Previously………………

A strange man’s voice replies, “Ms. Porter?”

Bette: “This is she.”

Man: “Um….Ms. Porter, I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour, but my name is Officer Steven Whitfield, with the LAPD. I regret to inform you, but your sister was involved in a car accident.”

Bette’s eyes widen with fear, “Kit?”

Officer Whitfield: “Yes ma’am.”

Bette tries to remain focused as her eyes fill with tears, “Wha….what happened.”

Officer Whitfield: “Ma’am, it appears that your sister was driving under the influence and at some point forfeited control of the vehicle. We haven’t been able to determine anything further because your sister remains unresponsive. You were listed as the emergency contact in her wallet. She is alive, but in critical condition. She’s in the ICU at Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Can you please come down to the hospital and fill out some paperwork?”

Bette:(tears falling down her cheeks), “Yes, Yes I’ll be there in….in 20 minutes.”

Officer Whitfiled: “OK, let the nurse at the nurses station know you are her next of kin and they will bring you up. I’ll be there waiting for you.”

Bette: “Thank you, officer.”

She hangs up the phone and turns to a concerned Tina.

Tina: “Baby, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

Bette breaks down, “Kit…..”

Tina: “Kit what?”

Bette (sobbing): “She had a wreck….she’s in critical condition.”

Chapter 11……………………….

Tina holds Bette’s hand for support as they approach the nurse’s station.

Nurse: “May I help you?”

Bette: “Yes, my name is Bette Porter. My sister, Kit Porter, was involved in an accident and is in the ICU. I am here to fill out some paperwork on her behalf.”

Nurse: “Uh…okay just one moment.”

The nurse leaves the two women standing there plagued with anticipation, as she phones the ICU department.

Tina: “Are you sure you’re ok?”

Bette: “I will be as soon as I know Kit’s ok.”

Tina: “She’s going to be fine….you know it’s hard to get Kit down.”

Bette: ” I don’t know….I knew this was going to happen one day. I can’t believe she wouldn’t listen to me. I just don’t know how much longer I can support her without her wanting to help herself.”

Tina: “You don’t mean that. She’s your sister.”