Tinas and Bettes house. 9:45 p.m.
Tina knew Bette would be home shortlyshe had said definitely by ten.but Tina was restless. Dana was acting strangebeing careful not to spit out their secret project. She felt Tinas restlessness and was getting more nervous. She was so hoping Bette would comesooner. Tina and Dana had a quiet dinner.as Dana told Tina about her tour, about Alice and they were just cleaning up when they heard a car pull over in driveway. Tina looked at the watch10:00p.m. Dana: Shes on time! Tina smiled at her broadly and ran to open the door. As if meeting Bette after two or maybe three months.

All three of them had been thinking of ways to calm Tina down. Bette thought she would just hold herthe whole night. Shane thought she would not get out of truck and Alice thought she would keep her mouth shut. Silentlythey were all revising their plan. Shane had spoken with a cop at the hospital, letting him know the details and giving him the ways to reach her or Bette. They helped Bette out of the car. Bette was sore in the lower abdomen and very tired. She took Shanes support and Alice got her stuff. Alice tried to hide behind Bettenot knowing how to face Tina. Shane kept looking at the flooras if there would be trenches in it for them to jump. Suddenly both of them were Bettes babies.hiding behind her. Bette herself was drained and hated the fact she knewafter a few days of happinessTina will be scared and in pain again.

Tina opened the door and the light outside lit up. Tina: You havent changed your good habitsshe stopped and stared. Her smile fading into a horror filled expression. Alice and Shane didnt look up. They knew exactly how Tinas face must look like. Tina just whispered Bette and hugged herBette moaned a little but Tina didnt let go. She couldnt believe what she seeing. In one weekthis was the second time she had seen Bette.physically injured. Bette gently stroked Tinas hair: Baby, I am okayTI am okayI promise. Lets go inside.T? Tina didnt let go. Her eyes were burning with hot tears and anger and pain and..so many things she didnt know. Alice and Shane were now better. The moment had passed. Tina had seen Bette. Shane gently put her hand on Tinas shouldersTina, Bette needs to sit. Okay? Tina broke the embrace. She looked at Betteher tears now spillingBette: BabyI promiseI am okayI am home on time. Tina spilled more tears and said trying to check on Bette: Can you walk?

Bette sat on the couchflinching as her abdomen suffered a cramp. Tina didnt know what to do. So, she just stood thereshocked. Beyond belief. As Dana ran to Bette and hugged her, Shane tried to pull off Bettes shoesTina was staring at Betteand Bette was holding her gaze. As Dana stood upBette held out her hand.she was scared now.to see Tina taking it so badT? Tina fell on her knees and held Bettes hand and placing her head on Bettes lap she cried. Oh my Godshe cried so hard. Bette pulled her up. Bette was hurting so bad in her legs, jaw and stomach nowbut she held Tina.

It was a long 15 minutes when Bette realized Shane, Alice and Dana are all hugging them. They were like a pile. These 15 mins.
Shane thought.Oh My God! BetteWe were so lucky! I would have killed Kyle if something had happened to Bette. She remembered how loving Bette was when she lived with her. Bette treated herstill didlike a daughter. She remembered Bettes small things.She use to get clothes for Shane whenever she went on tour. When Tina moved in and Shane took her own placeBette had forced Shane to take all possible furniture from Bette. After Tina moved inand Bette had her first tourshe still bought Shane a T-shirt that saidSee, I dont forget! Shane was saying to herself.again.and again.I love Bette

Alice thoughtThis is ***** unfair. Finally I thought they were okay and ..Bette.our Bette.I am so scared.She remembered how happy Bette made her when they were together. How Bette ran to her for every advice, with every detailas she met Tina. She remembered how she was the first to know.Bette was in love.how Bette was the first to knowAlice was in love..with DanaBette found TinaAlices best friendBette found Shane and Danaher life and her love. She was saying to herself.again.and again.I love Bette.

Dana thought.Oh God! What the ***** happened? Did she have an accident? She looks so bad. My GodTina knewthats why she was so restless. It dawned upon herhow much Bette meant to her. Bettes loving teaseBette taking Danas side to make her feel shes not aloneBette pushing everyone to take Dana to LaraBetteapologizing to Tinafor her wrongfor changing herself for the one lovedBette apologizing to them for being what she really was not when she cheated on Tinashe didnt have to do thatshe wanted to do that.and she did. The strong, sensitive Bette.I love Bette!

Tina thought.I love BetteI love BetteI love BetteHow dare she hurt my baby! Bette was so happy in the morning. Why God why? She loves me with her heart and soul.I love her.Thats all Tina thought. She knew now how Bette must have felt seeing Tinathat night. Angry and scared. She held on tighter not willing to see Bettes wounds yet. I love Bette!

Bette thoughtGod I am so blessed. Look at Tlook at the three of them. I am so blessed. I love them. And I know I always will.