Alice wasnt sure if she should try and talk with Tina again. It had been almost an hour since Tina had collapsed in her arms trying to explain what was wrong. Tina was never able to give Alice a complete explanation. Tina just kept saying, I cant believe she would do this to me. The she was obviously Bette. The this was obviously cheated, since Tina had attempted to draw a new connection for Bette on the chart. Alice couldnt believe that Bette would cheat either. She had thought about calling Bette to see what the ***** had happened but she figured she should focus her attention on Tina at this time. She had given Tina her room so that she could have some time to herself. It had been a while since she had heard Tina crying so she hoped Tina was finally able to fall asleep. Alice went to the bedroom door quietly opened the door hoping to find Tina asleep.

Tina are you ok, she said silently when she saw Tina sitting on the end of the bed.

Tina remained quite so Alice walked over to where she was. As she approached, she could hear Tina repeating Why Bette. Alices heart just broke to hear the pain in her friends voice. She wanted so badly to make everything alright for Tina and Bette.

Tina, what can I do?

Tina was oblivious to Alices presence as she continued to rock herself and question Bettes motives. Alice sat down beside Tina and gently put her arm around her. Startled, Tina turns and looks Alice. Alice could see so much pain and hurt in Tinas eye that it caused her own eyes to swell with tears.

I need to get out of here. It feels like the walls are closing in around me. I need to go for a drive, Tina said exasperated.

Ok. Tina, its 3 a.m. but what ever you need to do we can do.

Alice got up and started for the living room.

Let me get my keys.

No Alice, I want (pause) I need to be alone.

Tina, I really dont think that is such a great idea considering how upset you are.

Tina starts towards the bedroom door.

I will be ok.

Alright, but please be careful and Tina . I am not exactly sure what happened but I know that Bette loves you very much.

Tina stopped in the door way as if her feet had been nailed to the floor. She stood there for several seconds before she weakly whispered.

I use to believe that too.

With that Tina left the apartment.

Damn you Bette! What the ***** have you done?, Alice said in frustration.




Bette opened her eyes praying that she was waking up from some terrible nightmare. She imagined that she would roll over and see her lover, her wife Tina lying next to her sound asleep. Tina would still be pregnant, she would have never heard the name Fae Buckley and most of all she would have never heard the name Candace Jewell.

As she sat up in the bed, she realized by the physical and emotional pain that she felt and the condition of their bedroom that she was indeed having a nightmare. However, this nightmare was one of her own creation. Bette notices Tinas dress lying on the floor and the emotion of the violent encounter with Tina fills every fiber of her being. Bette had never seen so much anger and pain in her wifes eyes until that encounter and now she wondered if anger would be the only feeling that Tina would ever have for her now.

In a little over a months time they had lost their son, Bette was faced with the threat of being fired, Candace was entangled in their life and now Bette is forced to face the real possibility that she may have lost Tina forever. What had gone so terribly wrong in their life that she had to turn away from Tina and turn to Candace? They had been together for seven years and though things were not perfect, it appeared they were on the path to having everything that they wanted. Tina I am so sorry … you have to forgive me, Bette thought to herself. I have to fix this. I dont know what I will do without Tina in my life. But how can I fix this? I have to make her understand that I made a terrible mistake and I will do whatever I need to do to fix this. I need to talk to Tina!!

Bette noticed the clock and realized that it was 4:15 in the morning and she probably shouldnt call Alices house at this hour. She was thankful that Alice had called her to let her know that Tina was there even though Tina would not talk to her. She had been so worried when Tina left the house so upset. She would wait a couple of hours and then go to Alices house to attempt to talk to Tina.

RING RING .. RING. RING

Could that be Tina? Bette hoped but realized that it was not when she saw L.A. General on the caller ID. She tentatively picked up the phone

Hello?

Is this Bette Porter?

Yes it is?

This is Dr. Sharpe at L.A. General. You are listed at the emergency contact for Ms. Tina Kennard.

Is there something wrong with Tina?

Ms. Porter, You should get here as soon as you can. I am afraid there has been a terrible accident.