Meanwhile, in another dimension

Place: Orange County, CA

Year: May 5, 1886

Bette stood in front of the painting of her mother, one of the few that she had never had a chance to finish, and absorbed the colors. She still had passion for painting but her perspective and perception of beauty had changed after she spent her time in the future. She had found more beauty and expression of emotions in the abstracts rather than in her usual landscape and portrait style.

“Is something wrong, darling?” Bette turned around towards a familiar voice and smiled. “Nothing’s wrong. I was just thinking.”

“What about?” Maxine Porter regarded her daughter with love and worry. Since Elizabeth’s been back she looked a little different. She was thinner and had dark circles under her eyes but that wasn’t what worried Maxine the most. Elizabeth was always so cheerful and happy, even in the darkest moments of her life, but now there was a certain sadness hidden in the depths of her eyes.

“I think I want to change some things in my paintings. I just don’t feel the same about them anymore…except this one,” she pointed at Maxine’s portrait and smiled. “Someone told me that I captured something special in your eyes and I just want to keep it special. Will you pose for me, mother, so I can finish it?”

“Of course, darling.”

Bette picked up one of the brushes and looked at Maxine who was now seated by the window, trying to imitate the same pose as before. Bette began mixing the palette as her mind went back to two weeks ago when Christina took her back to the Porter mansion to see her parents.

Her friend was right. Maxine and Melvin were so overwhelmed with joy of seeing their lost daughter alive that they hardly asked any questions. Melvin sent a servant to Katie’s house immediately to inform Bette’s sister about her miraculous return and a promise to visit her the next day. Katie was bedridden at the request of her physician or she would be on her way to the mansion immediately.

After hugs, tears and laughter Maxine requested some tea and biscuits to be brought into their sitting room and Bette finally stopped feeling a little awkward and uncomfortable with all the attention directed at her. Her parents eagerly accepted Bette’s explanation about her absence and she could finally relax and just enjoy their time together.