Chapter 15 Bette and BoozeBouncing Baby

Maria is frantically trying to reach Bette on her cell phone.
Bette this is Maria please call me as soon as you get this!
Maria went back to the house to see if there was any sign of her.
Maria pulled in the drive..Bettes car wasnt there.
Maria got out of the car and headed into the house.
She checked the answering machine.No messages from Bette
She looked by the pool.No sign of Bette.
She went next door and asked Jenny and Shane if they had seen her.
No Im sorry Maria I havent seen Bette at all today. Jenny said with concern
I cant believe Tina is in the hospital and Bette is no where to be found Shane said shaking her head.
They were trying to brainstorm ideas of where she could be but they exhausted all of their options.
Maria took a long shot and called Dominic, Marias father.
Hello Dominic said into his state of the art cell phone.
DadThis is Maria do you have a second? Maria said
Dominic could hear in the sound of his daughters voice that she was upset.
What is it Mariatalk to me.. Dominic said.
Dad Tina is in the hospital in laborI cant find Bette.She thought she saw Tina with someone this afternoon but it was just an innocent encounterBette stormed off and we cant find her. I dont know what to do I checked every where..Maria said on the verge of crying.
Ok slow downtake a deep breathyour no use to Bette or Tina if your upset.
Dominic said trying to get his daughter focused.
Maria dont get mad at me for saying this but Dominic hesitated
But what dad? Maria said.
If it was your mother and she was upset.I knew I would find her at the local bar.
Dominic said.
How dare you say that dad! Maria screamed
Maria I know you are protective of Bette but please give it a shot.. Dominic was trying to be sincere about it.
Look where was the last place you saw her? Dominic asked
She had stopped by the center where Tina works. Maria shared with her father.
Start looking at the bars near thereIm only five minutes from there myself ..Joe and I will trace the area to..What kind of car was Bette driving? Dominic asked
Its a blue Saab convertible. Maria told her father.Dad I really appreciate you being there for me tonight
Maria I know I havent been there like you have wanted me to so I am so thankful I was able to be here tonight..Look we better hang up.I will call you if I find her.
Dominic said..love ya Maria he said before he hung up the phone.

Shane and Jenny got into Shanes truck and headed toward the CAC just in case
Bette headed back there.
Dominic and his brother Joe were looking for a Saab in all the bar parking lots near the center.
Maria was heading toward the Center.

Meanwhile back at the hospital.
Dr. Wilson has arrived at the hospital.
Hi Tina. Dr. Wilson said We are going to have you moved up to the labor and delivery floor. How are you feeling?
Im nervous Dr. Wilson.after loosing the first child Im scared to death about this little girl. Tina cried.
You need to think positive Tina. Dr. Wilson reassured her Actually you are so close to the due date you really shouldnt be worried.
Dr. Wilson squeezed and patted Tinas hand.
The orderlies came in to move her to the other floor.
Thank you so much Dr. Wilson Kit said
Tina and Bette are very special peopleIts my pleasure to be here for them.
Dr. Wilson stated as she followed Tina up to the new floor.
What could be taking them so longDana asked
I know I thought they we would have heard from them by now. Alice said.
Look you guys we have to stay strong for Tina. Kit said embracing them into a group hug.

DominicStop Joe yelled Isnt that a Saab over there?
Dominic circled around the parking lot and pulled up next to the car.
Ah be damned your right Joe. Dominic stated It has to be hers it has a parking sticker on it that says CAC.
Dominic immediately called his daughter on the cell phone.
MariaI think we found her.or at least we found her car. Dominic said in a fatherly protective voice.
Where are you I will be right there? Maria asked in excitement
Corner of Santa Monica and Main Street. We will meet you inside. Dominic suggested
Im only a block away. Maria stated
Joe and Dominic entered the bar. They looked around to see if they could find Bette
Dominic noticed her at the end of the bar. She was drinking and some girls where hanging around her.
Bette? Dominic stated
Bette looked up at him confused and then smiled. You guys this is Dominic.he is like a step father to me.Don;t you think he looks like a model? You could tell Bette had had a couple too many.
Joe motioned for the girls to get awayJoe took a seat on one side of her and Dominic took a seat on the other side of her.
Just then Maria came thru the door. Maria walked over to where they were sitting.
Bette I have been looking all over for you! Maria stated
Well I have been here.I think I one the hide and seek prize. Bette said in her impaired slur from drinking.
Look Bette I know your drunk but you have to hear me loud and clear ok.
Dominic motions for the bartender to send over a nice strong cup of coffee.
What you saw today in Tinas office is not what you thought it wasTina was just being politebecause of her job and then she had Helena leave. Maria stated
Bette was being very stubborn.Yea but what about the kiss
Maria said sternlyBette Tina didnt kiss Helena..Helena kissed her..Tina wouldnt even hug Helena.. Stupid Tina loves you and only youThat poor wife of yours is sitting in hospital while your drunk ***** is trying to stay on a bar stool.! Maria said harshly
What did you just say? Bette questioned Maria.
Tina is in the hospital about to give birth to your daughter.! Maria said
Oh my godI have to get there!Bette jumped of the stool to head outside.
Joe and Dominic made her drink the coffee. Look my apartment is right around the corner. Joe saidlets take her there and shower her up.
The four of them left and headed to Joes. Bette got in the shower and Maria handed her some clothes from her book bag to put on.
While she was dressing Maria called Kits cell phone to tell her what was going on.
Look she is up on the Labor and delivery floor now..Maria. Kit said.
We will see you in fifteen minutes. Maria told Kit.
Look Maria give me Bettes keys to the car and I will drive it back to the house.
Then Joe and I will meet you back at the hospital. Dominic told his daughter.
Dad .. can you tell Shane and Jenny the next door neighbors if you see them that We found Bette? Maria added. Dad.thanks again for your help.
Anytime Dominic said proudly.

Bette was now acting soberShe was focusing in on wanting to be there for Tina.
Cant you drive any faster Bette questioned Maria.
Look Im going as fast as I can! Maria yelled
They pulled into the parking lot.
They ran up to the front desk and hopped on to the elevator to the fifth floor.
As they were exiting the elevator.. Bette sees Dr. Wilson
Dr. Wilson! Bette yells.:How is Tina?
Well we are getting ready to do a C section. Because of the position the baby is in.
What is Tina ok! Bette asks as she begins to panic.
Bette just calm downTina will be fine and so will the baby. Dr. Wilson stated as she patted Bette on the back.
They are bringing Tina down the hall on the way to the operating room..
Bette sees her : Tina honey.I love you Dr. Wilson motions to the orderlies to stop and let Bette talk to Tina.
Tina Maria explained everythingIm sorry I rushed to judgment on it.
Bette stated I should have trusted you.
Bette reached down and gave Tina a kiss I love you Tina Bette said with a tear in her eye.
I love you too Tina said as she was hustled away to the operating room.

TBC