Shane walked angrily towards Candace, why are you here? I was there, I was there when this happened, Candace replied. I thought this happened at the CAC, why were you there?

Candace started to quickly explain, Shane, one night I was heading home and realized that Bettes car was at the CAC, it was kind of late and I have been worried because some of those protestors have been threatening her and the museum. I kind of got in the habit of riding by if I was out late just to check on her”to see her. You know she broke things off so quickly with me she had no idea how much I really cared for her.

In other words you are stalking Bette. You need to leave and leave now. This isnt your place and you dont belong here. I’m about to call Tina and the last thing any one needs is a confrontation.

The detective overhears Shane and steps in as he can tell tensions are rising. Look, Shane, is it? This lady may have saved your friends life and she definitely help us apprehend the suspect. Its a good thing the detective interjected because Kits expression turned from concern for Bette to homicidal at the sight of Candace. Candace blurted out, I was able to get a pretty good description of the guy and part of the license plate off the truck he jumped into. One of the guards and I called for an ambulance as soon as it happened. God I just wish I was there before it all started. Kit said, You know Candace Im glad they are going to get the guy who did this, but you need to leave. You have caused nothing but harm to my family. Bette looks at you, as the biggest mistake in her life, there is no room in her life for you. Just go. Shane could see Kit was extremely angry and insisted that Candace leave immediately. Before Candace left she asked Shane to call her with any updates on Bette. Shane took her card and said, Yeah right. I cant promise you that I will do that. Kit was right you just dont belong here. Dont get me wrong we are glad you were able to help but you cant be a part of Bettes life if she doesnt want you there. Candace replied, I hear what you are saying I just want to know shes safe. Candace left and Dr. Glenns came back and suggested that Kit and Shane go in to see Bette. Neither one wanted to move, they couldnt. Shane said, Can we have a minute? Dr. Glenns said, of course. By the way has anyone contacted Tina”she is still calling for Tina.

Shane had been so distracted by Candace she hadnt phoned Alices apartment. She took a deep breath and wondered what she would say.
Alice picks up
Shane: Alice is Tina there?
Alice : Shane where have you been?
Shane: Thats not important look there has been. I am at the hospital, Bette was attacked at the CAC and its really bad.
Alice: No, not Bette she yelled what happened? What do you mean its really bad, not Bette, not Bette.

Tina heard all the crying and came running in.

Tina: Alice whats wrong? Did you say something was wrong with Bette? Whats wrong with Bette? God why arent you saying anything?
Tina grabbed the phone from a speechless Alice.
Tina: Who is this?
Shane: Its me, look Bette was attacked at the CAC tonight and she is hurt really badly. Kit and I are here and Tina its really bad.
Tina felt her heart stop this couldnt be happening. Nothing, absolutely nothing was more important than her getting to Bette. Nothing else mattered, in this moment Tina needed to be with Bette. Tinas heart sank at the idea of Bette being hurt, being in the hospital. Her Bette is strong and healthy. Tina quietly prayed that things werent as bad as they seemed God please let her be safe! she whispered.

Tina asked what hospital as she grabbed the keys to Alices mini and Alice who was still crying on the floor. Tina drove to the hospital not remembering how she got there. Her mind was on autopilot. Why was Bette at the CAC so late? Kit told her to stop going there so late alone. Shane said things were really bad, what did that mean?

Tina ran into the hospital and saw Shane and Kit holding hands still looking panicked and afraid. Tina ran over to Shane, where is she? I have to see her! Kit and Shane both tried to calm Tina and said come sit down and talk with the doctor.

Tinas mind was swirling okay. no brain damage thats good. The bruising isnt permanent okay. SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, she didnt say that, did she? Bette couldnt have been theres no way. My God how could this be happening? What animal would hurt Bette? She has never done anything to deserve this. She never could do anything to deserve this. Tina at first drowning in the despair of it all, she felt herself leave her body as she just remembered her last words to Bette sometimes love isnt enough she felt herself sinking further away. Then she thought of Bette, her beauty and her strength. Then she began to think the pain they had endured these past weeks seemed surmountable our love has to be enough. No infidelity, no break up, no reconciliation, nothing means anything but our love. God life is too short for me to consider spending another moment away from her. Tina felt an urgency to just hold Bette, to let her know that nothing was more important than their love and nothing ever would be, ever.

A strange thought, more of a feeling occurred to Tina her body ached and her anger, her rage became apparent, this awful thing seems to have happened to her, not only to the woman she loves, she feels they really are one, in every since of the word. Tinas anger became so evident she felt a rage she had never known and demanded to know what was being done to apprehend the attacker. The detective was still there Kit had asked him to stay to speak to Tina. Tina was Bettes wife and really needed to know that the suspect had been apprehended. The detective had waited and would wait. He realized, as did everyone that Tina needed to see Bette.

Dr. Glenns suggested that maybe only two people at a time go in to see Bette. She didnt want to overwhelm her in this fragile condition. Dr. Glenns strongly urged Tina not to go in alone it may be too much to deal with alone. Tina grabbed Kits hand and together they opened the door.

Bettes back was to the door and she was sobbing. She kept mumbling Tinas name. Tina quickly walked over to the bed and said, Baby Im here, Im right here and I always will be. Bette turned her battered face and saw Tina. She quickly looked away. Bette wanted Tina, needed her but she didnt want Tina to see her like this. Tinas mouth dropped as she saw her beautiful woman lying there looking somehow smaller, and a battered shell of herself. Tina cried and held Bette softly planting kisses on her bandaged head.

Bette: Tina I was so scared I would never see you again. God you”you were all I could think of she said weeping in Tinas arms.

Tina: Shh.. I am here now and Im never leaving you again. I cant you are a part of me baby. I never want to be apart from you again. We will get through this together.

Bette: Tina I dont want you to see me like this I know I look awful.

Tina: You are beautiful as ever. I dont care about you being bruised, its not important; all that is important is that you are safe now.

Bette rose up in the bed and winced as pain shot through her body. T, he, he raped me. I cant believe that he did that. It was awful. She started wailing at the idea of it all. It seemed too much to bear. Kit walked on the other side of the bed and rocked her sister in her loving embrace. Baby girl, I cant imagine what you are going through but you are loved and though you feel scared and alone sweetie, we are right here. We will all help you to get through this. She planted a kiss on Bettes forehead.

The nurse came in and gave Bette some medication. Kit stepped out the room and debated leaving to get a drink but thought, Bette needs more of me than that right now.

Shane had been talking to Alice while Tina and Bette were still in Bettes room. Imagine the horror of it all Alice said. Shane, I dont want to. I hate this happened, God Bette, who would do this to her. Shanes eyes filled with tears and Alice sat there seeing Shane cry for the first time. “Shane I know it seems bad now but Bette will be okay, she will. We will make sure she gets the help she needs. Alice offered. Shane still felt an overwhelming sense of grief for her friend. Kit walked over to Shane and sat there and looked at her. She noticed how upset she was, they were all feeling the dreadfulness of the moment but Shane seemed almost distraught. Kit didnt say anything to her about it but she had been wondering something all night. Shane how is it that the hospital notified you? I mean it doesnt really matter, but when I got your call I was really confused. Shane kind of came back to herself she had been lost in all of her emotions, her very strong emotions regarding Bette and what was happening. After you lost your license Bette put me on her information as a backup, I was Tinas backup. Oh I guess that makes since. Kit dropped the inquiry.

Tina opened the door and told Shane and Alice to come see Bette before she drifted off. The medication was really making her tired and Tina planned to stay the night. She decided she would call James in a few more hours to let him know what had happened.

Alice walks over to Bette and Bette gives her a pained grin. Bette I am so sorry this happened. I cant imagine how you are feeling but Bette we are here for you. Whatever you need, dont think we are going to let you go through this by yourself and whatever you do dont try to shut us out. We love you and need to be here for you okay. Bette nodded in agreement and said thank you. Shane looked at her beautiful friend and started crying, Bette reached out to comfort her. Shane said, I should be comforting you dont you think? Shane held Bette and said she was sorry about her insensitive comments from earlier this morning. She held her for a moment longer and whispered, Bette, I really love you. Bette felt the something different in this embrace and slowly slid from Shanes arms. Shane it will be okay, I will be okay. Bette said reaching for Tina.

Tina had finally gone to speak to the detective. Look we did apprehend the suspect., the detective offered. A witness has already identified him we may need Ms Porter to identify him too. The more evidence the better the chances the case will stick. Of course we can give her a few more days if she needs them. We would usually have the victim try to ID the suspect sooner but the witness has been very helpful.

Tina was relieved the attacker would be punished but more than that she just wanted Bette to be okay. Tina asked about the witness to the attack just as Shane was coming out of the room to get Tina. Bette wants to see you Tina Okay hold on one second, there was a witness to the attack? Good I am glad they are cooperating. I think it may be too much for Bette to try to ID the guy now you know. Shane interrupted again she hadnt mentioned Candace and didnt want to, so she tried to rush Tina back into the room to see Bette. Tina, Bette needs you. Okay Tina shook the detectives hand and said please keep me posted on what happens. As he gave Tina his card he told her he would be in touch. Then as Tina had taken a step towards Bettes room. Yeah Ms Kennard, Candace Jewell has been a big help to us to nab this jerk.

Tina froze in place. What does she have to do with this? Shane then pulled Tina aside and explained it all. Alice walked in on the tail end. What, Candace has been stalking Bette? Tina asked Shane does Bette know? Shane said she had no idea if Bette knew or not. Kit quietly interjected, Tina, Bette thinks that woman was the biggest mistake in her life. She doesnt want her and she has made that clear. Please dont focus on Candace, focus on Bette believe me, Bettes only focus has been you. I am almost certain you are what got her through to this point, and you and only you will help her heal from this. Tina gave Kit a big hug.

Tina went back to the room where Bette had dozed off. Bette felt Tinas hand on hers. She opened her eyes and said thank you for being here. Bette there is no where else I would rather be. I love you and really”thats all that matters.


TBC