Bette: Well, I would rather be sketching, but it was a pleasure to meet you Tina. All the best with your marriage. Goodbye! she waved merrily.

Tina: Wait. Never say goodbye. I believe it is inauspicious. I’ll see you later, Bette. Who knows, maybe we will meet again? she added, not meaning to sound wistful.

Bette studied Tina in jest, but didn’t mock her … Later, Tina and turned around, walking away from Tina.

Tina turned around sighing softly, Till we meet again Bette and walked towards her awaiting life.

Bette settled into a light jog, turning around one last time to look at Tina’s retreating figure, silently hoping that everything would turn out alright for her. She didn’t know why she was so drawn to this stranger she had just met, but she truly cared for Tina after their short tryst on the bench. Shaking her head, confused about her thoughts, Bette resumed jogging away. Maybe she could use this experience with Tina for a new series of paintings. That’s right, and she smiled at the thought.

Tina glanced back at Bette just as Bette had turned her back to her, smiling as she replayed bits and pieces of their recent conversation now engrained in her memory. She wanted to stop Bette, saying something more, ask her to stay for the wedding, anything so that she could spend some more moments with her. She didn’t know why, but now wasn’t the time to think about Bette as she went inside the Cathedral, closer to her destiny than ever before.

Eric’s dad stood in front of her, awaiting Tina, nervous and excited. He seemed happy to see her, reached out and kissed her forehead, before he began to walk her down the aisle. Tina took one last to the life she was leaving behind, maybe trying to seek out Bette even though she knew that Bette was no longer in sight.

Bette slowed down as she reached the gates taking in the beautiful morning, not one speck of clouds in the sky and a light breeze cooling off her skin. She looked back in the direction Tina had disappeared. She wanted to believe that Tina was making the right decision and she wanted to be there, to be present to see Tina walk into her new life. But Bette knew that sounded idiotic. She knelt down to tie her shoelaces as she contemplated what to do. Tina had somehow inspired a new passion within her, questioning her life as she lived it, whether Bette wanted to admit it or not. The idea of a soulmate, a true love—was it radical in this day and age? Did it exist? And what if Bette had sent Tina on the wrong path? As an artist, Bette craved experiences—they served as a muse, a way for her to capture memories and experiences on canvas. And Tina was one memory that Bette seemed keen on capturing and framing forever.

Pastor: And do you Tina Kennard, take Eric Lively as your lawfully wedded husband? If so answer "I DO."

Tina looked at Eric, searching his eyes for some strength. He smiled at her warmly, anticipating her affirmation. She thought about Bette. Alright Bette, I am going to do this and things better turn out right for me or else I will have to hunt you down and break your legs. She smiled at the thought and said, “I do.”

Bette stood up and backed out slowly, deep in thought. Her eyes didn’t leave the Cathedral and she never saw the wedding limousine rounding the corner at full speed as she stepped out onto the road. It was too late for the driver to stop the car as he never saw Bette coming. He hit Bette at 60 m/ph even as he tried to swerve. Bette let out a piercing scream and her body was momentarily launched into flight before landing with a loud thud on the ground. She lay there, motionless, her right leg bent under her, clearly broken. Her last thought about the angel in white, as her world turned black.

Pastor: By the powers invested in me by the state of New York, I know pronounce of husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.