Previously”

After a long morning of sitting in the sunthen the shade I conclude that Julie is very easy to talk to. I dont think Ive had a deeper conversation with the girls. Id like to stick around for a whileand see where this leads. Who knowsmaybe Ill get lucky later.

Chapter 13″

So Julie., Im interrupted by my cell phone. Sorry, its my friend Aliceour other friends are goin through some heavy ***** right nowI have to get this. I stand up and press the call button. Hello?

Shane, its Alice, she says.

Duh.I have caller ID.

Cut it out, shes a little cross. I wonder what happened now. You have to meet us at Cedars-Sinai, something happened to Bette.

What happened Al? I want to know before I tell Julie that I have to leave.

I dont know, she says. Tina just got a call and were on our way there now. How long do you think it will take you?

Where are you now, I ask.

Were still at my place.

I might beat. Ill see you there. I hang up the phone and turn to my companion. I have to go. One of my friends was taken to the hospital and it sounds pretty bad.

I understand. Are you okay to drive? Do you want me to take you? Her question isnt necessary, but it reassures me.

Yeah, sure. Id like that, I tell her before my cool, calm, and collected faade works its way up.

We arrive at the hospital after a short drive and she drops me in front of the doors. Swwwooooooossshhhhthe doors open, letting out a cool breeze. I look around and spot the girls near the reception area. I approach Alice and ask, any word?

No, she says.

Without another word we walk into the patient care area behind the receptionist. We follow her to the end of the hall before I realize that Tinas not with us anymore. I turn to see her standingor rather about to collapse in front of the patient tracking board. Kit walks up behind her and catches her guiding Tina to a nearby chair. A doctor approaches them and appears to introduce himself.

I want to see her, I see Tinas lips move with the request.

The doctor replies something that Im not privy to.

And why is it not possible? Tinas demeanor continues to deteriorate.

They probably have procedures they have to follow. Right Doc, Kit interjects.

The doctor looks around for a moment. Uh, why dont we step in here? Ill fill you in on all the details, he motions to an exam room. Tina stands with Kits help and looks aroundinto each f our faces. Even Im teary right now. Then, without a word, Tina walks into the room. Alice follows Tina, who is followed by Dana. Last are Kit, myself, and the doctor, who closes the door as he enters. Ms. Kennard, he says, I saw you looking at the tracking board. By your reaction, I assume you know what GSW means. GSW? ***** me! Bette was shot?

GSW, Dana asks.

Gun shot wound, Dane, I explain calmly, trying not to upset everyone more than they already are, then turn my attention to the doctor, Are you telling us that Bette was shot?

Yes, he says. Now, the reason you cant see her right now is because shes not here anymore.

I know, Tinas interupts. She knows what? That nurse crossed her name offshes dead isnt she? Thats why you havent asked for consent, isnt it? You dont need my consent anymore. Dead? ***** no! Bettes not dead! She cant be!

To Be Continued