Dana and Shane arrived on time on Friday. I hired a limo to pick them up from the airport. Alice and Kit were at my apartment while I went to the airport. I havent seen Dana the longest. Shes been pretty busy ever since her big break two years ago. She even got a sponsorship from leading sports companies and has since been doing commercials. Last I saw her was a year ago on her wedding day. I was glad how things worked out between her and Lara. I knew that they were meant to be together. And theyre just the sweetest couple. Too bad Lara couldnt make it to New York.

Shane is still doing hair but only for special people. She owns her own hair salon. She didnt make it with Steve Jaffe after what happened with Cherie. But Shane, being the reasonable and wise person she is, somehow managed to open one on her own two feet. Shane with all her boyish charm and reputation is the one person I couldnt thank you enough. After the downfall with Tina, she was the only one I could open up to. True Alice was and IS my best friend but that time Tina was always with her; there was no chance for me to even talk to her. Im just thankful that I have her in my life.

As we got to the apartment, it was already four in the afternoon. I have about three more hours before I have to head to the Gallery. Everything was great; everyone was having a good time just hanging out. It just seemed like we never were apart.

Shane: Hey Bette? So whats this I hear about you and Mel?

I was at the refrigerator looking for something to drink. Shane walked over to me to give me a hand with glasses.

Bette: Mel and I are kind of going out

Shane smiled. I know that look!

Shane: Thats great Bette. I like Mel. So when is she coming over?

Bette: She has meetings all day and wont be joining us until the show tonight.

Shane: Oh right.

Shane took the glasses and placed them on the table. She noticed the bouquet of flowers sitting on the table unattended.

Shane: Umm Bette? Shouldnt you put this somewhere?

Dana: Is that from Mel?

Bette: What? Oh the flowers… nope.

Dana: So who is it from?

Flowers. Thats what I received the day before the opening of Colours. I usually received flowers AT the opening or AFTER the opening. But this is different. No one has seen the pieces on display yet. Ive asked specifically for the gallery to restrict the show area for the past month. And reviews for the show? That should really come after the opening. So who could be sending me congratulations flowers before the show hits the road? I thought back to yesterday, while Alice and Kit told the tale of the mystery sender

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Alice: Come on. Dont keep us waiting Bette!!!

Bette: Ok Ok!

Dear Miss Porter,
Good luck with the show tomorrow night. I will be looking forward to it!!!

Alice: So who is it?

Bette: I dont know. It doesnt say

Alice: What does it say?

I handed the card to Alice. She looked at it, read it and flipped it over as if to find more words hidden somewhere.

Alice: Thats it?

Kit: What does it say Al?

Alice: Dear Miss Porter, Good luck with the show tomorrow night. I will be looking forward to it. You have a secret admirer Porter? My my I can see you never cease to attract the ladies!

I looked at Alice and then looked at Mel. Alice was mouthing Ooooohh!!!

Alice: Mel?

Mel: Beats me.

Bette: Are you sure?

Mel: If I was looking forward to the show, which I am, I would just tell you in person and if I were to send you flowers, Id definitely sign my name!!! And I dont need a SHOW to send you flowers; Ill send you flowers any day. (Mel leaned closer and whispered the last sentence) Just so you know that Ive been thinking about you all day.

I smiled at Mel. Mel always makes me feel special. I sighed. Oh well whoever it is, Ill just have to wait till tomorrow. I placed the bouquet on the table near the door. I looked at my watch, almost noon. God the street will be packed. Theres no way we can get a cab!

Bette: So shall we go? Im sure you guys are hungry.

Alice rushed to the door followed by Kit. I grabbed my bag, Mel took my hand and we left for the restaurant hand in hand.

Alice: God my feet hurt. We shouldve taken the taxi Bette!

Bette: It would be a lot faster walking See!!! We got here on time! Besides it wouldve taken us hours if we took the taxi. And well, I like walking.

Alice: Really? Where did the old Bette Porter go? I prefer the old you Bette

Alice stuck her tongue out at me. I just laughed. Even though shes this annoying, I just love her company. Mel and Kit just smiled. I forgot we had a child at the table. Yesterdays lunch was a lot of fun. We talked and talked and laughed and laughed.

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I really miss having my family around. Every time I sit alone in my apartment, all I could think of was going back to West Hollywood; wanting my old life back. But I know that isnt possible anymore. Everyone has moved on. And I should probably try to move on with my life. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness. I really hate being alone. The apartment is empty, really empty and the only friends I have are people from work oh and Theresa of course. How did I let my life be like this? I sighed.

I must have been lost in my own thoughts for a while that I didnt hear Shane calling out for me. Kit, Alice and Dana were watching me.

Bette: Huh?

Shane: I said do you want me to put them somewhere? These are nice flowers you know?

Bette: Ummm yeah sure just there thanks.

Kit: Whats wrong with you baby sis?

Bette: Nothing, I just Umm

Dana: Youre probably just nervous about tonight. I know when I start to walk into that court, my hands would start to sweat but I couldnt contain the smile. So I always give the audience my HUGE smile (showing her smile) and then everyone would start cheering and things just fall into place. Youll be alright Bette. Youve done this so many times already. Im just sorry that I had to miss most of them.

Bette: Its ok. Youre here now.

Alice: So how are we getting there tonight? Were not going to walk again are we? We have to arrive in style!!!

Bette: I got the limo for tonight so we can all go together. Mel will be joining us there.

Shane: Great. I cant wait.

Shane gave me a wink.

Alice: Ok I gotta get ready. Going fishing tonight!!!!

Everyone laughed; Dana rolled her eyes but joined in on the laughter nonetheless. Alice jumped off the couch and headed to the spare bedroom.

Dana: While shell be doing all that, Shane and I will keep a lookout on the secret admirer tonight Bette. I mean if Shane doesnt start running off to chasing the girls tonight!!!

Shane just smiled.

Bette: Well, Id better get ready then.

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We got to the gallery right on time. As we got out of the limo, I found myself smiling at reporters. Yup this is what Ive worked my ***** for. I talked to some of the critics before actually stepping inside the gallery to meet my guests.

Reporter: Miss Porter I hear that Colours was supposed to go to another gallery. But somehow you managed to get it right at the last minute. How do you feel about that?

Bette: It wasnt really last minute. But Im just grateful for the turnout tonight. Right now Im feeling pretty good about it. (I didnt feel like hanging around) So um enjoy the show!

Reporter: Thank you Miss Porter.

Once inside, the atmosphere took a different turn. It was calmer, I could see couples standing just at the corner of one of the room sipping their wine and discussing the piece in front of them. A group of people were admiring Tim Hardings work, just at the opposite corner.

Dana: Wow Bette. This is such a turn out!

Kit: Youve done it again baby sis

Bette: Thanks you guys

Alice gave me a hug.

Alice: This is really awesome Bette. Im really proud of you. Umm… Ill just get some drinks anyone?

Bette: I think there are some going around.

Alice: Well, I just need to get my OWN drink (Pointing at the bar where I could see cute girls hanging around)

I smiled, I know what that means!!! Hmm I looked around. Where is Mel? She should be here by now.

Kit: Im just going to see the place ok Bette? Want to see all before they get sold!

Shane: This is great Bette.

Shane put her arms around Dana while she nodded in agreement.

Dana: Umm Bette. I think the people there wanted to talk to you. You should go, dont worry about us.

Shane: Yeah you go ahead. Well see you later yeah?

Bette: Ok. Thank you guys.

The evening was full of meeting and greeting the invited guests. Tonight was a good night. Everyone seems to be enjoying the photographs on display. This is such a success. And I enjoy having these people around. I havent felt good about myself lately. What with the recurring dreams I have been having and the stress to get this show on the road. But now all falls into place. The show is going great; I have my friends here and Mel. Oh Mel. Where is she? I scanned the room to look for her. I could see Alice talking to a pretty blonde, Kit and Dana talking and well, Shane was nowhere to be found. Then I saw Melanie talking to a woman just as tall as she. I couldnt see her face as she was facing Mel. Mel saw me and waved for me to come over.

I smiled and excused myself. Im so glad shes here now. Im so so tired but the success of this show is overwhelming!!! I really needed someone to share the joy with

Mel: Hey you. I saw you earlier but you were busy schmoozing with all the important people I didnt want to interrupt.

Mel kissed me on my lips and god what was wrong with me? I blushed. It really has been TOO long!!! She let her arm fall on my waist and held it there.

Bette: Its alright, I think Im done schmoozing for now.

I was lost looking into her eyes that I forgot someone else was there.

Mel: Oh Lizzie

I turned around and saw the woman Mel was talking to earlier.

Mel: We were just talking about how great the place looked. You really have done well Bette. Im Melanie. This is Elizabeth Porter; shes the owner of the gallery. We havent really properly introduced ourselves.

I stood still, not believing my eyes.

Woman: Hi. Im Helena. (She shook Mels hand and then turned to me). Its nice meeting you. Ive been looking forward to tonight Bette.