Chapter 8

The light was invading her sleep. It was so peaceful here, so warm and comforting. She didnt want to wake up. Bettes whole body ached. She had pain in every part of her body. She tried to move but found that it hurt too much. She opened her eyes very slowly and let her sight come into focus. She didnt know where she was, even the smell was different. She could see a shape lying on a cot near the window. Tina? she whispered. Her throat was scratchy and her voice harsh. Bette tried to sit up, but couldnt.
Tina? she mumbled a bit louder this time.

Tina heard her name being called, but thought that she was dreaming. Bettes voice was calling out to her. The second time she heard it, Tina flung her eyes open. This is real she thought. She flung her legs over the cot and rushed to Bettes side. Oh, baby! she cried and tried her best to hug her.

The sight of Tina running to her filled Bettes heart with so much warmth and emotion it was overpowering. She looked at Tinas face, wondering why she was crying so hard. Twhats her voice trailed off. It hurt so bad to talk. She closed her eyes again.
Bette, stay with me, please? Tina rubbed Bettes hand a little rougher than before trying to keep her awake.
Im going to get the doctor Bette, hold on, okay? Tina said while she rushed out the door.

Tina was back with a nurse a few seconds later. The nurse walked up to Bette and started opening her eyes, flashing a light into them. God, thats bright she thought. uuhh was all that came out of her mouth.
Dont try to talk Ms., Ill get you some ice chips to ease the discomfort in your throat. the nurse said as she left the room.
Tina walked over to Bette, rubbing her face softly. Its okay baby, everything is going to be better soon. Tina started to cry as she said this to Bette. We thought we were going to lose you
The nurse came back in the room with ice chips and handed them to Tina. A few of these should help her.
Tina took the cup from her and leaned in close to Bette. Open your mouth just a little baby, this will make your throat feel good Bette did as she was told.
aahh she thought that does feel good. Bette waited a moment as the cold liquid coated her throat. Tina, she began struggling with her words, so tired Tina put a finger to Bettes lips.
Shhyou just lay there and rest. Ill be right here when you wake up again Tina gently kissed Bettes lips as Bette closed her eyes to drift into sweet nothingness sleep.

Tina had already talked to the doctors and called Alice before Bette woke up again. Dr. Crane had told Tina to tell Bette what happened if she asked but try not upset her with all the details until she had gained more strength. So when Bette began to stir again, Tina was there by her side. The first thing Bette saw when she opened her eyes again was Tinas beautiful face. She managed a small, brief smile.
Hey babe. How are you feeling now? Do you want some more ice for you throat? Bette nodded yes, and Tina obliged by placing the ice in her lovers mouth. Bette lay still looking at Tina for a few minutes, before she said Lose me? referring to one of Tinas statements.
Tina sat down next to Bette on the bed, holding her hand in hers. Bette sighed, savoring the fell of Tinas skin. Bette, you were in a car accident almost two weeks ago. A bad one, baby. I dont want to get into the details right now, please just rest baby. You need to save your strength.
What happened, T? Tell me.
Tina just looked at Bette for a moment thinking, this is so typical of her. Here she almost died and as soon as she wakes up, she wants to take control of things.
Tina began to cry gently as she leaned in closer to Bette. For once, Bette, just trust me. Let me take care of you. Tina gently closed Bettes eyes and placed tiny kisses on her eyelids.

Tina sat alone in the corner of the room, listening to Bette breathe. She was so happy that Bette was awake, and yet she was saddened by her waking up too. I guess now, I really have to think about how the future is going to be. She knew that she couldnt just forgive Bette for cheating on her with Candace, but didnt think that they were going to be able to deal with those issues any time soon, either. Why did this happen? Tina screamed in her head as she began crying again. When her tears had subsided, she stared at Bette sleeping peacefully. I hate you for what youve done to me, Bette. For what youve done to us.

Alice was at Danas, telling her about Bettes improved condition when the doorbell rang. Ooh! Al, can you get that please? Dana pleaded, making a sad face. Alice rolled her eyes and turned to go get the door. She turned back to look at Dana and was shocked to see that she was attempting to do something with her hair. Huh? Wonder who shes primping for?
Alice was so surprised when she opened the door and saw Lara standing there that she couldnt speak for a moment. Lara smiled and said Hey Alice.
Alice moved her arm so Lara could enter the room, finally finding her voice.
Hey Lara. Lara was halfway up the stairs and Alice followed.
What the *****? she thought. As Alice rounded the corner she stopped dead in her tracks, her jaw dropping slightly. Lara was kneeling down in front of Dana, gently kissing her lips. Alice stood there, watching the two women embrace; taking notice of how gentle Lara was being with Dana. Well, she thought, that ***** blows! Alice sighed and cleared her throat while she walked back in the room.
The women separated for a moment but did not stop touching. Alice began to gather her stuff, asking Dana if she needed anything while she was out.
No, I should be fine. Lara is going to stay and take care of me for a few days. Dana smiled at Lara. Thanks though Alice. Alice looked at the two women and forced a smile, Okay she said, Im off to see Bette then.
Bye came the response in unison.
Alice rolled her eyes as she walked the door.

Alice pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and parked her car. She was almost to the elevator when she noticed Candace standing off to the side, talking on the phone. Alice stood there staring at her. When Candace hung up, Alice marched up to her.
What are you doing here? There was no way for Alice to hide the disgust in her voice. Candace was taken aback while she tried to place the face of the woman in front of her. Im sorry? she asked.
Alice crossed her arms and said, You should be. You have NO right to be here. Candace took a step back when she realized that this was one of the girls that had gone to jail with her.
I heard that Bette was in an accident. I wanted to make sure shes okay.
Alice took a step closer to Candace. Bette is fine. Her WIFE is with her, taking care of her. The way it should be.
Candace looked around the waiting room, there were a few people staring at them. Look, I dont think you understand She wasnt able to finish her sentence because the elevator doors opened and Tina stepped out along with a few other people looking for the exit.

Tina stopped short of the two women and just stared. Alice turned to grab her friend, trying to get her back on the elevator. Tina moved to the side and stepped closer to Candace.
T, come onlets go. You dont need to deal with this. Tina shook off her friends hand and looked Candace directly in the eyes.

She is my wife. Do you understand that? You *****! Leave us alone! Tina was sobbing and turned to leave with Alice, but turned back at the last moment. She moved so fast that Candace did not see her hand in the air. Tina slapped Candace across the face with such force that Candace was put off balance.

For the second time today, Alices jaw dropped. She grabbed Tinas arm and pulled her into the elevator before the doors closed. Alice let out a slow whistle.
Tina rubbed the palm of her hand, which was burning and turning red. That felt really good. she said though her tears.

END Chapter 8