Yolonda glared at Bette. Her eyes shouted for Bette to just get the ***** out! Now! As she turned to Mikela, she relaxed her face into a smile and said, Thats great Mikey! But I think Candace needs to just spend time with you. She needs her rest to speed up the healing process. Maybe they can stop back at another time or wait to see her until she gets home. Im sure they have things to do. I will wait with you until you are ready to leave and then drive you home.

Mikela gave Yolonda a questioning look. I think Candy would like to see them and should know she has the support of all her friends. That would make her feel better, and besides, she asked to see Bette.

Mikela turned to Bette and Tina. She is being put in room 222. Im going to go up and wait for her. Would you like to come with me?

Bette replied, Why dont you two go on up. Tina and I are going to go to the cafeteria and get some coffee. Let her get settled in, you talk with her for a while, and then we can come up and say hello. Would you like us to bring either of you something from the cafeteria?

No thanks.

As Bette and Tina headed off, Bette could feel Yolondas glare burning into her back.

~~

They got a table in a quiet corner of the caf. My God! Yolonda is so angry with you. I would never believe she could be as sweet as she is being with Mikela if I didnt see it with my own eyes. This came from Tina.

Obviously Candace told Yolonda about what happened between us and she didnt like it. It is obvious that she feels very protective towards people she cares about. I dont blame her for her anger. Everything she said correct, and I didnt stop to think about Candaces feelings. All I felt was the pain of losing you and the guilt over what I had done to you. I needed you Tee, and once again, I never considered anyone elses emotions in my need to control the situation.

Do you want to go home Bette? I have seen Yolonda, and Mikela told us the baby was doing great. We dont have to speak with Candace now. It can wait until she is healed.

No Tina. Now I need to talk to Candace. I hope you can understand.

~~

When Tina and Bette arrived at room 222, they saw Mikela sitting next to Candaces bed, holding her hand, and talking quietly with her. The other bed was empty and Yolonda was nowhere in sight.

Bette took a big breath and let it out slowly, took Tinas hand and walked into the room. Well what some people wont do just to get some attention! Bette smiled at Candace. She was very unsure of herself at this moment and how Candace would react to her.

Candace smiled back and said, When you have someone as beautiful as Mikela to give the attention, you would do just about anything to get it.

I see your point, but could you not go to such lengths next time. Im sure you could have just asked and not have scared her half to death. Puts a whole new meaning on ***** drama! Bette suddenly felt at ease. Candace was obviously doing better. Bette did not feel any angry undercurrents from Candace and all her animosity for Candace also seemed to have dissipated.

Where is Yolonda? Tina asked.

Mikela replied, She went home to check on the baby. She is coming back later.

Candace complained, I dont know why they are making me stay here. Other than my head hurting a little, I feel fine. I want to go home.

So butch! Mikela laughed. You scare me half to death, lose a good deal of blood, stay unconscious for hours, get a ride in an ambulance, end up in the hospital, get x-rayed and stitched, and now you want to go home and finish hanging pictures. Well it aint happening! Youll stay here if I have to get them to tie you to this bed.

Now that sounds like it could be interesting. Candace said to Mikela wiggling her eyebrows at her, then wincing in pain. Damn! I guess I do need to stay here if just moving my eyebrows hurts this much.

Candace turned to Bette and Tina. Its good to see you. Both of you! She turned to Mikela. Honey, could you give us a few minutes to talk?

Sure Candy. Ill just go grab a soda. Be back soon. She stood up and gave Candace a kiss before leaving. Bette and Tina pulled chairs up next to the bed and sat down.

Candace spoke to Tina. I want to apologize to you. I knew Bette was in a relationship and I still pursued her. I never should have done that. I would be furious if anyone ever did that to a relationship of mine.

Tina replied, Thank you for that. But as they say it takes two to tango, and I also take some responsibility for what happened. So I accept your apology with the justification that if you ever try anything like that again, I will seek you out, wherever you are, and kill you. And it wont be a quick death. OK? Tina smiled.

Candace smiled at Tina. She turned to Bette and said, No wonder you love her so much.

That I do! Bette replied.

Candace turned back to Tina. I have something else to ask of you. Please dont take it the wrong way.

Ok, what is it? Tina asked a little nervously.

Would you please allow me to talk with Bette? In private?