Bette knew that going through the portal in the first place was perhaps not a very wise idea but when she made that decision she was more emotional than her usual logical self. It was not an excuse and Bette wasn’t going to put blame on anyone but herself. What’s done is done and she would deal with the portal mystery when the time comes.

“One day at a time,” Bette whispered and smiled at her mother, hoping that painting will take her mind off of her predicament. She wished she had her iPod so she can listen to her favorite music but that was out of the question. For now painting was enough because it let her disappear into her inner world where she could find peace, comfort, and strength. Especially when her thoughts went to Tina and their time together.

The soft knock on a studio door interrupted Bette’s musing and she turned her head to find Christina watching her with a smile. Maxine waved at their guest excitedly, “Christina, my dear. Come and join us. Elizabeth is eager to finish my portrait she started a while ago. Perhaps you can keep me company and have some tea with us later.”

“It will be my pleasure,” Christina gave Bette a quick hug and sat down on a small sofa near Maxine. Maxine rang for tea and returned to the way she was posing before. They all chatted while Bette painted, until the maid brought them some tea.

After an afternoon of painting and visiting, Maxine retired to her chambers and Bette took Christina to their favorite pavilion in the Japanese gardens that Maxine built behind the studio. The garden was somewhat neglected but the pavilion was still there in pristine condition, just as Bette remembered it. It always provided them with the solitude and the privacy before and Bette wanted to use it to spend some time alone with her friend.

“How’s your pregnancy” she asked as they settled on the cushions.

“I feel like a cow and my feet are swollen most of the time but Dr. Lance assured me that everything looks fine and the baby seemed to be developing like it supposed to,” Christina looked and Bette and sighed. “I worry sometimes, though.”