes…but it took me only minutes to change because I was in a hurry to get out of there. Also, if Christina did give the miniature to Bette that night under the tree then Bette would have it with her when we passed through the time portal…but you had it in your possession the whole time.”