Kristie arrived a few minutes later, approaching Alice giving her a light hug, Thanks for meeting me AliceI really need to ask you a few questions..

Tbc.

Chapter 10

Alice looked at Kristie and could see the uncertainty and insecurity in her eyes. She knew Kristie was going to want information, information that Alice just couldnt disclose. What have I got myself into here? Alice berated herself.

Kristie grabbed Alices hand and took her into one of the consulting rooms.

Kristie: (downcast) Sit please Alice?

Alice looked at Kristie; she couldnt read her expression, Okkkkaaayyy!

Alice did as Kristie asked and Kristie walked behind the desk and also took a seat. Both women just sat therein silence for what seemed like an eternity.

Kristies eyebrows were furrowed, suggesting she was deep in thought and Alice just sat there silently, not daring to say a word. She didnt know what to expect and didnt want to say the wrong thing.

Eventually Kristie broke the silence, (calmly) Alice..Could you tell me what kind of relationship Bette HAD with Tina Kennard? Kristie emphasised the word had!!

Alice: (compassionately) What do you mean Kristie?.I think Bette needs to tell you that. Its not my place.

Kristie continued almost ignoring Alices response, I dont want you to betray any confidences or anything Alice.. Im just worried. I have met some of Bettes previous partners before and none of them have had an effect on her like this womanand Bette has never mentioned Tina Kennard to me before. (Kristie wanted to stay detached from Tina so she continued to use her first and last name when speaking of her)

Alice looked at Kristie, contemplating her response.

Kristie saw the look on Alices face and continued grilling her, in the hopes of getting Alice to crack.

Kristie: (desperation was present in her voice) I just would really like to know anything that is maybe already common knowledge? (Kristie knew she was clutching at straws) . You knew Bette then.. Were they like together for a long time?Were they in love?. Why did they break up?.. Thats all I want, just some factsI need to know what Im up against?


Alice could see the inner turmoil in Kristies eyes and her resolve was softening, Alright Al, just the fact. nothing more!! Alice said to herself!

Alice: (calmly) Kristie, Tina and Bette were together for 7 years. Obviously they were in love, could you really see Bette with anyone for that long without really being in love (Alice berated herself, Just the facts Al, stick to the facts!!!!). But a lot of stuff happened between them too and they separated (Alice didnt want to hurt Kristie, so didnt over indulge in details). And now Bette loves you, I can see that.

Kristie: (sincerely) I know that Alice..Bette and little Jack mean everything to meand if I have to Im going to fight for themI know Bette is happy with me. Bette may be confused right now, but she does loves me and I love herand we can make itI have to believe thatthe emotion is just raw.I see it everyday.Bette was never able to bring closure to her relationship with this woman nor was Tina Kennard for that matter. . And 7 years is obviously a long time When Bette does deal with it, she will see we were meant to be together nodding her head.

Kristie was desperately trying to convince herself more than anyone that what she was saying was true.

Alice listened intently to Kristies words and knew that someone was really going to be hurt when this situation was resolvedKristie was in denial. Bette had no idea what it was that she wanted and Tina wasnt just trying to sort things out with Bette, she was desperately trying to acquire some semblance of her life back.

All three women were hurting and confused, and Alice knew it was going to be a long road to travel for all three of them, to get to where theyre supposed to be!..

Alice: All I can say Kristie is Bette loves you. You need to tell her how youre feeling and hope she does the sameI am in the unfortunate position of seeing all 3 of my dearest friends hurtingLook whatever happens, like you said, If its meant to beit will be!

Kristie: Thanks Alice, I know Im only a relatively new friend, but I do appreciate you listening to meand the info. You are right, Bette and I need to have a talkI cannot live like this..Thinking will Bette still be there when I get home, each time I leave the houseI will not live like that?

Kristie looked up at the clock, *****. Al, sorry to cut this short butI need to get going. Bettes cooking dinner and I told her Id be home by 7. Thanks Al.. Thanks a lot! Kristie lightly hugged Alice and the two of them walked out of the hospital.






Tina had made her way back to Shanes place. She was feeling emotionally drained, and was really hoping to get a bit of shuteye.

As soon as she walked through the front door her cell phone rang. Tina looked at the caller I.D. and a huge grin graced her face.

In her best mock serious tone Tina answered the call, Hello Dr. Hunter! To what do I owe this pleasure?

Stephanie: (picking up in the playfulness in Tinas voice and responded in kind) Well Hello Ms Kennard I hope you are you behaving yourself? Medically speaking of course?

Tina: (playfully) Of course..(Tinas took a deep breath, her tone turned more sedate) Seriously Steph, its so great to hear your voice!. You wouldnt believe how much I missed it..How are you? Whats going on?

Stephanie: (concerned) Well as your doctor I had to call, and as your friend I wanted to Im a bit worried that you havent contacted the specialist down in L.A. yet. Her receptionist told me when I called to check how you went!! (Putting on her doctors voice) I believe I told you Ms Kennard to make an appointment as soon as you arrived back in L.A. did I not??

Tina: (sombre) Yes you did. I justWell life around here has changed Steph. I dont think I shouldve come back here?

Steph: (compassionately) Why not? I thought L.A. was your home? . I hope youre not overexerting yourself Tina, physically or emotionally.. You are supposed to be taking it easy!(half joking) Do I need to come down there??

Tina: (smiling, not knowing if Stephanie was serious or joking) Are you serious?. I would really love for you to visit!

Stephanie: (hearing the genuine happiness in Tinas voice, smiling too) Well it just so happens I have a medical conference to go to next week and Ill be in L.A. all week!

Tina: (excited) Really thats great StephI cant wait to see you!!!

Steph: (happily) Yeah so thats the friends bit I wanted to call you about. Do you think we could catch up while Im down your way?

Tina: (pretending to think about it) Of course, you let me know when and Ill pick you up from LAX, then well take it from there.

Stephanie: Thatd be great (seriously) So while I have my friends hat on. do you want to talk about it Tina?

Tina: (appreciatively) No thanks Steph. Im kinda all talked out today!

Steph: Alright then (Tina could hear Stephanie getting paged in the background, over the loud speaker). AhI have got to go TinaListen, its vital you continue your physiotherapy. The doctor I transferred you to is a personal friend of mine, and by far the best in her field in L.A. She was doing me a favour seeing you so CALL HER ok!!. Now that was your doctor speaking, the reason I had to call you!!

Tina: (laughing) Ok, Ok doctor!!.

Steph: Good!!! Ok got to go. Ill call you next week before I leave!

Tina: No worries. See you StephIt was great to hear from you!!

Steph: You too Tina.

Tina hung up the phone. She felt a sense of calm wash over her after speaking to the good doctor. Stephanie was the only friend Tina had made since waking up and it was nice to not have a past and baggage with someone, and to be able to just mundanely talk to Steph about anything or everything!..at least at the moment it was!

Tina was eagerly anticipating Dr Stephanie Hunters visit the following week.

Before she forgot, Tina took out the letter of transfer Stephanie had given her and called the referred doctor to make an appointment.

Ring, Ring, Ring.

Receptionist: Hello Dr Phelps consulting rooms, can I help you?

Tina: HiYes, I would like to make an appointment to see Dr Phelps. I have a referral from Dr Hunter in San Francisco

Receptionist: Ah. yes Ms KennardI just spoke with Dr Hunter a few hours agoI have been expecting your call

Tina: (shyly) Um yes thats me Tina Kennardcould I come in as soon as you have an appointment available please. I was supposed to call yesterday but I kind of forgot!

Receptionist: Youre actually in luck, we had a cancellation tomorrow morning at 9am, would that suitotherwise next Monday is the earliest

Tina interrupted, No tomorrow morning 9am will be greatThank you.

Receptionist: Ok we will see you then Ms Kennard.

Tina noted the time on her referral, and then finally achieved her goal. She slumped onto the couch, turned on the TV, but didnt get to watch for long as sleep quickly overtook her weary body.

TBC.