.. a little later

Tina stood over Rosies crib. Rosies name was written on a card at the top Rosie Elizabeth Kennard-Porter, such a big name for such a little girl. Tina was still stroking Rosies hair and speaking quietly to her. Letting her know that her Mommies were there with her and Rosie had finally fallen asleep exhausted from crying and the stress of all the tests theyd done on her.

Dr Seager flipped over Rosies chart and frowned The tests dont reveal anything wrong..sometimes this happens to babies she tried to smile reassuringly they just recover and we never find out what caused it..but I want to keep her here for a few hours. Ill check in later and if shes still OK then you can take her home.

Tina didnt look up as the doctor left her mind was filled with Rosies birth

–(Amazingly Bette had been there from the start.

Bette had always carried her mobile with her whenever she was out of the house but for the last few weeks of Tinas pregnancy Bette had tried to work from home as much as possible. In the end though theyd been in bed together; Bettes arms wrapped safely around her, holding her, when the first contractions had hit.

Throughout the painful labour Bette had held her hand and bugged her about taking drugs until it had finally been too late. But theyd been through it together and as she looked at Rosie she felt very guilty that she hadnt been there for her. That neither of them had been there when shed needed them.)–

As if she could sense what Tina was thinking Bette looked up at her. Where were you? How come she was on her own?

She wasnt she was with Alice.. Tina said defensively.

Youre her Mom..where were you.. said Bette reacting to the defensiveness in Tinas voice. She moved away her hands on her hips, her voice accusing Tina as well as her words.

Tina felt more and more guilty and didnt like Bette accusing her when she was already doing a great job of it herself. She faced Bette What.. I cant have a few minutes for myself?

Where were you? said Bette her voice getting more strident as Tina kept avoiding her question.

I dont want to talk about it now Bette.. Tina said and lifted Rosie into her arms hoping to put an end to the discussion.

–(Why, she thought to herself, hadnt she just told Bette where she was – Rachael and her had just been having an innocent discussion hadnt they? Just a lunch between friends?)–

Bette wasnt happy with that answer. She wanted to push it further. She looked accusingly at Tina. Why wouldnt she just tell her? She had the uncomfortable feeling this had something to do with Candace. Did Tina know that Candace had started at the CAC?

She looked down at Rosie sleeping peacefully and decided that it was not OK for Rosies Moms to be arguing at the hospital. This would have to wait until they got home and Rosie was safely tucked away. Then shed sit Tina down and have the serious discussion that had been brewing for a number of days.

TBC