Tinas eyes widened as soon as she heard the news.

Tina: (scared) WHAT???. You mean mum its what (thinking) .2009? How can that be, I just spoke to you yesterday. What the ***** is going on here? there was a predominant look of confusion and fear in Tinas eyes

Nancy could see her daughters pain but couldnt wipe the smile off her face, I know its a shock sweetheart but youre back you came back to me and I am so incredibly pleased and grateful (leaning in giving Tina another hug). I really thought Id lost you.

Tina looked from her mum to Dr Hunter totally dumbfounded. She was beginning to feel the full effect of her mums admission and the whole situation was slowly starting to sink in.

While Tina was processing the information, her thoughts led to Bette.

Tina was still incredibly upset with Bette; after all, to her it was only a few months ago that they had separated. But given the enormity of her current situation Tina felt torn; she had an overwhelming need to see Bette, to seek comfort in Bettes arms, but at the same time she didnt know if she was ready to come face to face with her just yet.

Tentatively Tina asked her mum, not sure what answer she was wanting to hear. So mum when is Bette coming. Have you let her know Im awake yet?

Nancy: (Hesitantly) Bettes not coming honey.

Tina didnt know whether she was relieved or disappointed, Why not mum? She knows what happened to me right?

Nancy: (Hesitantly) Yes, kind of sweetie. Nancy paused and looked over at Dr. Hunter. She was worried that Tina would be overloaded with too much information and have a relapse. Is it ok for me to continue? Nancy asked the doctor.

Dr Hunter: Yes, Tina hasnt suffered any memory loss, except for the actual accidentbut thats very common and that memory should return in time. Tinas brain waves appear to be normal, she is medically fine to hear anything you want to tell her.

With that Tina spoke, MUM! What do you mean kind of?

Nancy: Bette kept ringing me for months sweetie, every single day from the first day you came to stay with me. I told her like you asked me too Tina, you didnt want to see or speak to her!! After your accident honey, when she called, I told her you were hurt but going to be ok. I thought youd wake up any day and I didnt think youd want to see her when you didyou were so angry with Bette.

Nancy took a big, deep breath and continued, Bette even came by the house and demanded to see you, she wanted to make sure you were ok, but I couldnt tell herI knew if she knew your condition she wouldve stayed by your side for as long as it took. it is your Bette we are talking about here! Nancy looked at her daughter to gage any reaction.

Tina: (sadly) She wasnt my Bette anymore then mum.

Nancy: I know what she did was unforgivable honey, but she still loved you, I could see that! (becoming lost in thought, quickly regaining her composure) Anyway I thought if you woke up and saw her here you mayve freaked out and had a re-lapse.

Tears were now streaming down Nancys face, Tina, I would go in your room every night sweetheart and sit on your bed clutching your pillow, praying you would come back to me. I felt closer to you in there, around your stuff. One night, a few months after the accident, I was sitting on your bed, lost in thought and I spotted a letter on the bedside table; it was addressed to BetteI dont even know why I never saw it before then..I didnt know if I should post it or not. but when Bette kept calling me, well I did post it You told me honey you never wanted to see her again and I was trying to do what was best. I really thought you would wake up any day.. But the nightmare just continuedafter I sent the letter, Bette never called me again.

Nancy again looked into Tinas eyes, trying to see what her daughter was thinking. She had just given Tina a lot of information for her brain to process, and even though she hadnt used it for 5 years, Tina and her brain were feeling incredibly worn out.

Tina was mulling over what to respond to first, when she suddenly had a realization and a knot formed in her stomach, Wait, you said letter. Where exactly was the letter mum? Tina was panicked.

Nancy: On your bedside table honey it was addressed and everything.

Tina: (defeated) OH NO mum!!!I wrote that letter the day after me and Bette broke upI was so angry.that wasnt how I really feltI never wanted Bette to see it. it was so hurtfulno wonder she didnt call you anymore mum.(disheartened) God mum, Ive lost 5 years of my life.. and everyone I know and love probably thinks I deserted them what am I going to do? Tina began sobbing uncontrollably.

Nancy could see the lost look in Tinas watery eyes, as she pulled her daughter into her as close as she could, trying to give her some comfort. She knew it was going to be a long road back for Tina but she was going to do everything she could to help her!

Selfishly Nancy smiled while she was comforting her daughter, for just a brief moment, giving silent thanks for Tina returning to her!

Nancy pulled out of the embrace and looked at Tinas tear streaked face, (trying to calm Tina down) Its ok, honeyyour back now, thats whats important! I will do anything you need me to sweetie. I will help you. It will be ok!!!

Tina looked back at her mum; (nervously) I cant even feel my limbs properly mum?

Dr Hunter interjected, Tina, it will take a little while for you to regain complete control of your bodycould be days, usually weeks The injuries from the accident appear to have healed, so you will theoretically be good as new after you complete your physical therapy..

Tina: (edgy) Dr Hunterwhen can I get out of here? I have a lot of things to take care of.

Dr Hunter: (smiling at Tinas eagerness) Well, as soon as you are up and about and we get all your recent test results. Maybe a week, or two if you are lucky its up to you! I can organise your physical therapy to start a.s.a.p Basically as quickly as you regain control of your limbs, you can walk out of here. (quickly adding) But you will have to come in every couple of days for a few weeks after that, to complete your physical therapy!

Tina: (perplexed) I may need a transfer to a therapist in L.A. Dr Hunter..I think I need to go home! looking dejectedly at her mum.

Dr Hunter: Sure, Ill give you a list, but first lets get you up and about Ok!

Tina: (managing a half smile) Ok!

Dr Hunter: (nodding) Ok well Ill leave you to talk to your mum. If you need me for anything have Lucy page me. (walking over and taking Tinas hand, smiling) It was so great to meet you Tina!

Tina: Thanks Doctor

Dr Hunter: Please call me Stephanie.

Tina: Thanks Stephanie.

Stephanie left the room and Tina relaxed her head back into the soft pillow, closing her heavy eyelids. She began to think, Tina couldnt believe what she had found out since she had woken up this morning. It felt so unreal, like she was living some kind of nightmareShe had no idea what to do now?

She had lost 5 whole years, and her whole life as she knew it waswell, she didnt know.maybe gone???

The tears began to fall again as Tina felt so alone, so many questions plaguing her mind. What had become of the life she had once known?

Tbc..