please read previous chapters in order for this to make sense


Bette sat on one of the chairs in the waiting room holding her head in her hands. Please God, please let her be okay. Please let this baby be healthy, she prayed.

Five minutes later Bette heard the waiting room door open. She lifted her head and saw Alice. Alice was wearing a white robe and a white mask hung around her neck. Walking towards Bette with a half terrified smile on her face. This was her first baby too.
Alice stood in front of Bette and said, shes asking for you.






Chapter 19




Bette walked into the emergency room, where Tina was. Her heart was racing. Thinking how wonderful it is that it was Tina that asked for her to be there. Even though she had no right being there, especially because of the fact that Tina had carried on so bravely, by herself through out the past nine months.

The nurse walked in with her giving her a few tips on how to handle the coming event. Bette put on the white robe as the nurse requested and walked into the delivery room.

Tina was lying on the hospital bed, her face twisted in pain, beads of sweat on her brow and her eyes closed.
The doctor was leaning down in front her, positioning himself between her legs. Its close, he said. Very close, Tina. Just a little more.

Bette was surprised. How can it be close. They only just arrived at the hospital more than 40 minutes ago. Bette practically ran to the side of the bed, realizing Tina hadnt even noticed she was in the room.
As she got closer she could hear Tina mumbling something in pain. It was Bettes name. Bette, Tina cried.
Im right hear, Bette replied softly to Tina as she reached out to hold Tinas hand. Tina turned her head towards Bette with both pain and love in her eyes.
Im here, Bette whispered. Im right here T. Everything is going to be alright, she said and kissed Tina on the forehead.
Dont leave me, Tina said to Bette. I cant take it, its too much, its too painful.

They watched the clock on the wall. The contractions were coming very quickly now and with more intensity.
The doctor instructed Tina to push. Bette helped Tina into a sitting up position as Tina pushed with all her might.
Okay Tina, the doctor said. Just a little more. Were almost there. Push! Once more Tina pushed while Bette helped her to sit up.
As the contraction eased Tina would lay back down.
Tina was sobbing. The tears running down her face as she cried. I cant do this. Bette wiped the tears off of Tinas cheeks. She looked straight into Tinas eyes, wishing she could take the pain herself and stopped Tinas misery.
You can do it, You can do it, Baby. Just a little more.

Tina was trying to concentrate. Her mind was blank and her body too tired to respond. I cant, she mumbled again, staring at the woman she loved so much.
Look at me T, you can do it. I know you can. Youre going to be a wonderful mother. All you have to do is push a little more and it will all be over.
A contraction began again, Tina took a deep breath. She squeezed Bettes hand, Bette thought it would surely break. Then she gave it everything she had and she Puusshhed!!!

Aaaaaagh!! Tina cried as the babys head appeared.

Aaaaaagh!!! Bette cried with her. Part sympathy pain and part real pain as the fingers of her hand turned blue from Tinas strong grip.
Bette couldnt help the tears from falling down when she saw the babys head peeking from inside the Love of her Life.

When she got the first glimpse of the new baby being born, and then the doctor grabbing this little innocent angel, giving it a smack on the behind and it began taking its first breath and let out its first cry in this world, she knew instantly that now once more she had fallen in love. Love at first sight. This time the love of a mother.

Congratulations! The doctor said. You have a beautiful, healthy, little girl. The nurse was busy washing and cleaning the baby, wrapped her in a blanket and brought this bundle of joy over to Tina. She placed the baby into Tinas waiting arms.
A girl, Tina cried. She wept. It was her and Oscars decision not to know the babys *****. And now when she learned it was a girl. There was no limit to her happiness.
She unwrapped the baby, touched its tiny fingers and toes, kissed her gently all over her face, her eyes, her cheeks, her nose and her lips. Never before had she felt so much love in her heart.

She turned her eyes towards Bette, the only person in the world that she wanted to share this with. Seeing her standing right there beside her, speechless. The look in her eyes was all Tina needed to know, she could never live without her. She could not raise this baby without her presence. Not after what they just shared. The most intimate moment in their lives. Then with her daughter in her arms and Bette leaning over beside her, she felt an utter and complete bliss.
The nurse lifted the baby from Tinas arms and placed her in the bassinet.
And with that, Tina drifted into a heavy sleep. A well deserved one.




Bette left Tina sleeping in the room and went outside to tell everyone the news about the new addition to the female population. She stopped a few steps from the door and closed her eyes.
Thank you, she whispered. Thank you God, for delivering this baby, healthy and beautiful. Thank you for letting Tina get through this safe and sound, but most of all, she prayed. Thank you for letting me be apart of this incredible miracle.

Outside there was a small crowd gathered. Alice, Shane, Kit, Ivan, Jenny and even Tim were there. The only two people missing were Oscar and Dana.
Bette burst through the doors.ITS A GIRL! Bette yelled into the room with a huge smile on her face. She was still shaking when they all jumped on her, hugging and laughing.

Oscar arrived minutes later with Dana and when he heard Tina had given birth to his first child, he started to cry. Shedding tears of joy and hugging everyone.
He was hugging Alice and Shane, still overwhelmed with the news. He turned to Alice and asked her, how is she? Were you there with her?
No, Alice replied.

She realized Oscar may not be pleased with the fact that Bette was there and not him. Especially since he knew how much Tina had suffered in the past few months and after all .he was the father.

Oscar had a confused look on his face. He was hoping Tina did not go through this alone.
Then who was? he asked.
Bette took a few steps towards him. Humble and thankful, she stood in front of him. She still didnt know Oscar and Tina was just friends and that it was only the result of that desperate night after Tina left home that entwined their lives together forever as parents.

Bette thought that he and Tina must be in a relationship, which means that he was her biggest competition. The only person that could stand between her and Tina.
Little did she know that the true competition was lying on a bunk bed three thousand miles away, in the woods of Africa.

Oscar looked at Alice and asked again, then who was?
Bette looked at him and said,

I was.

TBC