Ben: “What?”

Tina: “So how do you feel about art?”

Ben: “It’s cool, why?”

Tina: “Because I totally forgot that Eric invited me to go to an exibit opening tonight and I haven’t seen him in a week.”

Ben: “Eric’s your boyfriend?”

Tina: “Yeah”

Ben: “Interesting, i’d like to meet him.”

Tina: “So you’ll go?”

Ben: “Sure, why not.”

Tina smiled and gave her brother a hug. She was really happy to have him there with her, she could already feel their bond regaining it’s strenght, this time on a whole new level. Ben was no longer that scrawney little brat she remembered. He was now four inches taller than her, had facial hair and a few tattoos. Only when you looked in his eyes you could tell he was Tina’s brother, they held the same compasion as hers.

Tina and Ben made their way up to her apartment and within an hour they were on their way to meet Eric at the Bette Porter Gallery.

Bette had been on edge all day, and like always for no reason. She was excelent at what she did, it was her passion. People were already showing up for the new exibit and Alice was nowhere to be found. Bette picked up the phone and dialed.

Alice: “Hello” she answered

Bette: “Where are you?”

Alice: “Right here” she said stepping into Bette office.

Bette breathed a sigh of relief.

Bette: “Thank god, you ready?”

Alice: “Let’s do this thang” she said leading the way back out to the gallery.

Bette had made her first round in record time, she was having a pit stop convorsation with Alice when she notice a familliar face just outside the gallery doors. At that moment Tina and Ben had arrived and were greeting Eric. Eric looked Ben up and down before extending an uninterested hand.

Ben: “So, shall we get to this art thing” he said nudging Tina and leading the way.

Eric trailed back for a second to catch Tina’s attention.

Eric: “Nice haircut” he wispered sarcasticly.

Tina: “Lay off” she snapped before entering the door her brother was so politly holding open.

As Eric walked past, Ben leaded over and wispered “I thought you’d like it” to let him know he infact heard his comment. Eric just smiled and continued walking.

Alice noticed Bette’s far away look and turned around to see what she was staring at. “Call me now for your free tarot readin’ ” she joked to herself.

Alice: “Go talk to her” she said shoving Bette in Tina’s direction.

Bette: “Stop it” she said as she slapped Alice’s hands away “No touchie”

While Bette and Alice were having their little tiff, Eric had spotted them and was making his way over.

Eric: “Bette, Hi. Im so glad you sent the invite.”

Bette quickly gained her composure and greeted Eric.

Bette: “Well it’s always a pleasure to see you Eric.”

Eric: “I have someone I want you to meet.” he said reaching for Tina who was busy making fun of some lady’s dress with her brother. “this is my girlfriend Tina”

Bette’s as well as Alice’s jaw dropped when they saw Tina turn around. Tina instantly felt the wave of shyness surround her.

Bette: “Well isn’t this interesting” she said with a smile

Eric was now confused.

Tina: “Indeed it is, well at least we didn’t run into eachother this time” she nervously giggled.

The entire group fell silent for what felt like hours, but turned out to be mear seconds.

Alice: “So who’s this?” she asked looking at Ben and breaking the silence.

Tina: “Oh this is my brother Ben”

Alice: “Hi, im Alice.” she smiled “I like your hair”

Ben: “Thanks” he replied with a smile

Alice looked at Bette who just rolled her eyes and looked away.

Eric: “Hey is Catherine Opie here yet?”

Bette: “Right over there” she pointed

Eric: “Tina, you coming?”

Tina: “Nah I think i’ll stay here.” she replied, never taking her eyes off of Bette.