Tina nodded, “I know, I know. I’m just…I feel so hopeless. I know I should trust our love but it’s hard not knowing what’s happening there, what she’s doing, if she’s thinking about me…” Tina stopped, knowing that she will begin crying again.

Alice gave Tina a hug, rubbing her back gently, “I know it’s hard right now but it’s going to be better soon. Next week we’ll drive to the Porter’s mansion and see what we can find. I’m sure you will be surprised.”

“Oh I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. I just hope that Bette is really thinking about me and will try to send me some kind of a message.”

Meanwhile, in another dimension

Place: Orange County, CA

Year: April 20, 1886

Christina’s House

“Her name is Tina and she’s amazing, beautiful, smart, funny…” Bette paused, unsure if the compliments to another woman might hurt Christina’s feelings.

Christina noticed her hesitation and smiled fondly, “Elizabeth, it really is okay. I’m happy for you and want you to be free to tell me anything. I know how you feel about me, too. We will always have this connection but life goes on and so should we.”

“You are an amazing woman, too, Christina,” Bette smiled back. “Daniel is a very lucky man.”

“And he knows it,” Christina laughed. They enjoyed their tea in silence for a moment until Christina asked again, “So, how did the two of you meet?”

“Well, I came out of the closet and there she was, like a creature from another planet. To be honest, she looked so much like you that I thought I was dreaming…and then I just fainted.”

“You fainted? Oh my Lord,” Christina exclaimed. She put her cup down and looked at Bette curiously. “Tell me everything.”