Bette parked at the far end of the drop-off drive in front of the emergency entrance and left Marina with Shane while she went in search of a wheelchair. The ambulance pulled in behind, rear doors slammed open, the medics quickly and expertly lowered the gurney legs, and rushed the patient inside. Bette was too concerned about Shane to notice the blood on the sheets covering the patient, or the disheveled young woman who followed them in a daze.

Bette didnt notice the wobble in the right front wheel until theyd maneuvered Shane into the wheelchair and were taking turns pushing her through the automatic doors that hissed as they opened and shut. They pushed her up to the desk and waited until they could get someones attention. Through the swinging doors to the ER proper, Bette could hear orders flying back and forth.

Get a type and cross match stat!

Saline bags almost empty. Get a new one.

Call x-ray, get a mobile unit down here.

Jeez, shes a mess!

The triage nurse finally turned to Bette. May I help you?

Yes, Bette said gratefully, noticing the nurses badge. Carla Jacobs. Thank you, Ms. Jacobs. Our friend she needs.

Carla stood and looked down over the counter at Shane, slumped in the wheelchair, face an unreadable blank. There were no signs of trauma that she could see.

What happened to her? Did someone.

She got upset, Marina offered.

The triage nurse raised one eyebrow and looked at her.

Her girlfriendshe left her and well, she took it pretty hard.

I should say SO! the nurse shook her head. No fight? I mean, her girlfriend didnt hit her?

Bette shook her head.

What about drugs?

Bette and Marina looked at each other. I dont think shes taken anything lately, she answered after a long delay.

Look, we just got a trauma case in here and were finishing a couple of other admissions. Well get your friend back for a look-see as soon as we can. Meantime, wheel her into the little room to your right, and Ill start the basics.

The nurse was quick and deft as she checked Shanes eyespupils were equal and reactive, no sign of head trauma. She took her temperature, which was a degree low, and blood pressure, which was within normal limits. She noted that when she lifted Shanes arm to put on the blood pressure cuff, it dropped back limply to the arm of the chair. Hopefully that was a good sign. Catatonics would often hold a limb in whatever position you put it in, sometimes for hours.

Then she asked the routine questions: name, address, phone number, age, emergency contact, next of kin.

Shane doesnt Bette hesitated, she doesnt have any family.

Carla leaned back in the chair. Someone will have to sign for treatment.

I can do that, Bette volunteered.

Are you related?

No, just a friend.

Im sorry, the nurse shook her head regretfully, but only a relative can signpreferably a parent.

Shane doesnt have any parents, Marina snapped. She was raised in foster homes.

Ok, then find me a foster parent

Bette and Marina gave each other miserable looks.

What about a brother or sister?

Marinas brow furrowed as she thought something through. Yes, she said slowly, drawing the word out, she has a sister, I think. Alice.

Bettes head snapped around and she gave Marina a panicky look. No!

Marina pulled back in surprise. Yeah, you know.Alice.youve met her before, havent you?

I dont think shes her sister, Bette tried to regain her composure, I think shes a cousin.

Carla watched intently as some kind of silent argument seemed to ensue between the two friends, one that the taller woman with the accent was clearly winning.

Look, she interrupted, I dont care if you drag in great-aunt Maude from East Jesus, Nebraska. We have to have consent for treatment if were going to be able to do anything here beyond an initial examination. Otherwise. She shrugged.

Otherwise, what? Bette challenged. Youll turn her away. You cant send her home like that!

I didnt say we would. But if she needs to be admitted and treated, we need a relative to sign or we can try to get a court order. She paused. And court-ordered psych admissions go to Millview.

Bette and Marina recoiled in horror. Millview was a state institution, a dumping ground for psychiatic patients with no family, friends or money. Jesus, no! Bette whispered. Well find someone!

Good. Now what about employment?

They gave her the name and address of Lather, not sure if Shane still had a job there.

Insurance?

Bette shook her head. I dont think so.

The nurse hesitated again but didnt have time to say anything before Marina slapped an American Express down on the desk. Carla nodded and typed in the information. Once finished, she had them wheel Shane out of the triage room while she checked the bed board. Ok, she smiled, we can take her on back now.

Can we come with her?

Not yet, Carla shook her head, well let you know when you can come back.

They stood helplessly as an orderly came through the doors, grabbed the wheelchair handles with two beefy hands, and wheeled their friend away. It was all either of them could do to keep from crying, as they walked back out to the waiting room and took a pair of seats away from the others.

What the ***** were you thinking, Bette! Marina exploded after they sat down. You know Alice could have pulled this off!

Bette gestured helplessly. I.I just didnt want you to bother her right now.

Bother her! Shes one of Shanes closest friends! Dont you think shed want to know?

Yes, but.

But what. Marina stared hard at Bette, her eyes darkening by the heartbeat.

Tinas there.

Sooo? Theyre friends, right?

No, I mean. Bette sagged miserably into the chair. Shes staying there. With Alice. Tina left me last night.

Marina fell back against her seat, absolutely stunned. What happened? she asked at last.

Bette moved her head side to side, emotional anguish written all over her face. She didnt want to tell her. Didnt want to tell anyone, even though by now the story was probably all over the community.

Marina gave her a thoughtful look as an idea began to form, unlikely as it seemed. Who is she?

Who is who? Bette looked away.

The other woman. Marina answered softly. Thats what its about, isnt it? I cant imagine Tina would leave for any other reason.

Bette stared at her hands, and nodded. Youre right. Its Candace, the woman who did all the set and stage work for Provocations.

Marina slapped her thigh. I knew it! she exclaimed. I knew there was something between you. I could feel that chemistry.

You dont have to sound so gleeful about it, Bette sulked.

Marina reached out and took her hand. Im not. Its just dont you see, Bette? Dont you see now how it can happen? Without even wanting it to?

Bette rubbed her forehead. Im not sure I didnt want it, she murmured too low for Marina to hear.

What?

II dont know what I wanted, Marina. It just…it just happened.

Love doesnt just happen, Marina smiled gently.

Im not sure its love, either, Bette sighed, Im not sure what it is.

How did Tina find out? Did she.

Last night, at Provocations. I went to thank Candace for all her help. I guess I must have touched her, just brushed her hand or something. Maybe it was just the way we looked at each other. But Tina saw it. She closed her eyes against the replay of last nights memories. She didnt want to remember it the incredible hurt in Tinas eyes, the anger, the shock and betrayal, the way they fought their way into bed, Bette trying to make it OK with *****, Tina resisting, biting, and then jamming Bettes hands between her legs, as if ***** could erase what had happened.

The worst of it was the silence, as T packed a small suitcase and left without a backward glance. It was worse than yelling and screaming and accusations. Silence has a way of saying so much more by saying nothing at all. The silence said theres nothing left to say. And it hurt worse than anything Bette had ever experienced.

Marina let Bette have her private thoughts. Whatever had happened, it had been excruciating. The pain was written all over her face. She looked away as tears slid down Bettes cheeks, and she wiped them away angrily. Bette Porter, the woman who had it all together and under control, she never cried not in front of anyone.

Are you going to see her again? Marina asked quietly.

I I dont know. I .

Do you want to see her again?

Yes, Bette whispered her answer, knowing it was true and hating herself for it. Marina? Im reallysorry. Im sorry I judged you like that. I had no right. I.

It doesnt matter now, Bette, Marina smiled kindly, its done. Now we move on.

Where to? Bette stared off into space. Do we really have anyplace to get to any more?

Marina dropped her eyes. I dont know, Bette. I really dont. Then she stood up. In the meantime, we have to find a relative for Shane or someone who can pass for one.

I know.

What about that guywhats his name? Clive?

Hes high all the time, Marina. He couldnt keep the story together for more than ten minutes.

Dana?

Shes a terrible liar. Besides, we need someone older.

The horrible irony dawned on them. Under different circumstances, Cherie could have passed herself off as a foster mother.

Alice, Bette finally conceded.

Alice, Marina nodded and pulled out her cell phone.