Would you mind awfully if I stayed home tonight? Tina said softly as Helena rushed out of the bathroom. Im not particularly fond of these functions, and you know yourself they can be a bit tedious. Besides youll know just about everyone there.

Tina with her wispy blonde hair and her puppy dog eyes, always had an air of serenity surrounding her, whereas Helena was always in a rush, and always seemed to be racing against time to get things done. Shed hurriedly get dressed in a morning, and barely have time to eat breakfast. Her whole life was spent hurtling from one place to the other, whether it, be a function or another state. Tina was convinced that she hardly sat down in one place for more than five minutes.

This is what attracted Tina to Helena in the beginning. She had always liked her vigour, and her uninhibited sense of adventure. Her enthusiasm for almost everything interested Tina immensely.

Im sorry sweetheart, weve accepted now. She replied, pulling the zipper on her dress. Therell already be a place set with your name on it. Helena turned and smiled at Tina.

We go to far too many of these dinners. Said Tina sullenly, slipping her feet in to her heels.

It was beginning to get dark outside now, so unlike the weather in LA, you could tell the way the palm trees were swaying a rainstorm was close.

Are you ready darling, come on. Helena said, grappling with her Jacket.
You know it doesnt look good to be late to these things.

Tina watched Helena as she adjusted her jacket in the mirror.

This damn weather. Tina said, flicking a strand of damp hair from her forehead. She shook her body as if she was shaking off the humidity, which clung to her skin.

Tina walked over to the window as the rain suddenly collapsed from the skies, and started beating heavily against the window pain.

As she stood watching the rain, fall, Ellie joined her and Tina put her arm around her.

Ellie was Ten years old, well more close, to Eleven according to Ellie. She was scrawny, clever, and a little too tall for her age. She had huge dark brown eyes, which blazed from her mocha coloured skin, and her brown curly hair fell loosely around her face.

Up until the last few months she had been very close to her mothers, but as she was getting older she seemed to be edging away more.

Is it going to be a big party? Said Ellie.

Oh, absolutely huge. Grinned Helena, opening a drawer and searching what she seemed aimlessly for her car keys.

Do you know where my car keys are? She cried out as if the very idea of them being where she couldnt find them was implausible.

I might be an artist when Im older, that way I can go to these fabulous artist parties. Ellie said thoughtfully. She spent much of her time inventing elaborate, illustrious careers for herself.

She picked up Tinas lipstick.

Nice colour. She said to her mother as she looked in the mirror, and applied it to her lips. She then screwed up her face and wiped it off with the back of her hand.

Eventually Helena and Tina braved the rain of the storm and ran out to their car.

The waterlogged street carried them down to the movie theatre, where they then took a right turn towards Madison Avenue and the gallery.

A flash of lightening lit up Ellies bedroom, as she lay awake listening to the storm, unable to get to sleep.

Tina took Helenas hand as they made their way down the marble corridor.

Helena waved to a couple in front of them, and surged forward to greet the galleries owner, leaving Tina to muse amongst the paintings alone.

Darling. Said the annoying voice of one of the artists. She kissed Tina on the cheek.

Are you having fun? Roberta asked Tina.

She had a voice like Cruella De Ville Tina thought, and she was stick thin.

Im having a wonderful time. Tina said, fiddling with her wedding ring, turning it round and round.

You do know whos here dont you? She said.

Who? Said Tina.

In LA. Roberta said.

An old amour of yours I believe, Bette Porter. She stared at Tina waiting for a response.

Tina continued admiring the portrait of a young girl, which was looking down at her from the wall.

Hows your exhibition going? She asked Roberta, fumbling with her earring, taking it in and out of her ear.

Fabulous darling, fabulous. Actually I believe shes coming here tonight.

Helena listened bright eyed to the pompous artists, nodding respectfully, while all the time standing on the balls of her feet, wanting to race off at any given moment.

Tina made her way through the crowds of people, stopping to chat to an acquaintance here and there.

She had half hoped that she had imagined seeing Bette in that caf.

Helena. Said Tina. I dont feel well, I think Im going to go.

Whats the matter sweetheart? she said, leaning in close to Tinas face.

I just feel a little sick, is it alright if I take the car?

Of course. She said. But whats the matter? What is it? Are you okay? Ill just come with you . . .

No, no. Tina interrupted. You stay here, Ill go, someone will give you a ride home.

Of course they will.

Great, you stay, Ill be fine honest, you stay and enjoy yourself, I want you to stay. Tina smiled clasping Helenas hand in her own.

Helena ran her free hand through her hair.

Sweetheart, are you sure your okay?

Im fine really. Tina said, clutching the car keys. Just apologise on my behalf okay.

Im really sorry to have dragged you here, you should have said you were feeling ill. Did you say? I didnt know you were feeling unwell.

Its okay. Tina said softly, squeezing Helenas hand.

I want to come with you. Helena said, bouncing from one foot to the other.

No. She raised her hand lightly to touch her cheek.
You stay.

Tina marched down the marble corridor and in to the street, she searched for their car and at first she couldnt find it. She couldnt even recall what it looked like. Although she remembered the car Bette used to drive, a blue Saab convertible, and she found she was looking for this, as though if she did find it, she could just drive off in to the past and everything else would dissolve in to thin air.

Eventually she found the black Jaguar. Well it looked recognisable, the keys fit and the mess in the back was definitely hers. As she started the car, she thought about the house she use to share with Bette, and she imagined that her life with her was still continuing there, unseen by her. That she was there now cooking dinner, paying the bills, making love.

All the while Bette porter is getting closer and closer down Madison Avenue, and to the Gallery. Her girlfriend Rachel sits quietly beside her, the epitome of Bette herself in her immaculate dress sense.

Bette Porter drives her car fast in to the parking spot, and gracefully unravels herself from the car. And as she gets out, Tina sees her and drives away quickly.

Bette turns and watches her go.







TBC>>>>>>>>