Bette was so furious that the veins were popping out of her neck.

What the ***** did you do to me Candace???? Bette demanded.

Candace played up the situation, she knew Bette would remember nothing; she was counting on that to make Shane think they slept together.

Candace: (fake smile) Im crushed Bette, you mean you dont remember the love we shared last night. You couldnt keep your hands off me baby.

Bette was searching her brain for a memory. The last thing she could remember was.she had one glass of scotch. The scotch, you ***** spiked the scotch, you scheming, conniving *****!!!

Candace: (playing hurt) What are you talking about baby, I was going to take you home and as soon as we got to my truck, you were all over me.

Bette: I find that hard to believe. I wouldnt touch you with a ***** 10 foot pole.

Bette: (harshly)Im so. outta here. You havent ***** heard the end of this Candace. You hear me?

Bette stormed out of Candaces and hailed a cab back to her place. She was furious at Candace. She didnt know exactly what happened last night.Couldnt remember. She was pretty sure nothing would’ve happened between Candace and her, but she couldnt be sure.

Bette knew how the rumor mill worked in their community and whether she slept with Candace or not, it would be common knowledge by the end of the day.

She also knew if and when Tina returned shed have to tell her before she heard it from someone else..and Bette also knew Tina would be upset, her spending the night with another woman, no matter what the circumstances.

She just had to make Tina understand, and tell her when the time was right. Well, thats if I could actually find her to speak to her Bette thought frustrated.

Great Porter, now youve really fucked things up completely. Bette was still nursing a splitting headache so when she arrived home she decided, it was still early, and she was going back to bed.



Alice had left Milk at about 4am. She had arranged a date with the young blonde, and as she promised, she cruised past Bettes place on her way home. For some reason she didnt trust Candace.

Alice used the spare key Bette had given her a while ago, to let herself in to Bettes apartment. She went to the bedroom expecting to see a sleeping Bette, but found an empty bed. This doesnt add up thought Alice. She found no sign of Bette in the whole apartment. Bette hadnt been home. Well, where the ***** did Candace take her? Alice thought. Alice called Shanes cell.

Shane: Hello

Alice: Shane, what the ***** up with Candace, she didnt bring Bette home. Where the ***** does she live? I got to make sure Bettes ok?

Shane: *****, I dont know where she lives Al, some studio apartment somewhere, you dont think she ..?

Before Shane could finish, Alice butted in.

Alice: (concerned) I dont know what to think Shane but Im going to have to wait till morning to find out, arent I?
If that ***** has done anything untoward to Bette, Im going to kick her ***** ***** all the way to Timbuktu.

Shane: Alright Al, Ill meet you at the planet at 10 oclock and well work out a plan, Ok?

Alice: Ok, Ok, Shane bye.

Shane: See ya, Al.



Meanwhile, it had been nearly two days after the accident that rendered Tina unconscious.

It was 8am Saturday morning and Nancy was still at Tinas side, holding Tinas hand while she slept.

Tina began to stir, groggily speaking, Bette, Bette

Nancy woke up to the sound of her daughters voice. Sweetheart, Tina, its ok. Youre ok. Youre in hospital. You had an accident at work sweetie. But youre going to be ok. Nancy was stroking Tinas hand.

Tina was still groggy. She slowly sat up and looked around the room, Mum, where is Bette? I really need to see Bette? Is she out in the hall? Can you go get her for me, please mum, now?

Nancy still had hold of Tinas hand, gently stroking it.

Nancy: Sweetheart, Bettes not here. You need your family now to help you recover. I wasnt sure if you would want Bette here?

Tina immediately sat up in her bed. At that moment her last 24 hours came back to her. Now Tina was wide-awake.

Tina: (furious) What?? You mean to tell me Bette doesnt know, mum? You didnt inform her? Right after I told you how much I loved her? MUM, Answer me!!!!

Nancy was a bit taken aback at Tinas outburst. She just sat with her head down for a minute, trying to compose herself. Please Tina, calm down.

Tina: I will not calm down mum! Who do you think you are?

Tina pressed the button for the nurse to come into the room.

Tina (still furious, becoming breathless) What day is it?

Nancy: (quietly) Its Saturday sweetheart.

Tina: Ive been in here for 2 days and you didnt bother to let Bette know? I cannot believe you mum.

Tina was getting really worked up. She was beginning to breath heavily, wheezing. The nurse entered the room. She immediately put the oxygen mask over Tinas mouth.

Tina realized Bette would be beside herself with worry, not hearing from her for two days.

The Nurse, hoping to defuse the growing tension, spoke to Tina Great, Tina. Youre awake. Im Lucy Swan; I am the nurse looking after you while youre here. Let me inform your doctor that youre awake. I just need to take your temperature and blood pressure, ok

Lucy took Tinas vitals and asked, Do you need anything at all Tina?

Tina: (taking the mask off) Yes, I need you to contact my girlfriend, right away. (Looking directly at her mum) Here is her number. Her name is Bette, Bette Porter. It is very important you get hold of her. Can you just ask her to come in here as soon as she can? I will explain everything to her when she arrives.

Lucy: Sure, now the doctor will be here shortly to check on you, Ok, Tina. Please dont get too worked up. Looking at Nancy.

Tina: Thank you Lucy.

Lucy left the room and went to the nurses station to ring Bette.

Tina: (seriously) Mum, do you know what you wouldve put Bette through. Not letting her know was really sordid, even for you.

Nancy: I only want whats best for you sweetheart. Your family are the best people to take care of you now, so you can recover Tina.

Tina: (nearly yelling) Mum, you dont get it at all, do you, Bette is my family. I love her, not just a bit, with everything I am. YOU EVEN SAW IT!! If you cannot accept that, then I want you to leave before she gets here. She will be upset enough without having to put up with your bigotry!!!

Nancy resigned to the fact that Tina wasnt going to back down on this issue. She had to think. Ok, sweetheart. Im going to go see your dad back at the hotel. Ill think about what you said.
Nancy kissed Tina on the cheek, and Tina pulled away. Nancy was on her way out of the room.

Tina: (coldly) Mum, think long and hard You gave me an ultimatum 2 days ago. Well now Im giving you one. You either accept Bette as part of my life, or you and dad wont be part of mine anymore. Im sorry its come to this.But maybe now youll realize how much Bette means to me! I am completely in love with her mum!!!!

With that Nancy left Tinas hospital room without a word. She had a lot of thinking to do.

Tina lay back down in bed. She couldnt believe that her mum and dad were such..*****. Well its up to them now Tina thought.




Lucy got back to the nurses station a few minutes later and dialed Bettes number.

Bette answered the phone half asleep, Yeah, this is Bette Porter.

Lucy: Ms Porter, I am Lucy Swan, a nurse at L.A. hospital. Bette immediately sat up. Ms Tina Kennard asked me to call you. She wants you to come down right away.

As soon as Bette heard Tinas name she was out of bed getting dressed.

Bette: What? Tina asked you to call me? Please tell Tina I will be there as soon as I possibly can. L.A. Hospital right?

Nurse: Yes, Ok, thank you, bye.

Bette: No, thank you, bye.

Bette felt a sense of worry and relief wash over her at the same time. She hung up the phone and flew out the door. She didnt know what had happened to Tina or even why Tina was in the hospital.

Bette didnt care right now because she knew where her Tee was, and Tina was asking to see her. Everything else could wait, after the last 48 hours all Bette wanted, was to be able to hold Tina in her arms and tell her how much she loved her..