Bette stared out at the ocean. It had been 15 months since that night, since the last time she had seen and spoken to Tina. She had rebuilt her life, a totally different life than the one she had. She no longer kept in contact with the old gang. Her only link was Kit. Their relationship had grown and deepened. Kit had been there for her when she had hit bottom.

Her new life had been turned upside down since Peggy had paid her a surprise visit. Peggy had found out that Bette was painting and wanted to see if the former museum director was any good. She had shown up at the house unannounced 3 weeks ago. What she found astounded her.
Peggy: Bette my dear, why have you been hiding this talent? Its been a long time since Ive seen a new artist paint with such passion.
Bette, looking down at her feet, spoke in a wisper: Peggy, these paintings are private. They reflect my innermost feelings. They are about a part of my life that has been lost forever. Ive been through ***** and back and part of the healing process was doing these paintings.
Peggy: Well, I want to show your paintings, these and the other ones, at a new gallery I am sponsoring in West Hollywood. You really must let me do this Bette. The art community should not be denied your talent. You cant go on selling your paintings at art fairs for the rest of your life. What happened to that woman who had a fire in her belly to succeed? Surely she is in there somewhere. Stop beating yourself up and begin to live life again.
Bette: I do have a life. One Im very comfortable with. I couldnt live with the old Bette. What I did..I destroyed my life, Tinas. I cant go back to being that Bette. I wont.
Peggy: Fine, be the new Bette:The laid back, hippy, artsy Bette. But dont be a fool. Let me help you get the success you deserve. Think about it. Ill be back next week to discuss this further.

With that statement, Peggy had turned and walked quietly out of the house.

She had returned as promised and Bette had given her the okay to move forward. Bette had surprised herself. She did want to be successful. She guessed that her Type A personality hadnt been totally suppressed after all. She had decided that she could do this, and still maintain the secluded life she led. It would be difficult but it was something she would fight fiercely for.

There was one catch: The series of paintings about her past were all of her and Tina. She would need Tinas approval to show them. She had betrayed her once and she would not do it again.

Getting that approval was something she wasnt sure she could get. Tina had steadfastly refused to have any contact with Bette. At first Bette had called and tried to see her daily. Nothing she tried worked and her heart broke when she realized that Tina would never forgive her. She had taken to writing Tina letters. Daily at first, then weekly. She still sent a letter once a month. All the letters came back to her unopened.

Bette had asked Kit to go and talk with Tina. She hated to impose on Kit but she didnt see any other way. Kit and Tina were still close and Kit had somehow managed to talk Tina into coming here to see Bette. Maybe time really does heal, Bette thought.

Today was visiting day. Bette sat and waited, looking out at the ocean. Memories of their life washed over her. God how she had screwed up. She couldnt believe how nervous she was. The anticipation was driving her crazy.