Bette stared into her closet trying to find something to wear for the showing today. It wasnt as if there was anything in her wardrobe not appropriate for the day, but she found herself torn between how she wanted to present herself. Bette was gorgeous, from her well head to toe there wasnt another word but stunning, men and women alike couldnt help themselves but be captivated by such a beauty. She remembered Amanda telling Tina they would see her tomorrow, but did that matter? It wasnt like she was interested in Tina, or was she?

Jesus Bette, get a hold of yourself, you dont even know her. She concluded as she reached into her closet and started to dress. Although she took some personal time for the funeral, she needed to stop into work to make sure things were still going along as planned, she didnt need everything to fall apart in her absence. It was also a break in thought for Bette, an escaped reality of everything happening at once.
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Tina had gotten to work early that morning; she had not been able to sleep most of the night. It was mostly tossing about and reliving her day, meeting the Lees, walking through the gardenBette. That last of which presented itself the most, Tina rationalized this by thinking she felt sorry for her, losing a close friend and all. Or at least that is how she rationalized it.

She carried on this way into the late afternoon, she hung around in her office going through the rest of her scripts, she wasnt able to finish those last night either, she blamed herself for her mind being elsewhere. She found herself more startled at the sound of Gails voice telling her she was leaving for the night.

Oh, Gail you scared me.

Im sorry Tina, you look a little lost today, did everything go alright yesterday? Gail was concerned she had never seen Tina looked so dazed.

Yeah thanks, it was a real emotional thing. It also didnt help that Albert was to the point and almost rude, he showed no sympathy for her parents, it was just another job for him. Tina fumed.

Well that is enough to unsettle you, but that still doesnt explain how out of touch you are today. She knew there was something else she was thinking about.

No, not really I just couldnt sleep and was in and out of my own thoughtsI really dont know what has come over me. And she didnt, or at least she wouldnt let herself admit to what it was.

Oh, well good luck with that and try to have a nice night, see you tomorrow Tina. With that she was out the door.

Goodnight Gail, she said as she started gathering her things to head off to the showing.
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Bette was running late, she had gotten herself so tied up in the gallery today she didnt even notice the time. She had wanted to be there early for the Lees and now she would be lucky if she made it there when everyone else did.

Common, why dont you move idiot, she hated driving around this town, especially when she was late and ready to burst. She finally made it there and found someplace to park, packed just as she thought it would be. She grabbed her purse and checked herself in her rearview quick; she looked in the mirror and took a deep breath. You can do this Bette; just hold it together in there, with that she was out of the car.

She started walking the ways to the building, taking long slow strides and pumping herself up for the emotional situation she would experience, was it going to be an open casket? Where their old friends from school going to show? Her thoughts were immediately interrupted by a familiar voice

Oh hey Bette, running a little late too huh? Tina said to her while flinging her purse over her shoulder.

Tina. Hi, yeah late, long day and bad traffic, she barely got out while Tina joined at her side.

Yeah that always seems to happen whenever you need to be someplace, I didnt realize the time either until my assistant came in to say goodnight. Tina laughed to herself, Luckily she did or I wouldnt be seeing you at all.

Bette stopped for a moment and looked at her.

Well, I mean I wouldnt have made it here, Tina quickly said as they resumed walking.
As they reached the door Bette held it open for her as they both slipped into the building.

Wow, it is really crowded, Tina had said.

Yeah, Rachel had affected many people, Bette said before being greeted by Alice and Shane.

Bette there you are, we were looking for you. We heard about what happened and wanted to be here for you, Im so sorry Bette, Alice had said hugging her.

Thanks guys, I am late, the show is going to be the death of me.

Alice and Shane stood there looking at Tina, who stood quietly next to Bette taking everything in.

God where are my manners, Alice, Shane, this is Tina Kennard, she said smiling at Tina.

Hi Tina, Im Alice, Bettes beautiful and charming best friend. Alice had said with a smile, Porter never said she was seeing anyone

Hey, Im Shane, she offered her hand to Tina and smiled, Bette did always seem to land the knockouts.
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Tina greeted both women graciously as she looked them over with her eyes.

So Tina, how did you and Bette here meet? Alice asked pushing for some kind of juicy information.

Well we havent really known each other very long, but it was she was interrupted.

Oh you seem to have some succumbed to the Porter charm then eh? Alice said with a wink.

I dont think I understand what you mean Tina said shakily, what was this woman implying.

Bette interjected to her rescue, Knock it off Al, I just met her yesterday and we ran into one another in the parking lot. Bette gave her a look to shut it.

Well we better go and pay our respects, Tina said breaking the weird silence between friends.

Thanks guys for coming, it really does mean a lot, as Bette hugged them each again.

Alice and Shane said goodbye to Tina and walked out the door.
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Bette stared at the line of people waiting to see Rachel and to pay their respects to her family. She saw a lot of old professors and some people they had went to school with. She was lost in a daze when she felt someone touch her arm.

Common Bette, it will be okay, Tina said to her as she lightly grabbed her arm.

Bette nodded and walked with Tina over to the end of the line. People waiting talked about various things, how they had known Rachel, the weather and the news. People handle grief in their own ways. All Bette could do was stare ahead as she felt more and more emotions build up inside of her.

Tina watched her afraid of what was going through her head; it didnt seem like Bette to be so withdrawn. She spoke softly to her, You are allowed to be upset Bette, dont shut down, she was you friend, you dont need to be strong for her. Tina spoke very reassuringly.

Tears started to well under Bettes eyes as she looked over to Tina, whom hadnt left her side all night. This woman was so full of compassion and empathy and shed only known her less than a day. For some reason she felt alright enough to let her guard down a bit, maybe it was alright to show a little weakness.

Both women paid there respects to the Lees as they made there way to the casket. They thanked them both for coming and being so supportive. Mrs. Lee looked as if she had been crying all day, her husband a sort of lost look in his eyes, like he had to keep it together on the outside for his wife, but inside he was a mess too.

Tina gave Bette some space and left her there at the front to say her own goodbye.
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Bette felt Tina leave her side as she looked upon Rachel. She was so peaceful and beautiful laying there. Bette almost expected her to jump up and laugh the way she used to. To see her eyes fill with joy and excitement like they always had. She stood in front of Rachel for what seemed like days, staring at her, taking in every inch of what she was and storing it to memory. She gently wiped a tear from her eye as she walked away from her.

She looked around for Tina only to not find her. She didnt think she was going to leave without saying goodbye

Bette said hello to some people she knew and smiled at the Lees before she left, knowing she would see everyone tomorrow. Her heart had taken about all it could for the day; she casually opened the door and found Tina sitting on the steps in front.
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Tina turned around at the sound of the door opening; she thought about leaving but didnt want to abandon Bette without saying goodbye. She stood up and smiled at Bette who was walking down the stairs to her.

Hey, I just wanted to give you some space in there, but I didnt want to leave without saying goodbye, Tina smiled again.

Yeah, I was wondering if you left, I ran into a lot of people I hadnt seen in ages, but I just had to get out of there.

Oh, well I am sorry again, this has to be really hard for you. Tina looked at Bette and then everywhere else, I guess I will head on home now.

Thanks Tina, you were really great to me tonight and you dont even know me, She smiled back not knowing what else to say. I guess I will see you later then, as she started walking past her back to her car.

Bette? Tina said as she watched her walk away.

Bette turned at the sound of her voice.
Do you want to get some coffee or something, it is totally ok if you dont want to, I just… Tina was interrupted by Bette walking back over to her. I just, well I dont have anything else to do and its early. Like you said we dont know each other very well and Tina was rambling, she felt that brush of cold hit her again, where did her composure go, she wondered

That would be great T, I need to get my mind of some things, Bette said with a smile.

Are you sure, because you dont have to if you dont want to, I was just asking. Tina blurted out again. Did she just call me T?

Bette laugh as she smiled at her again, Common, Ill drive.