Chapter 1: The Bestower of Universal Friendship

Bette sighed deeply as she exhaled the smoke that had been held captive in her mouth for far too long.  She looked at her cigarette and laughed softly while easing her left foot out of her flip-flop.  As she tapped her index finger on top of the addictive stick, the molded, gray tubular ashes were released from their misery.  Her eyes stung from the rising swirl of smoke greeting her as she sat outside on the front porch steps.

She tentatively blinked her eyes a few times while reminiscent thoughts invaded her mindlessness.    “When did life become so ***** complicated?” she questioned softly, to no one in particular.  Looking up at the dreary Saturday morning sky, Bette willed the rain to begin falling.   “Looks like a good day for a pity party.” she spoke.  Again to no one in particular.   “Happy Anniversary” she mumbled sadly.  Focusing her dark eyes on the ground, she could feel them well to the brim with tears threatening to overflow.  She knew if she blinked, it was over.

Her thoughts transported her quickly back to a time and place that she loved remembering.  Her senses began assimilating pieces of wonderful memories and wreaking havoc on her mind. Snippets of her previous life played vividly across the widescreen of her mind.  It had been almost two years since her life came to a screeching halt, but it seemed like yesterday.  Actually it seemed more like today, this morning in fact.  The sounds, smells and visual images seemed so near. 

Two plus years ago, Bette was the epitome of happiness.  She had a pact with life, and both parties were holding up their ends of the deal.   All good things were coming her way and she was a proud recipient of seemingly endless goodness.   She prided herself in who she was and the life she was living.  Her very being exuded confidence,  albeit sometimes to a fault.    She was no stranger to hard work, difficult people and unreasonable demands.  She stopped at nothing to achieve her goals and whatever it took; she rose to the occasion repeatedly and on cue.  Her gallery, family, friendships and above all, her marriage were reaping the benefits of the diligent work that she had consistently sown into them.