Fan Fiction
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Wherever You Go, There You Are
Gone was her life as she had known it. The first thing to go her reputation as an untouchable but at the time Bette didn’t realize it. Bette has developed a reputation for her beauty and gracious behavior but also for never letting that benevolence reach her eyes or her heart. The truth was her life really hadn’t been that great since Tina left her. Yes it looked glamorous but the truth never is what it seems. Loosing her life of one night stands, extravagant dinners with the right people meant little it was always a means to an end. That end meant little when you don’t have your health.
Her drive for perfection was much harder to loose. It proved to be impossible to maintain the intensity level that had been the hallmark of her work ethic. This level was rarely achieved by most well people but had become the norm for Bette. This is where Shane’s coaching helped. She convinced Bette to finally delegate many of the tasks previously performed by only Bette herself. Her hours spent at the gallery were drastically reduced from 10-12 a day pre-illness to some days only 2 or 3 during the height of her chemo.
The struggle with perfection went hand in hand with her independence. It was at first difficult to accept that she needed the kindness of others in order to survive both financially and emotionally. Near the end of a seven day chemo regiment Bette would get so ill that she lacked the energy to even get out of bed let alone cook for herself. Kit and Shane organized the troops, finding people Bette had befriended in their career to create programs for the Gallery to keep it thriving as well as others to manage Bette at home. If Kit or Shane were not available for the home duty they would find someone else to fill in.
But in the end it was how Bette’s house became the ground central of everyone’s lives which left her with no privacy. At first Bette wasn’t aware of all the comings and goings. But she became appalled when she learned that ten different copies of her front door key were made and distributed amongst a wide group of people. They were mostly women but some men. Some were Shane’s crew at the store or others women she had been with at one time or another and now were her trusted friends and thus through extension Bette’s friends. There is no privacy when after throwing up all night you are left so weak that someone has to carry you to bed after they clean you up and change your clothes.
This was the proving ground that forged a new outlook for life in both Bette and Shane. For both it was a life altering ordeal but one they were glad they came through together.
“You know Shane why don’t I do the cooking tomorrow and we’ll invite a few people over. I feel like a party what do you say?” Bette asks while pushing back from the table having enjoyed her fish.
****
“Hey I can only hang with you for an hour or so my Mom’s going to be home early tonight and I need to look like I’ve been home doing homework.” Angelica relays to her best friend Paige.
Her and Paige hooked up at the beginning of the school year and just hit it off from the beginning. Both were totally bored with school often escaping together to have fun with whatever they could dig up. Today they left school early leaving their last class far behind them. Usually they would make their way over to Paige’s house. Her parents were rarely home so the place would be empty just waiting for the two of them.
They had just arrived at Paige’s and were scoping out the refrigerator when Paige had an idea.
“Hey do you want to go out on the deck and have a smoke?” She asked a surprised Angelica.
“What are you talking about? Since when do you smoke?” She fired back closing the refrigerator door after taking out a bottle of soda.
“Since I lifted these from my Dad’s suit jacket this morning.” Paige smiles at Angelica while holding a red and white pack of cigarettes. She was waving them back and forth between her index finger and thumb.
Angie immediately gets excited and nervous at the same time. She had never really thought much about smoking but now that the opportunity was in front of her she wasn’t sure. She knew her Mom would kill her if she found out but the idea of her Mom getting mad only egged her on.
“Sure lets do it.”
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(31 votes, average: 3.97 out of 5)
HEy JWet, The plots thickens as the changes in the gals lives become evident. Great to see that Bette’s illness give Shane the ficus that she needed. Making a home is something that can creep up on you or happen overnight. Just happy to see that their friendship has survived through the years. It does leave me with one big question: Has Shane tried to contact Tina become Bette’s health? Perhaps Tina really disapeared from all of the gang. What a shame that would be. And as for Angelic, it looks like giving her everything has made her a bit misguided if not spoiled. Typical that doing anything that her mother would disapprove of makes it so much more appealing. Please continue soon. A big hug and hue smile at you being back and posting so frequently. I love it. Many thanks from Your Loyal Fan.
Is she a Rebel.because she has one parent,knows that some where she has another one.Ihat Tina works so hard to give her the good things in life. She is a smart girl so school can get boring. Tina should move to LA give the gang a chance to help Angie and Angie a chance to know her other Mother thanks
hey there- just caught up on the 2 chapters and really looking forward to wherever you take this. thanks!
I’d laugh really hard if Tina caught a whiff of smoke from Angelica’s hair. I know it wouldn’t get passed MY mom! Full flavor cigs…ick. I think one puff from a Marlboro red would make me hit the floor now.
Oh and Shane is just awesome. I’m sure taking on the role of “Bette’s keeper” meant some big adjustments in her life.
I’m trying to figure out if Angelica is an unknown to Bette, cus i’d find it hard to believe they wouldn’t be there for bette during chemo?
Jwet…..You know you’re good when some of the best FF writers read your story and comment. This story has so many possibilities. Bette’s learning that no woman is an island and she would love Angelica and Tina needs Bette back in her life b/c Angelica is so like Bette and Tina will want to help Bette. PPS.
Angelica is rebelling..Hmmm..I wonder why she’s skipping school and not turning in her homework. That’s really sweet of Shane being there for Bette in a time of need. I wonder what will happen if Tina finds out about Angelica’ rebelling. PPS.
no, Angie, no!! Don’t smoke that thing!! you ain’t gonna be as tall as mama B… *ahem* O-K… I’m so glad Bette’s better now, thx! And I can’t wait for them to meet, that will be so awesome… BTW, loved your last story… Question!! they live… where exactly? Please post soon!
Thank you Jwet. I look forward to more.
of course tina and bette get 2gether; and that little brat will achieve it….where does tina and ange live? where does Bette live? and what have they been doing in the meantime…just wanna know, lol
Absolutely loving the things each of the women are facing in life right now – challenges and testing their personal strengths and weaknesses. Love that this has new and different things they have to face. You are on a wonderful path with this tale. Thanks for writing.
angie is such a rebel, and i’m glad bette wasn’t alone, shane was perfect for that…i hope your girls will find their way back to each other…permenantly :)
Well Sweetie, you made me smile from the author’s notes. It’s nice to see that you remember the story. Hopefully my tech will fix my internet soon. But this story of yours is so well written, it’s amazing to say the least. (I lost my words, I’m sorry). I feel for Bette because I know how it feels to have no control over your body and the environment around you. And having to succumb to whatever is forcing you to submit your independence to other peoples will. And poor Tina I see how that meeting went in my mind. And I can totally see myself in Angie, the thrill of pissing off your mother is some kind of weird excitement. Must be a teenage thrill, I don’t know. But you’ve captured it so well. Thank You. Please Post Soon. PEACE.
Hmmm….well, part of the problem might be Tina’s lack of authority. I know when I got called downstairs it was not phrased as a question and there was no ‘please’. I was simply told to come down and I did. But another part of the problem is that Angelica is 12. She’s supposed to be rebelious and seeking some independence. It’s Tina’s job to find a way to corral this natural tendency so it helps the girl grown and not bite her in the ass. Tricky. But hey, if Bette can get past her independence and vanity, Tina should be able to steer the right course with Angie. Might be good to call in Shane as a reinforcement.
Hey Jwet, Of course I’m hoping that they end up together, but your writing is so enticing that I’m along for the ride either way. Keep the chapters coming!!
OMG what can I say about teens……they want their independence but yet can’t handle it once we give it to them…..Hopefully Tina can make it thru these time……..I’m so glad that Bette has Shane……Now that is a true FRIEND……PPS
Bette has come out a better person for her life altering experience. Tina sounds a little like Melvin when dealing with Angelica. Angelica seems to be a little bit like Bette in some ways. If the fans of your story have a vote of the two getting back together my vote is for them to become a family only this time with their teenage daughter.
Sounds like Bette and Tina need each other in their lives right now, Bette will get Angie in shape, and Tina will get Bette in shape.
Oh this is not good!
OOOO,Angelica is a rebel! I don’t really mind if Tina and Bette do not get together just don’t let Bette die. Post soon!
This is really good. A life altering experience for Bette. Angelica is no angel.. I’m looking forward to more!
Hey, jwet! i’m trying to catch up on stories…this one is great! unlike smiley, could you warn me if bette and tina aren’t going to end up together?! those stories make me so sad! ff is the only place where they can work out their differences are reconnect! i think that there could be a way for them here… maybe? hopefully? I do agree with smiley on one thing: plz don’t let bette die. can’t wait for the next post!
Okay, You do not want to tell any more. But please tell me only one . Becomes this Story a Happy End with Bette and Tina. PLEASE. Otherwise I die. I may no more read stories which depress me. Please Jwet only a little tip.
hey Jwet. Angel is a rebel and a brat all in one!!! She needs a good whooping. Still wondering where and Y B & T are in diff parts of the world..so to speak??? Sorry about your mom and thanks for your sympathy towards my aunt. I dreamt her last night so now I wait for the great change that is to come…..every time I dream her something great happens. TMI???? if so forgive me I am just happy that I dreamt her always am!!
I love Bette and Shane’s new stronger friendship. I can see Shane taking over that role for Bette. And Angelica…so she is so smart she gets bored in school…sounds like she does well in art…hmmm. And,well I hate to admit it but I first tried cigarettes at 12. Thanks J!!
Angie the wild child, what will Tina do? I could never understand when my son would say he did his homework, but “forgot” to turn it in and yes, he had done it. Kids are strange. Well I’m glad Bette is in remission. B&T don’t need to reunite, but when will Tina learn about Bette and Bette about Tina and Angelica? Hope it sooner than later. Thanks for the update. PPS
well i just caught up. became a grandmother again yesterday morning at 541 am. his name is chase daniel. my son that died was named daniel so, it was very sweet. plus i worked all weekend so i didnt see this til this morning. as you know, i think, i work at a cancer hospital. its only for cancer. so this strikes a big cord. this is all i deal with each and everyday. so love AML. cant wait to see where this goes. loved it. thanks.
Still great, love it. When do Bette and Tina “remeet” each other? lol Please post soon, as I will try to do too :)
Oh Angie!! She really is a brat, huh? And so glad that Bette’s got so many people to look after her. Great update Jwet. Looking forward to more.
Hey girl, got to read this later, but coffee would be good if we can arrange it. I have to be in Middleburg Hts by 4PM tomorrow, otherwise let me know when and where works for you.
I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that B&T get back together, but you do what you want. Angie’s a handful already and she’s only 12! PPS!!
Hey Jwet. I’ve celebrated my birthday now I’m playing catch up. I love Bette and Shane’s relationship. Angelica is a handful. I’m hooked already! Take care of yourself and when are you returning to San Francisco?