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After The Provocations (2)


A week after Bette and Tina's intense fight, they remain cold toward each other, not talking. Tina is still mad at Bette, not wanting to see her nor be seen by her in the house. She doesn't come out of her room when Bette is around. In contrast, Bette doesn't avoid Tina. She always hopes to see her in the house, and when she does, she tries initiating a small talk. But Tina continues to ignore her. She doesn't even bother to look at her as if she doesn't exist. Their friends, Alice, Shane, Max, Jenny, Dana and Kit are not meddling because Bette and Tina requested them not to intervene in their current situation. Their friends understand and totally respect it.

Bette is being patient; giving Tina time to heal. She seldom goes to The Planet with the gang because when she's there, Tina refuses to go. She's being protective of her and doesn't want her being left out, so she gives way. Kit, like a real sister calls Bette very often but she also doesn't meddle in their relationship. She's just there to console Bette and neither is she taking any sides.

Two more weeks have passed and they still have the same situation. Tina doesn't talk to Bette at all despite her persistence. She totally ignores her. Now it's becoming too painful for Bette; she misses her so much but Tina remains hard, not willing to let off. At night, Bette cries on her bed longing for Tina; yearning for her embrace, her warmth. Every day, she hopes that Tina would forgive her and speak to her again. She longs for the moment when they'll be back in each others' arms again, and she hopes it will be soon.

One day, Bette makes a plan to woo her. She leaves a bunch of flowers by the door of Tina's room and inserts a card that says, "I'm sorry. I hope you will talk to me soon. I miss you." Apparently, Tina is not impressed. When Bette comes home, she sees the flowers smashed and scattered on the floor. She ends up cleaning all the clutter. It's too painful to bear but Bette is not giving up.

A month later, Tina's anger subsides. But she decides not to talk to her yet. Admittedly, she misses her too and longs for the warmth of her body. But she wants to give her a lesson for cheating on her.

Bette is now facing the consequences of her bad behavior. She continues to woo Tina but to no avail, Tina is being hard on her. Bette is feeling the emptiness. Tina treats her like she doesn't exist at all; looking dumb around her. But despite Tina's hostile treatment, Bette remains composed. She stands by her promise that she'll no longer see or contact Candace. She's doing everything she can to get Tina's forgiveness, but she can only do so much. To divert her attention, she immerses herself into work.

Another month has passed; Bette is going to New York. Her company is sending her for a 3-week project. Though Tina is not talking to her, she decides to tell her about her trip since she'll be gone for a while. One Tuesday afternoon, Bette arrives home from work while Tina is in the living room, reading a magazine.

Bette: Hi Tee! I brought dinner. Have you eaten yet?

Tina frowns and does not respond to Bette's greetings; she continues to browse the magazine. Bette pauses for a while then walks to the dining area and places the take-out food on the table. She contemplates on telling Tina; thinking it's the best time now. After getting a glass of water, she goes back to the living room, stands across Tina, waiting for her to look. Tina is aware that Bette is standing across but she doesn't bother to look, as if she doesn't care at all.

Bette: Tee, are you still not talking to me? Please, talk to me. This set up is so excruciating for me.

Bette's voice is begging but Tina isn't moved. She gives Bette a fuming look.

Tina: Excruciating for you?! Huh! You cheated on me and now you have the nerve to tell me this is so excruciating for you?!

Bette: Tee, I don't wanna fight anymore. Okay, if you don't want to talk to me that's fine. I just don't want to fight and argue anymore.

Silence fills the room for a brief moment. Bette is emotional, trying so hard not to cry in front of Tina but tears suddenly fall from her eyes then she speaks, her voice quivering.

Bette: Tee, I'm going to New York this coming Thursday. My flight's at 7AM. The CAC is sending me there for a project.

Tina: So?

Bette feels hurt and humiliated by Tina's sarcastic response.

Tina: Go ahead! Go wherever you want to, Bette. I don't really care where you go, so you don't need to tell me.

Bette controls her tears; she's mortified. She looks at Tina emotively but Tina gets up quickly, puts the magazine down and walks away. As she walks away, Bette speaks.

Bette: I'll be gone for 3 weeks... or more. It depends on our project in New York.

Tina is surprised; she could not hide her reaction and objection. She pauses, turns her back and faces Bette.

Tina: 3 weeks?! Seriously?!

Bette hesitates.

Bette: Yes, 3 weeks. Maybe more...

Tina: Yeah right! That's nice!

Tina walks away raising her two hands in the air then enters her room huffily, slams the door. She is furious. Bette is motionless, confused by Tina's reaction. She can't tell what Tina really meant by that. Tina's becoming unpredictable. For a moment, she just sits on the couch and later eats her dinner, alone. Tina doesn't go out of the room the whole night.

The following day, Bette comes home early to prepare and pack her things for her next day's flight to NY. Tina arrives from work and sees Bette packing. For a quick moment they look at each other but no one utters a word. The way Tina looks at Bette is like asking her not to leave for New York. Bette stands still, speechless. She watches Tina walking away to her own room, and then Tina closes the door.

Next day comes, and Bette leaves for NY. While on her way to the airport, she reflects on their relationship. Tears are freely flowing from her eyes and she just couldn't help it. How she wishes she could turn back time and correct her mistakes. But the damage has been done and she can't do anything about it anymore. She promises herself never to do it again, ever.

In the afternoon, Tina arrives home from work; no Bette in the house, and it feels so empty. As she stands alone, she breaks down, sits on the floor and weeps. She totally misses Bette; she misses the smell of her perfume.

In New York, Bette is very excited as she reaches the place. She tries calling Tina at their home phone, but it goes directly to the voicemail. She leaves a message for her then.

Bette: Hi Tee, it's Bette. How are you doing there? Hope everything's good. If there's any problem in the house, just call me anytime. ...It's so beautiful here in New York. I wish you're here with me. I miss you. I hope you'll call me. I just want to hear your voice.

The next day, Bette calls again but she doesn't get an answer; she leaves a message instead.

Bette: Hi Tee, it's me again. Hope you got my message yesterday. I wish you would talk to me. I really, really miss you.

Almost every day for three weeks, Bette calls Tina but she never gets the chance to speak to her. She leaves voicemail messages about her activities and just about anything, hoping that Tina would call back. But Tina ignores all her messages. Bette feels depressed and lonely. Once in a while, she calls Kit, making sure Tina is okay.

But though Tina doesn't respond to Bette's messages, she makes an effort to listen to all of her voicemail. Obviously, she misses her too but she doesn't want to reconcile with her yet. Perhaps she's not yet ready, and needs a little more time. She spends most of her time at work and goes home late. Once in a while, she hangs out with the gang at The Planet but their friends never talk about Bette and Tina's relationship. The whole time that Bette is not around, Tina is sleeping in the master's bedroom.

While in New York, Bette meets several attractive and accomplished women who are very interested in her. Most of them know that her relationship with Tina is on the rocks, and they're taking advantage of it by persistently pursuing her. But Bette is not interested. She's trying to work out her relationship with Tina; she still loves her and she's not yet willing to give up.

More than three weeks have passed since she left for New York, Bette hasn't been back in LA. Tina is already concerned why Bette hasn't come back yet. Though concerned, she doesn't call her to ask when she's coming back. Somehow she is keeping pride. Bette never mentioned the exact date she'll be back.

Finally, after 25 days in New York, Bette is going home. Although excited to see Tina again, she feels sad because she never received a single call or a single message from her. She's starting to think that maybe Tina doesn't care anymore, or maybe she's still mad at her, or perhaps Tina is already falling out of love. She's starting to have fears, thinking that Tina is already drifting away. While packing her stuff, she gets emotional, tears fall from her eyes.

Back in LA, Bette arrives home at three in the morning. As she enters her bedroom, she finds Tina sleeping on her bed. For a while, she watches her lying flat on her tummy then she cautiously leaves the room, closes the door, making sure that she doesn't disturb her. She proceeds to the living room, changes to her pajamas then prepares the couch and takes a rest.

At 6AM, Tina wakes up. She finds Bette sleeping on the couch. Sensing that Bette is exhausted from the trip, she doesn't bother her anymore. She takes a shower and prepares to leave for work. But just before leaving, Bette wakes up and sees her already dressed for work. She gets up, sits and looks at her. Tina's still a bit hostile, showing a straight face.

Tina: What time did you arrive?

Bette: At 3AM, I didn't want to wake you so I just slept on the couch.

Tina: Well, you can transfer to your bed now. I changed the sheets. I have to go to work.

Bette: Okay. Thanks.

Tina leaves hurriedly. Bette is disappointed that Tina changed the bed sheets and cover. She's hoping she could lie on the bed with Tina's scent left on it. She feels lonely, longing for her. She's saddened by Tina's cold treatment toward her despite her absence for almost a month. She was hoping Tina could've missed her when she was away, but it seems like she didn't. How she hopes Tina will talk to her the way she used to. But her hopes seem to becoming blurry now. For a while, she sits back on the couch and contemplates as she stares at the ceiling.

In the evening, Tina goes back to the guest room and sleeps alone. Although she's no longer mad at Bette, their situation hasn't been back to normal.

For the whole week, both Bette and Tina are swamped with work. They barely see each other in the house, and they're obviously not talking to each other.

Three more weeks have passed and the situation is still the same. Bette is getting hopeless. And now she's thinking of alternatives, her options.

Meanwhile, Alice has been promoted in her job. She plans on throwing a blowout party for her friends and some colleagues on Friday night at The Planet. She calls Bette at work.

Alice: Hi Bette!

Bette: Hey Alice! What's up?

Alice: I'm throwing a party this Friday at The Planet. I want you to come. Tina's coming but...I hope that won't stop you from coming too.

Bette: Oh, I'm sorry Alice but I can't. We have an exhibit on Friday.

Alice sighs; disappointed.

Alice: Are you and Tina still not okay? Come on, you guys have to sort things out quick! I mean, it's been 4 months already. You live in one house but you're not talking to each other! I mean, if you can't work it out, then call it quits, don't make it hard for you guys. There's life ahead of you! Maybe it will be better if you just stay as friends. At least the gang will still be complete... It sucks cuz we're always incomplete, either you are not with us or Tina is not with us. And now, both of you are not hanging out with us anymore. Come on, there's a lot of fishes in the ocean. Don't make your life miserable.

Bette: I don't know Alice. I don't know. It's just that…

Alice: But if you still want to get back together, then you better hurry! We miss you guys together!

James signals to Bette that the two artists she's waiting have arrived and they're at the lobby.

Bette: Hey Alice, I can't talk right now. I have some visitors to attend to. I'll call you back.

Alice: Okay. But do your best to go to The Planet on Friday, okay? Party starts at nine.

Bette: Okay. We'll see. Bye!

The next Tuesday, Bette arrives home at around six o'clock. As she enters, she sees Tina in the living room in front of her laptop, working from home.

Bette: Hey! I brought dinner. Would you like to eat?

Tina: I'm still full. I just ate my snacks.

Bette leaves the food in the dining area then enters her bedroom, takes off her shoes and rests for a little while. Several minutes later, she goes out and prepares her dinner. She hasn't changed clothes yet. While she eats alone, Tina is engrossed with work, trying to meet some deadlines. They're not talking to each other despite being in the same room. Bette feels so lonely and empty. After finishing her food, she fixes the table and the kitchen then sits for a couple of minutes. From afar, Tina observes her. She can tell that Bette is so exhausted. Bette had a brutal day at work with all the preparations for the exhibit.

A few more minutes later, Bette decides to rest on her bed. As she walks toward her room, Tina looks at her and interrupts.

Tina: Alice has a party on Friday.

Bette: Yeah, she already called me about it.

Bette is straight-faced and uncaring.

Tina: Well, are you coming?

Bette: No, we have an exhibit on Friday. Already told Alice that I can't be there...

Bette is cold and straight-faced. Before Tina can continue, Bette enters her room then gently closes the door. She's so tired and wants to rest. Tina is surprised by Bette's reaction. She feels a bit guilty now. Not only is she disappointed that Bette is not going to the party on Friday, she's also wondering why Bette didn't tell her about the exhibit. Now Tina is anxious. She thinks that maybe Bette doesn't want to go to the party with her anymore. But more than that, she gets bothered by how Bette responded to her. It seems like she is unconcerned and has no more interest in talking to her. She's emotionless, uncaring and she sounded like she already had enough. Tina gets alarmed.

She works late, somehow hoping that Bette would go out of her room so she could start conversing with her. But all throughout, Bette doesn't go out of the room until Tina feels sleepy. It's already 2AM. She goes inside her own room but when she lies on the bed, she couldn't sleep. She reflects as she lies awake, apprehensive. While reflecting, she realizes it's more than four months now since she discovered Bette's infidelity, but she still hasn't forgiven her. Perhaps she's punishing her too much. She reflects why Bette cheated on her. Then she admits to herself that she pushed her away; she didn't provide for her sexual needs and she didn't fulfil her duty as a partner. She totally shut Bette off her life. Tina realizes that as a partner, she has the duty to abide by. She realizes she has many shortcomings too and that could've led Bette to look for someone else. Now she realizes how selfish and unfair she was for blaming Bette for the loss of their child. Tina feels the sudden fear of totally losing Bette. She asks herself, "What if Bette has really given up?" Now she's scared.

When she wakes up the next morning, Bette has already left for work. That's when Tina feels the total emptiness in herself. She misses Bette, she misses their life together. She can't afford to lose her. While pondering, tears fall from her eyes, regretting everything she had done to Bette; how she had treated her. She knows that Bette has been sorry for screwing up, but she remained hard on her. Quickly, she takes a shower and proceeds to Alice's apartment then asks for advice and comfort.

Alice: Tina, it's not that I am taking Bette's side. But I think you're too hard on her. I think it's too much of a punishment to Bette. You see she's sorry and she stood by her words that she's not going to see Candace ever again. I mean she said that Candace was just a fuck buddy and she ended it already. I don't want to sound harsh but I think, you drove Bette away that's why she looked for someone else who could provide for her sexual needs because you can't provide it to her...It's supposedly your duty Tina cuz you're her partner. I mean, the way I look at it, what happened is not just Bette's fault, you have a fault too. I know that cheating is wrong, but you drove her away too.

Tina sobs while listening to Alice's lectures. She admits to herself that Alice is right.

Alice: You were unfair for blaming Bette for your miscarriage. Even Melvin has nothing to do with your miscarriage Tina. The old man just expressed his opinion and his disapproval. What can you do, he is a fucking bigot who is so ignorant about gay relationships. It's neither Melvin's fault nor Bette's fault. Things happen which are out of our control and they happen for a reason. Maybe the baby wasn't really meant for you at that time. And you cannot continue blaming Bette for that. It's totally unfair for her.

There's a pause for a little while. Tina continues to sob.

Alice: Well, you have to patch things up before it's too late. You're lucky, Bette is still there. She must really love you. She must really love you Tina. Knowing Bette's personality, she doesn't wallow on something or anything for too long. She wouldn't wait that long. My God, Tina! She hasn't done it to anyone but you. She must really, really love you to have been so patient for this long. I mean Bette is hot, smart, attractive and accomplished. I'm sure there's a lot of women who are very interested in her and would pursue her. You're lucky! and don't waste it Tina... If you love her, you have to forgive her. We all make mistakes and we learn from it. Bette is just human, she deserves forgiveness too no matter how worst her actions were.

Tina looks at Alice; she's aware that what she's saying is true.

Alice: Okay, I had so much blah blahs, but as my last words to you my friend... you know, you just have to ask yourself if you still love Bette or not.

Tina: Of course I love Bette!

Alice: But do you still want to be with her? If your answer is yes, then forgive her, forget everything that happened and start again. But if your answer is No or "no more", then break up with her and let her go. Stop punishing her Tina! Move on!

Tina sits steadily then suddenly wails. Alice comforts her.

Tina: Bette is still busy preparing for their exhibit and I don't want to add stress to her. I can't talk to her today. I'll talk to her this weekend. I'm swamped with work too, I have to meet deadlines.

Alice: Well it's up to you...

That evening, Tina is waiting for Bette to arrive. She wants to start a small talk and see how it goes. But until she falls asleep, Bette hasn't come home. She arrives at 3AM, Tina is already asleep and doesn't notice Bette when she arrives. When Tina wakes up the next morning, Bette is still asleep. There's no chance for them to talk; their schedules are opposite. Tina leaves the house to have a business meeting with a director; she's really swamped with work.

The next day is a Thursday, a day before the exhibit. Bette arrives home from work. Tina is getting ready to leave as she needed to work that night for their final meeting with some directors and writers. They're rushing to finish their project. Tina is surprised when she sees Bette come home earlier than she usually does. She's glad, and then she sweetly greets her.

Tina: Woah, you're early. I cooked dinner... I think it's still warm. Just eat when you feel hungry.

Bette: uhm.. Are you leaving for work?

Tina: Yeah, Aaron is demanding us to finish this project before the end of the month. We have to start shooting next week. We still have a lot of backlogs and some amateur writers are so fucking uncooperative. I don't know why they're not yet fired.

Bette doesn't respond, allowing Tina to talk while walking around, readying herself. She's already dressed; she just needs to put her blazer on. While moving around, she keeps talking about her work which Bette doesn't even understand what she's saying. She's a bit rattled. Bette stands motionless near the couch, waiting for Tina to stop moving and stop yapping. She's waiting for the right timing so she can talk to her. Somehow, Bette is a little awkward and tensed.

Finally, after a few moments, Tina pauses and Bette gets the chance to speak.

Bette: Tee, can I talk to you for a few minutes? I just have some... I don't know if it's still important to you but I just want to tell you something.

Tina: Okay. But be quick cuz I'm leaving in thirty minutes. I don't want this Aaron to keep shouting at me and berate me every five minutes.

Bette: Well...how about later when you come home? What time will you be home?

Tina: No, I won't be home till morning. We'll work overnight.

Bette: Oh... Uhm, it'll just be quick.

Bette gracefully moves and sits on the couch. Tina stands and leans forward on the working table near the dining area, waiting for Bette to speak. There's a pause and an awkward moment. Tina looks at Bette, waiting for her to start talking. But Bette is hesitant and tensed.

Bette: I'm leaving for Europe next week.

Tina is stunned; her face suddenly changes from being charming to being irate, and she responds in a commanding tone.

Tina: Again?! You just left for New York for more than three weeks, now you're leaving again?!

Bette: Well, we're opening offices in London and Paris, and CAC is sending me there.

Tina: What?!

Bette is reactionless, looking fixedly at Tina.

Tina: How long?!

Bette can't speak; she stoops on the floor instead.

Tina: How long will you stay in Europe?!

Bette: It's… indefinite.

Tina: What do you mean indefinite?!

Bette swallows; she doesn't talk for a while.

Tina: Is it 2 months, 3 months, 4 months? What?!

She's still not talking. Tina gets agitated and speaks sarcastically.

Tina: Ah, don't tell me you're staying there for 6 months? Aren't you?

There's a longer pause. Bette is still looking down on the floor, hesitant to talk, and her eyes are tearful. Several seconds later, she looks intently at Tina.

Bette: I'm staying there for good.

Tina: What?! What do you mean for good? You're leaving LA? Woah! You can't leave LA! And your house...your properties...what will you do?!

Bette: Uhm... They're actually giving me a 3-year contract then later I can decide if I want to continue and apply for my residency there.

Tina: And you're taking it?!

Tina is hysterical. Bette is stammering as she speaks.

Bette: Well... I just thought that it'll be good for me, a fresh start, a new life. I mean... there's nothing happening to our relationship anymore, it's just getting worse. We barely talk, we barely see each other despite the fact that we live in the same house. You can't even look at me, you still have so much hatred in me, you keep punishing me by treating me like I'm nobody to you and... I just don't know what else to do. I cannot go on with life like this. I'm not even sure if you still care for me, if you still want me, if you still need me. But I don't feel it anymore. So maybe, we can just spare each other pain. It'd probably be good for both of us if we live our own life, I mean individually... while there is still respect left.

Tina is in disbelief of what she's hearing. Her face is so red. She's short of breath.

Tina: What?!

Bette: I've also consulted a lawyer, Joyce Wischnia and she advised me to sell my house and other properties.

Tina: What?! You're selling your house?! No way! There's no way you're selling your properties Bette!

Bette: Yes Tee. And don't worry, we'll divide the proceeds.

Tina is shocked. She disagrees.

Tina: I don't need your money Bette! I need you...

An awkward silence fills the room. Tears are falling from Tina's eyes. But Bette doesn't seem impressed by what Tina just said. Tears are also flowing from her eyes. The emotion inside the house is too thick; it can be felt from afar.

Bette: I don't know Tee. I'm not sure if you still love me. I mean, look at you, you're not even wearing your commitment ring anymore. So I'd thought maybe you've already fallen out of love. Leaving for Europe is I think the best for me and also for you so we can move on and spare the pain. I just hope that someday, you will find a place in your heart to forgive me for what I've done. What I did is terrible but I cannot undo it. I suffered the consequences but I just can't bear it anymore. I am a broken person. I can't go on with life regretting what I did. I want a life. I want a new life. I want to be whole again.

Bette is crying while saying those words. Tina is crying too, and then she walks toward Bette who's sitting on the single couch. In a kneeling position, she holds Bette's arms, looks at her in the eyes and speaks in a pleading tone.

Tina: Baby, are you giving up on us? Huh? Are you giving up on us?

Bette is crying. Tears are continuously falling on her cheeks. She looks at Tina intently.

Bette: I'm tired Tee. I'm too tired. I am weak. I'm not as tough as you. I just can't bear it anymore.

Tina holds Bette's head and lets it lean on her shoulder. Bette cries while Tina embraces her tightly. Her body quivers as she continues to cry, but she doesn't hug back Tina. Tina continues to comfort her, caressing her. She can feel Bette's tears on her back, penetrating her thin, see-through blouse. She clasps her towards herself for a prolonged moment. In a little while, she holds Bette's head, looks at her in the eyes and speaks sincerely.

Tina: Baby, I'm sorry. I love you. I'm so sorry. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Bette looks down on her lap but Tina tips her chin up, demanding her to look at her, and then she pleads.

Tina: I'm sorry Baby for being so hard on you...for punishing you for so long and for ignoring you. Please don't leave me. I need you. We can start again. Please don't leave. Please?

Tina kisses Bette tenderly on the lips but Bette is reactionless on her kiss as she couldn't stop from crying. She quivers as she cries. Tina hugs her tightly, trying to be tough for her at the moment. For a while, no words are spoken. Tina continues to hug her until she settles down. Suddenly, Tina's phone rings. She ignores it, not letting go of her tight hug on Bette. But the phone is bothersome as it continues to ring. Tina realizes that she's expecting a call from her asshole boss, Aaron.

Tina: Baby, I'll just answer my phone.

Tina gets up and walks toward the table to get her phone. It's Aaron, screaming.

Aaron: Where the hell are you Tina?! You're supposed to be here in 15 minutes!

Tina: Aaron, I'm so sorry. Something came up. I might not be able to…

Aaron cuts Tina.

Aaron: Well...then I will have to fire you Tina!

Tina: What?! You cannot fire me!

Aaron: Well you better hurry! And get your ass here if you want to keep your job!

Bette looks at Tina, concerned. She can hear the shouting of Aaron.

Tina: I'll be there in an hour. Please...just give me an hour. Just one hour. I promise I'll be on my way now.

She hangs up and walks toward Bette. Tina holds Bette's hands, caresses and kisses them as she kneels on the floor looking at her face. Bette looks at Tina in the eyes.

Tina: I have to go to work. I'm sorry. Let's talk tomorrow.

She holds Bette's face then wipes the tears with her thumbs; she wipes the sweat on her forehead, kisses it, then she kisses her eyes, her nose, her cheeks and a tender longing kiss on the lips. Bette is not resisting nor is she responding on the kiss. She has a subtle reaction to what Tina is doing. Slowly, Tina gets up, grabs her purse and car keys then before stepping out of the house, she pauses and glances at Bette who's just sitting on the couch, not reacting, and her head is bowed. Tina is torn whether to leave or stay, but she can't afford to lose her job. She knows that Aaron is a rat and can fire her easily. She then decides to leave.

Bette sighs. She stays on the couch for a longer period, contemplating while looking at her fingers and playing a bit with her ring - their commitment ring. After a while, she feels exhausted from crying and thinking. She gets up, changes to her two piece swimwear and plunges into the swimming pool. She needs a breather. Perhaps the cold water in the pool will relieve her tensions.

Meanwhile, Tina feels restless as she drives her car to work. She reflects on their relationship and she has flashbacks of what Alice just told her two days ago. She realizes that Alice is right. While driving, she can't help but cry. She regrets punishing Bette for so long and not forgiving her despite her attempts to ask for forgiveness. She knows she can't afford to lose Bette. She loves her so much and she won't let her go.

Tina arrives at work, everyone is waiting for her. Meanwhile, Bette gets out of the swimming pool, dries her hair and goes to bed. She has an exhibit the next day.

...


Continuation: After The Provocations (3)