Dr. Bradshaw completed her evaluation of Tina, made more notes on the chart, and spoke with the nurse, before turning her attention to Bette who was pacing idly. The nurses took over, while Dr. Bradshaw excused herself. She could see that Bette was deep in thought. She tried to dismiss their conversation last night, but something in her wouldnt allow her to.

Bette? Dr. Bradshaw said softly. May I speak with you outside?

Bette startled at the sound of her voice.

Uh? Oh, y-yes, she stuttered.

They walked out of the room and Bette mouthed be right back to Tina who smiled and waved her on. The nurses washed her up, even though she fought them, and they made sure she ate the breakfast they brought her.

Dr. Bradshaw held Bettes arm, leading her to a nearby seat. They sat and Dr. Bradshaw opened her chart before speaking.

Is everything okay, doctor? Bette asked cautiously.

Oh, yes. Yes, the doctor assured Bette. I just wanted to talk again about what you told me last night and go over Tinas results.

Bette slumped in the seat. She looked troubled and couldnt hide it although she wanted to. She was looking forward to having Tina home with her, yet she was still upset over the news Tina shared with her. Dr. Bradshaw took Bettes hands patting them affectionately.

Tinas fine Bette. Her body is having a hard time dealing with whatever is bothering her. Bothering you both, she informed. Stress has a way of manifesting itself to tell you to slow down and Tinas went overboard, but with some rest and a proper diet, shell be fine, she continued, still holding Bettes hands, which were slightly shaking.

Bette adjusted herself in the seat, looked at the doctor, then averted her eyes. She wasnt sure she wanted to rehash the conversation, but she knew Dr. Bradshaw might not let it rest.

Doctor, may I ask you something?

Yes, of course. What is it?

Well, Bette paused, trying to think of how she could word her thoughts. Uhm, Tina rested well all night from what I could tell, but then this morning she told me something Id never known before and it has me concerned, she spoke in a near whisper.

Dr. Bradshaw eased closer noticing the change in Bettes tone.

Do you think it will affect her health?

Bette shook her head no.

Its something from her childhood.

Bettes comment held Dr. Bradshaws attention. She knew childhood memories could trigger adverse health conditions and was concerned that Tina might relapse.

If Im not being too intrusive, what did she tell you?

She had an experience as a child where she was bullied and spent a night in the hospital, so shes not fond of overnight stays, Bette told the doctor.

Well, that doesnt sound too bad.

Bette looked up at the doctor.

Thats just it. I think theres more to the story because she didnt want to talk about it and I didnt want to pry. I just asked her to promise shed talk to me about it if it comes up again.

Dr. Bradshaw looked at her watch and stood up. Bette stood too.

Listen, theres nothing you can do about the past Bette. If she wants to talk she will. You both have present issues to worry about, Dr. Bradshaw paused and thought for a second. Did you tell Tina anything of our conversation last night?

No, Bette replied bluntly. I thought it best to wait until shes feeling a little stronger. This environment wasnt the best to bring it up. I will talk to her though, Bette reassured sounding like she was assuring herself more so than the doctor.

Youre probably right Bette. Dr. Bradshaw looked at her watch again. Listen, I have to make some rounds and head back to my office. Tina will be released in a couple of hours and the nurse has instructions for you as well as a prescription for Tina. She should rest for the remainder of the day, and then resume light activities. If you need me for anything Bette, please call, she stated sincerely and walked away.

Thank you Dr. Bradshaw, Bette said, shaking her hand. Thanks for all your help and concern. I really do appreciate it.

Bette took a deep breath before returning to the room. She wanted to make sure she had a happy face when she walked in so she wouldnt arouse any suspicions. She knew Dr. Bradshaw was probably right and shouldnt let the past interfere, so she sucked in another quick breath, exhaling fast, and then entered the room.

Okay Tee, youve been given a clean bill of health, Bette chirped. You have to rest for a day before doing anything strenuous, which means like it or not, youre on house arrest, Bette joked, putting her hands together forming handcuffs.

Tina smiled taking in Bettes enthusiasm.

Thats cool. Someone owes me breakfast remember? Tina teased, adjusting herself in the bed.

Bette twisted her face at the recollection then smiled. She wanted to do something nice for her and to open the door for them to talk. Although Bette said nothing, she was imploding and as much as she was trying to hold it in, she knew the fall out could happen at any time. In spite of her dream, she knew it would take time to get them to that level of happiness again, but she wanted to try. Losing Tina was not optional and she wanted to fight for her trust and love again. With all her might she willed back the sudden urge to confess and the tears that were equally threatening. Not here Bette, not here, she thought to herself, still hearing Dr. Bradshaws words recycling in her head.

Yeah, Ill stick to my word. Its not some, she caught herself and stopped, knowing that what she was thinking and what she might say were opposing thoughts. Well, you know cookings not my forte and I want to make sure I do it right.

Tina giggled. Yeah, I know its not your best attribute, but you can try. Might do you some good anyway. Cooking always makes me feel good, she said with a half smile.

Bette smiled and said nothing. She was still wrestling with her thoughts and also wondering if Tina was being intentionally nice or falling back into her old self. Whatever it was, it disturbed Bette and guilt and shame consumed her. She checked her watch wishing the time away. She too was now starting to hate hospitals. Tina eased out of the bed forcing Bette to her feet to help her.

Im okay. I just need to pee and brush my teeth. I still feel icky.

Let me help you anyway. Thats if you dont mind, Bette spoke in concession.

No, I dont mind, but Tina stopped ready to remind her of their agreement.

I know, your rules. Im sorry, I just felt like, she paused. I just wanted to help, she continued softly, turning back around to sit down.
Tina washed up, Bette fidgeted, time passed, and Tina was discharged. She was seated comfortably in the car and Bette pulled off. Bettes cell chirped as soon as she turned it on. She played back the messages, saving and deleting as she listened to each one. She handed the phone to Tina to listen to Alices message for her. Tina listened and paused before handing it back. She could tell from Alices tone that she was upset. She wondered what Bette and Alice talked about and if there was tension between them. Tina didnt want Alice to get caught in the middle especially because Alice and Bette were friends before she came into Bettes life. She could see Bette from her peripheral vision and she was deep in thought. Tina decided to keep quiet until they got back to the house.

At the house

Bette and Tina arrived at the front door. There was a bouquet of flowers waiting on the step along with a note taped to the door. Bette picked up the flowers and Tina took the note off the door, read it and smiled.

That was from Tim saying he hopes I feel better. Who are the flowers from?

Alice, Bette replied flatly, handing them over as she opened the door.

How sweet even though she didnt have to, Tina spoke casually walking through the door.

She wanted you to know she was thinking of you. She told me to tell you shed call to check on you, but that was before the return to the hospital, was Bettes snide remark.

Tina caught the attitude and felt uncomfortable.

Maybe this isnt a good idea Bette.

Bette spun around to face her.

Why? Why not? She panicked

Because it seems forced. Too tense even. Cant you feel it?

Bette ran her hands over her face as if she was trying to change her expression. Uneasiness crept through her again. Tina was partly right, but she couldnt take her being at Alices and being the topic of conversation. She moved forward, back, and forward again, not sure of what she wanted to do before she finally sat on the couch. Tina stared at her trying to figure out what Bette was feeling.

Talk Bette, Tina said sternly, although not meaning to. Tell me what youre thinking and feeling.

Im confused. Im so ***** confused Tina, Bette forced the words out.

Tina inched toward the couch, but remained at some distance not wanting to send any mixed signals.

I know Alice knows we had a fight and Im not sure what youve told her, but shes pretty pissed with me and I dont know what to do about it, she said bluntly.

Tina stared and remained silent.

I could tell by her message that she didnt want to talk to me and thats why I gave you the phone when I heard her voice. Now in addition to hurting you, Ive hurt a dear friend. She told me no one else knows and I want to keep it that way if I can.

Tina gave Bette a cold look and stood up pacing to and thro. Frustration immediately raced through her.

Bette! Tina snapped. Do you realize what you just said? Bette looked at her as if in thought. How can you say that? We dont know where we stand and though I dont think Alice will repeat anything, you cant think no one will notice a change in us, Tina ranted.

Please calm down Tee, I dont want you to get another migraine. Im sorry. I should have thought before I spoke, she gently pleaded. Youre right! Im being selfish and I dont mean to be. Im more embarrassed than anything I guess.

Im sure you are and while Id like to think its gonna be easy to stay here even with my rules, I dont think its gonna be Bette, Tina said sincerely.

Bette looked at her with pleading eyes and it was apparent that she wanted to cry, but didnt. Crying wasnt going to make Tina change her mind or make the situation any easier she thought.

Look, I need to go out. I know I said Id make you something to eat, but I cant concentrate. Ill go to the caf you like past the Planet and get you something okay? Bette picked her purse up, walked past Tina, and reached for the door.

Bette wait! Tina demanded. Youre in the same clothes as yesterday, you havent showered, and youre upset. Go take a shower, lay down, and Ill just eat whatevers here or I can shower first and have Alice come and get me for a little while so you can clear your head. Cool? She asked.

Bette trembled, as she stood helpless at the door. She didnt want to be alone fearing Tina might not come back and she didnt want her at Alices fearing someone else would find out. Fear! It was that nasty feeling that seemed to be gnawing away at her. She felt emotionally crippled and bound to a feeling she despised.

You know what Tee?

What?
This is really killing me. I know I fucked up. Fucked up worse than I ever thought I could and seeing the sadness and uncertainty in your eyes every time you look at me is a deserved suffering, Bette choked the words out as tears exploded from her eyes. Tina moved forward to offer comfort, but Bette put her hand up. No! Please dont. I couldnt stand to hold you close to me knowing deep down youre heart is ruling your head. *****! *****! *****! How could I be so ***** stupid? Bette bellowed.

Tina held her hand over her mouth and paced trying to remain calm. Seeing Bette so distraught was more than she could take. Tina ran to the bedroom, threw herself on the bed, and began to cry. The words stung and were all very true; she would have reacted from her heart and not her head, which would only cause more conflicts down the road. Once shed finally calmed down and was ready to face Bette again, she got up to talk to her, but she was gone.

What the *****? Tina questioned.