Bette opens her eyes and for a moment is unsure of her surroundings. She glances at her watch and sees that it is 9:30. For a minute she thinks she had only been asleep for an hour until she notices the sun shining through the window and realizes that it is now 9:30 in the morning. Bette has been asleep for over 13 hours.

***** .. I cant believe I slept that long jumping off the bed and heading out the door. She is on her way to the scrub room when she notices a familiar site sitting on the table. There is a cup and a bag both with the familiar Planet logo. Beside the bag and cup is note.

Bette,
We stopped by this morning to see you guys. Glad to see that someone finally convinced you to get some rest. We didnt have the heart to wake you. We will be back later. The latte will probably be cold but it is the thought that counts right!! We brought you some stuff from house also. See you soon.

Love You Guys
Alice, Kit, Dana and Shane

Tears begin to form in Bettes eyes when she thinks of her family and they are all her family, not just Kit. None of them are too pleased with her right now considering what she did, but she knows they would do everything they could to help her and Tina get back on the right track.

Bette heads towards Tinas room to check on her before she takes the time to shower and change. She is met by one of the nurses that have been taking care of Tina during the day.

How is she? Bette asked

She is the same which is a good thing. You look like you have gotten a little rest. How are you?

I will be better once I get to see Tina Bette says with a faint smile.

Well it is going to be about an hour before you will be able to go in to see her this morning. That is about how long it will take to finish up the morning routine but you know that already. The doctor will come by and talk to you once we are done and he has made his visit.

Ok .. Thanks

Bette turns and heads back to her room to shower and change and wait for the doctor


.

Bette didnt realize that she had fallen asleep again after she had showered and changed until she was awakening by a knocking on the door.

Come in

In walks Dr. Richardson, Tinas doctor.

Ms. Porter, how are you this morning?

That depends on what you have to tell me

I am pleased with the progress that Ms. Kennard has made. It appears the grafts have taken and there arent any signs of infections at this time. I am decreasing the medication that is keeping her in the coma so I expect her to wake up some time today. Now, even though she wont be in a constant state of sleep, she will still sleep a lot. How much will depend on the amount of pain medication that she will need. I am going to leave in the breathing tube for now until I am sure her lungs have recovered from the smoked inhalation. Ms. Kennard has a long road ahead of her but I dont see any reason why she wont make a full recovery.

Thank you so much Dr. Richardson. I am feeling much better now. Can I see Tina now? asked Bette unable to hid her enthusiasm to see Tina and also the relief she felt with the good news she had received from Dr. Richardson.


Yes you can with that Dr. Richardson left the room

Tina is waking up today Bette thought to herself. Oh God, Tina is waking up today! The awareness that she would be face to face with Tina for the first time since that terrible night took all of Bettes strength. She reached out to the table to brace herself and sat down slowly on the bed.


Later that evening

Bette is once again sitting at Tinas side holding her hand and talking and reading to Tina. She pauses every now and then and just watches Tina for any sign that she is on her way back to the conscious world. As she waited she thinks back to her dinner with the gang earlier.

They had all stopped by after work to see how things were going. They were able to pull Bette away long enough to get her to go to the cafeteria for a quick bite. Bette fills them in on everything that the doctor told her. As everyone ate around her, Bette is lost in her own thoughts. Alice puts her arm around Bettes shoulder and whispered to her.

Come on Porter, Tina is going to be ok. trying to reassure her

Bette gets up from the table and walks over to the window looking out into the garden area that surrounds the cafeteria. Alice follows her and once again puts her arm around Bettes shoulder.

I know shes going to be ok Al … but Bette places her head on Alices shoulder trying to hide her tears.

But what Bette?

Bette lifts her head and looks Alice in the eyes ..

Al, Im so scared. A few days ago I was scared because I thought I might never see T again because of the accident. But now I am afraid that when she wakes up, she wont ever want to see me again because of what I did


Bette begins to sob uncontrollably as Alice wraps her arms around her friend to try to comfort her. Alice has never seen this side of Bette and she is not sure how to help her. Bette has always been the strong one of the group. She was the last person to ever admit that she was afraid of anything or anybody. But this wasnt just anything or anybody. This was about Tina. Alice knew from day one that the feelings that Bette had for Tina were different than any other girl she had been with in the past including herself. Thats why it is so hard for Alice to believe that Bette would do what she did.

Alice continues to hold Bette and rubs her gently on her back as she spoke You guys will be ok Bette. You will work this out. You guys are meant to be together and I know you will find a way to work it out.

After seeing Tina the night after the fight, Alice was not totally convinced by the words she said but she hoped that they would provide Bette with some sort of comfort.



Tina can hear strange sounds around her. For some reason she cant figure out what the noises are. She tries to move but her body will not cooperate. She feels pain in so many different parts of her body. Her legs, her arm, her throat, her chest, they all hurt. She tries to speak but something is preventing her from using her mouth. Her mind is frantically trying to make sense of what is happening. What is wrong with me She tries to open her eyes but her eyelids are so heavy. Oh God, what is happening to me!!!! Tina feels something in her hand and grabs on to if for dear life. Bette, where are you?? Please help me

Bette feels Tina squeeze her hand and immediately leaps to her feet.

Tina .. Tina .. Baby its me Bette .. Can you hear me?

The heart monitor begins to beep faster and Bette begins to panic. She starts pressing the nurses call button not wanting to leave Tinas side. The nurse on duty was already in route to Tinas room since she was already aware of the change in Tinas vitals.

Bette? Is she here? Tinas mind is racing as she again tries to open her eyes.

Bette can see that Tina is trying to open her eyes and begins to encourage her to do so as the nurse is coming in the room.

Tina .. Baby .. Open your eyes for me please Come on .. I know you can do it

The nurse enters the room and goes to the other side of bed and begins to talk to Tina.

Ms. Kennard, I need you to try calm down ok. I know youre scared but youre going to be just fine ok .. We are going to take good care of you

Baby, come on calm down, everything is ok .. I love you so much .. calm down baby open your eyes for me ok

Tinas mind is still trying to process what is happening. She can hear Bettes voice. She can feel her hand. She knows she is not alone. Those comforting thoughts slowly begin to occupy the space in her mind previously occupied by her fears.

Hearing the monitor slowing down Bette continues to encourage Tina, Thats right baby .. calm down, Im here .. youre going to be ok

Tina slowly starts opening her eyes as Bette continues to talk. She looks in the direction of Bettes voice and is finally able to see those eyes that undeniably belong to her wife Bette.

T baby .. Dont try to talk ok? If you can hear and understand me squeeze my hand

Tina gently squeezes Bettes hand.

You had an accident a few days ago baby and youre in the hospital but youre going to be ok

Ms. Kennard, are you in pain?

Without taking her eyes off of Bette she gently nods yes.

Ok .. I am going to let the doctor know that youre awake and I will get you something for your pain. I will be right back

T .. I love you so much .. I was so scared

Bette tries to be strong for Tina and not cry but is unsuccessful. She bends over and kisses Tina gingerly on the forehead, longing to one day soon feel Tinas skin against her lips. Tina squeezes Bettes hand a little firmer than before and Bettes heart leaps at the jesture.

Bette continues to stroke Tinas hand and tells her over and over again how much she loves her. Neither breaks their gaze at the other for what seems like an eternity. Bette notices that Tinas eyes are starting to slowly close, as sleep once again overtakes her body.

Are you tired Baby?

Tina nods yes

Ok .. You go ahead and rest baby I will be here when you wake up .. I love you


tbc