As soon as the plane taxied up to the gate, Bette had her cell phone out and was calling Dan. She didnt expect him to answer, as his phone was probably still turned off in the hospital, but she thought she would at least leave him a message, letting him know that she had landed.

While she had been in the air, Bette had taken advantage of the air phones and called Kit, asking her if she was free to stay over at the house tonight. She knew Milaine would need someone with her, especially if the news about Tinas accident was bad. She decided however, to wait to call Milaine personally, not wanting to worry her until they knew the extent of Tinas injuries. As it was, it was all she could do to keep Kit from jumping on the next plane to Seattle, and knew Milaine would feel the same way. However, she also knew her daughter would be terrified that someone she had grown to love might be taken from her again, and therefore didnt want her to be alone when she called from the hospital. Kit agreed and was going to go over to the house later that afternoon.

Bette had already arranged for transportation before finding out about Tinas accident, so before her last bag could be picked up off the carousel by her driver, she had explained the situation to him. Seeing the stress, and the sadness that was etched across the beautiful face of the woman that was now under his care, the driver completely understood the urgency of the situation. So, with Bette following close behind, he ran interference for her, as they practically plowed through the crowd in the terminal, to the waiting town car.

Once in the car, he took off, driving much faster than his employers would probably want him to, but knowing how very important every single minute was under the circumstances. And, even though they had been speeding the whole way to the hospital, it seemed like hours, instead of minutes, before the car pulled up to the front entrance of Harborview Medical Center. Bette was out of the car, almost before it came to a complete stop, running through the automatic doors, leaving the driver to wonder what to do with her luggage.

Trying to maintain as much of her composure as possible, Bette stopped at the information desk to find out exactly where in the huge, multilevel hospital, Tina was. As she was waiting for the woman to pull up Tinas information on the computer, the driver caught up with her, carrying both her large and small suitcases, as well as her carry on bag. He cleared his throat, and then spoke in a quiet, respectful voice.

Im sorry, Maam?

Bette looked over toward him, hearing his voice, but not really registering that he was talking to her, as she was clearly distracted.

Hmmm…Im sorry, but I have another call, and have to go.

This time his words did get through, and earned him a gracious, Bette Porter smile. Of course…Im sorry to make you wait. Please, just leave the bags here… She put her hand in her jacket pocket, and then discreetly pressed a neatly folded bill into his hand, as she shook it. Thank you very much for the ride…and for understanding.

Even in her obvious pain, Bettes smile was still able to make anyone catch their breath, if it was directed right at them…and her very conscientious driver was no exception. He pulled a business card out of his pocket, and handed it to Bette.

If you need transportation anywhere while youre here, please call. I will make sure you are taken care of. He looked down for a moment, then back up, giving Bette a sympathetic smile. I hope everything is okay with your partner.

Thank you, Bette responded back with a look of gratitude. He nodded his head and turned, walking swiftly out the door.

~ ~ ~

The elevator doors opened onto the third floor, and as Bette stepped out, slightly struggling with her luggage, she noticed how eerily quiet it was in the hall. She walked up to the nurses station to ask about Tina, and to find out where the waiting room was.

Hello, my name is Bette Porter. I am here to see Tina Kennard. She gave the nurse a nervous smile, as she introduced herself with an uncharacteristically shaky voice. The nurse retrieved Tinas chart and informed Bette that she would get the doctor for her.

Thank you. Could you tell me where Tinas children are waiting?

The woman gave Bette a compassionate smile and pointed to her left. Just follow that hall to your first right. They are all in there.

Bette smiled, nodded her thanks, and hurried down the hall…needing to be close to people she loved. As soon as she walked around the corner, bags in tow…Dani, who had been just staring at the wall, willing Bette to get there sooner…jumped out of her chair, running towards her.

MaBe!!

Bette let go of everything she was holding, allowing her bags to drop to the floor, and held out her arms for Dani to fall into. She wrapped the teenager up in a tight embrace, resting her cheek against the top of Danis head, which was snuggled into Bettes bosom.

Hey…

Youre here! Tears started falling from Danis cheeks, her relief that Bette had finally arrived, allowing the fear she had been struggling to hide, to now show itself full force.

Yeah…Im here. She looked down at Tinas oldest daughter and cupped her face in her hands. Speaking with more confidence than she felt, she whispered, Its okay baby…well get through this…all of us, together. She leaned forward and kissed Danis cheek, then the two of them stood in silence for a moment, taking comfort in the others arms.

Bette… Dan came up next, laying an arm across Danis shoulders and kissing Bette on each cheek. You made it…Im so glad you are here!

Bette finally let go of Dani, and turned so she could give Dan a hug. That was, without a doubt, the longest plane ride I have ever taken. She gave Dan a weary smile, noticing the strain on his face.

Have they told you anything?

Dan gave Bette a smile full of relief. I was finally able to convince them to tell me something, so that I could reassure the kids. They were going crazy with worry. I think the nurse was very sympathetic, so she relented, and at least gave me the basics…which is that none of Tinas injuries are life-threatening, but that she is in surgery. Technically though, we are not supposed to know even that.

Bette grabbed onto Dans sleeve. Did she tell you anything else…like why she is in surgery?

No, she…

Bette Porter?

Bette looked up to see a middle-aged, male doctor approaching her. Yes, Im Bette.

The doctor looked almost happy to see her…he too had wanted to tell Tinas ex husband what her condition was, but the rules stated he needed to talk to the next of kin first. He was relieved that she was finally here, so Tinas children could know exactly how she was doing.

Hows Tina?

She just got out of surgery, about a half an hour ago. Fortunately the car just nicked her on the left side. However, it hit her hard enough to break multiple bones in her left leg, hip and arm. He shook his head. Im afraid she will be laid up for quite some time, until her bones heal.

Bettes body almost sagged with relief, but as she watched the doctor glance down at Tinas chart, she felt her stomach tighten. There was something more, she could just feel it.

Theres more, isnt there? She unconsciously reached down and grabbed onto Dans hand.

The doctor studied the chart for a quick moment longer, then looked up, giving Bette a reassuring smile. There is, however it is not life-threatening. He took a deep breath. It seems that when Tina was hit…

Bette held up her hand, motioning him to stop for a minute. She looked over at Dani, and with a smile filled with love, she reached up and cupped her hand around Danis cheek. Sweetheart, do you mind if your Dad and I talk to the doctor alone for just a minute? I promise we will tell you everything as soon as were done.

Dani gave Bette a look that said, please dont make me wait any longer. Bette smiled again. Its okay…please…let us take care of this part, and then we will all go through everything together.

Dani looked from Bette to her father, who simply smiled and nodded with encouragement. Okay… She slumped her shoulders, and went to sit next to Paul, who was trying with all his might to be strong for his sisters, when all he wanted to do at that moment was run into Bettes arms, just as he had watched his sister do minutes earlier.

Bette turned back to the doctor. Okay…go ahead.

The doctor cleared his throat, and turned all his attention to the beautiful, and poised woman in front of him. Well, like I was saying, when Tina was hit, we think her body flew several yards before landing on the cement. It was when she landed, that her head must have slammed into the pavement…

Bette raised her eyebrow at the last comment, and snuck a look to see if the children could hear what the doctor was saying. She was glad now that she had asked Dani to go sit down, because there was no way she wanted them hearing a phrase like, her head must have slammed into the pavement, when talking about their mother.

…and hit pretty hard. She has quite a bit of swelling in her brain, and because of that, she is still unconscious. Now, we dont know the extent of the damage the swelling may cause…we are just going to have to watch and wait. Hopefully we will know more in the next 24 hours.

Bette could feel her body tease up with this latest news. What kind of damage are you talking about?

Well, it could be a multitude of things…anything from loss of memory, to loss of motor functions. But, then again, she could totally recover, as well. Honestly, we will just have to wait and see. Again, I want to stress that none of her injuries are life-threatening.

Bette let a breath out at hearing that last part, not knowing if she should be relieved, or if she should punch someone for not letting her know this information hours ago. It could have saved her so much anguish…so much heart-wrenching worry, to know that Tina was not in danger of dying from her injuries. When can we see her?

Well, like I said, she is unconscious and wont know youre there, however if you want to, give us about ten minutes to make sure everything is set up in her room, then you can go in. He glanced over at Alex. Im not sure you want the younger children to see her though. She is not looking very reassuring at the moment, and they might be frightened to see her head all wrapped up, and the bruises on her face.

Bette looked at Dan and then back to the doctor, not saying anything about his last comment. Thank you very much, for everything. If you could just please have someone let me know when Tinas room is ready.

The doctor smiled, and nodded his head before turning and walking toward the nurses station.

Dan looked over at his children. Dani and Paul were sitting side by side, and Alex had a book on her lap, and was sitting next to Kathy, who had her arm around her. He then looked back to Bette.

Well, what do you think about the kids seeing Tina?

Bette stared into Dans eyes, so appreciative that he was even asking her what her opinion was about his and Tinas children. It spoke volumes to her about how much of a family they had all become during this last year. I think we should talk to the children first, gage their reactions to her injuries…then, I think we should go and see her before taking them in. The doctor is right. If she really looks bad, Im not sure Alex should see her like that.

Dan reached over and hugged Bette, relieved he didnt have to make these decisions on his own. He let out a big breath. Thats a good idea. He hesitated for a moment, before continuing. I cant tell you how thankful I am that you were at the airport this morning. He lowered his eyes. I am also thankful that it is you who Tina loves. I cant imagine wanting anyone else standing here with us right now.

Bette felt tears spring into her eyes at this admission. Thank you, Dan.

The two parents walked over to where the kids were sitting, and sat down with them. With Dans nod of approval, Bette explained to them what the doctor had said, only not going into too much detail as far as what damage there might be due to Tinas head injury. After she stopped talking, everyone sat is silence for a couple of minutes, just trying to absorb it all.

Bette sat back in her chair and took a moment to close her eyes, wishing they would hurry up and let her know she could go be with Tina. Even if they couldnt talk, she just needed to be able to hold her hand, feel their skin touching. She never had the chance to say goodbye, or to hold Nicas hand when she had been hit by the car. She had died instantly, leaving Bette with an incredible ache for her touch…an ache that had taken years to lessen.

MaBe? She heard a very soft, and unsure voice whisper her nickname, and at the same time, felt a light touch on her arm. Tears instantly filled her closed eyes, and she felt her heart fill with joy, knowing the voice belonged to the last person she expected to call her by her nickname. MaBe…how could someone saying one four letter word, that didnt start with an L, bring with it so much meaning? Because…she knew that it was only spoken when there was love behind it. She opened her eyes, and was greeted by the shy, but fearful smile belonging to the one person she had been waiting for so long to call her that.. Alex. And there she stood, clutching onto one of her Trixie Belden books, looking earnestly at Bette.

Bette couldnt help herself, she reached out and swept Alex into her arms. Hi sweetheart. Alex just laid her head down, so her cheek was resting on Bettes shoulder, not saying anything for a moment. Then in a soft whisper that pulled on all of Bettes heartstrings, Alex voiced her fears.

Is Mommy really going to be okay?

Bette could feel the little girls tears on her shoulder, and prayed that she could be the one to provide her with the love and reassurance she was so obviously in need of.

I hope so baby. We just need to wait a little while longer to make sure that when she fell, that it didnt hurt anything inside her head. Bette lifted Alexs head up till she could look directly into her eyes. Dont worry…no matter what, she is still going to be your Mother…and when she is feeling better, well take her home, so that we can all take care of her.

Alex still looked scared, but somehow looking into the eyes of this wonderful woman, who had done so many good things for them already, she started to feel like maybe everything would be okay.

Still hanging on tight to her favorite book, she whispered to Bette… Can you come live with us and help take care of Mommy………….and us?

tbc