Chapter 99

Tina watched as Bette played with Jake and Mini in the backyard. She remembered what it was like six weeks ago when the dogs met the babies. She thought about the conversation Bette had with Jake about the lick he had placed on Taylor face – how it had better not be a taste test before going in for the kill – or she’d kick his teeth out his *****. The dogs had been nothing but protective of the babies – Jake more so than Mini – Jake being very protective of Mini as well. Mini appeared to be more oblivious to the babies – probably because she was still a baby herself.

Bette threw the tennis balls for the dogs and they dutifully brought them back to her every time. Tina thought about Bette – her biggest baby of all – how wonderful she’d been through everything. How she continued to be attentive to everyone in the house – even after returning to work full time and dealing with that stress on top of sleepless nights with the babies. Tina hadn’t wanted to give up the breast feeding quite yet – and Bette continued to hold her as she held the babies for their late night feedings. Bette was being wonderful – all around wonderful. Lately though, Tina noticed that Bette looked more run down and tired. She’d come home from work and immediately after kissing everyone hello and patting heads she would go into the bedroom to take a nap. The dark circles under her eyes were becoming haunting at this point. Tina pleaded with her to go to the doctor – and today – in about an hour or so, Bette would be doing just that. Tina offered to go with her but Bette insisted she stay home with the babies.

Bette was convinced that everything was fine with her – probably just fatigue brought on by the chaotic lifestyle she was now leading and actually loving so much. Being healthy all of her life, Bette decided to go see Dr. Wilson – the only doctor she ever really saw for anything. She felt that she’d figure out what was going on – or at least point her to the proper type of doctor.

“Bette…Baby…you need to get going to your appointment….last toss ok?” Tina yelled to Bette across the yard.

“Ok you two – be good little canines while I’m gone…maybe we’ll play more later – if I’m not too tired. If I’m too tired – maybe you two can take a nap with me….you’d like that wouldn’t you?” Bette grinned at the dogs. They both did a little happy dance at her feet! They loved sleeping in the bed – loved it – and they knew the word ‘nap’ – like it was the word ‘DINNER’! It was a special word!!!

“I’m coming Tina…thanks for watching the clock for me…” Bette walked toward the house.

“Baby …you look so wiped out. How do you feel?”

“Wiped out would describe it fine I guess!”

“Baby…I’m so worried about you…I hope you’re ok. Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

“T – really…I’m fine. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Can I have a hug before I go?”

Tina threw her arms around Bette. “Aww Baby…remember that I love you…I love you….Can I give you a kiss?”

“Oh – I suppose so…yes…please kiss me Sweetie. I need you to kiss me.” Tina kissed Bette.

“Are you sure you’re ok to go alone?”

“Yeah T…I’ll see you soon….I love you.” Bette gave Tina another kiss and left for the doctor’s office.

Dr. Wilson was running on schedule – thank God – or Bette was sure she’d fall asleep in the waiting room. Dr. Wilson saw her right away. She took a history – did a physical exam – drew some blood and of course subjected Bette to PEEING IN THE CUP – the gynecologist’s favorite thing to make every single patient do.

Dr. Wilson returned to the examination room and closed the door. She spoke to Bette – but Bette wasn’t sure she was hearing her right. Maybe she missed something or maybe she heard wrong. She asked Dr. Wilson to please repeat her findings. She did. Bette burst into tears. Dr. Wilson sat down next to her on the exam table. She put her arm around Bette – she held her until she stopped crying.

“Oh God…how do I explain this to Tina? We’ve just gotten things into a normal routine in the house. How do I tell her about this?”

“Bette…the two of you have been through a lot together – you’ll get through this too. Just go home and tell her. She’ll be able to handle it Bette – she will – she’s tough – we’ve seen that.”

“Oh God…I can’t believe this is happening….”

Bette left Dr. Wilson’s office and drove home. She got out of the car and slowly walked up the driveway. Tina greeted her at the door. Bette saw Tina and the flood gates opened up – she began crying again.

“Oh my God Baby…what is it? What’s going on? Tell me – please.”

Bette looked at Tina – her beautiful Tina and through tears said, “Sweetheart – we need to talk.”