Chapter 8

Later that evening:
Bette we have to tell the girls. Tina says over dinner.
Yes, I know, how about tonight? Bette suggests.
I can call them after dinner. Tina says.

Tina calls Alice, but gets her voicemail.
Alice, its Tina, I was just wondering if you could come over tonight around 7. Bette and I have something to tell all of you. Could you tell Dana, I havent been able to reach her She hangs up. She then calls Kit and Shane.
Its 7 and theres a knock on the door. Bette and Tina is in the bedroom, and Tina leave to open the door. Its Shane and Carmen, and just as they are about to close the door, Alice and Dana arrives.
Come on in. Tina says smiling.
So Tina, what is it that you wanted to tell us? Alice asks right away, eager to know.
Calm down Alice, were waiting for Kit too, so just take a seat in the meantime. Tina says looking at Alice and walks back into the bedroom to Bette. She is sitting on the bed, ready to burst out a scream. Tina sees that. T, close the door. Bette says. Tina rushes to her side. Bette sinks to the floor and lay down on her side, as she has done so many times now. Tina gives Bette a towel to bite down on. Tears are sprinkling from Bettes eyes. Baby, here squeeze my hand if it feels better. Tina says and grabs Bettes hand. And she squeezes hard. But Tina doesnt mind. She brushes Bettes hair back from her face. Shes trying her best to comfort her.
Itll be over soon, just breathe. Tina says. And slowly the pain goes away again, at least for the time being.
Bette sits up, and Tina holds Bettes face in her hands, and leans in for a soft kiss. Is everyone out there? Bette asks. Yes, except for Kit, but she might have arrived while weve been in here. Tina replies. Bette dries up her tears and stands up, as do Tina.
Well, lets go out there. Bette says and gives Tina a little smile.
Kit have arrived, they are all seated in the living room. Bette and Tina are holding hands as they walk in. Bette takes a seat in an empty chair and Tina sits down on the elbow-rest, and places her arm on Bettes shoulder.
Thanks you guys for coming on such short notice. Tina says.
Yeah, no problem, so whats up? Shane asks. They all set their full attention to Bette and Tina.
Well I have something to share with you. Bette says and bows her head down for a second.
Baby sis, whats wrong? Kit asks concerned as she can tell that there is something wrong. Bette looks up at her with tears in her eyes.
A little over a week ago, I found out that I have cancer. Bette says and waits for the reactions. They all gasped in shock. My God. Dana whispered. Shane doesnt say anything. She just stares down on the floor. Kits eyes fills up pretty fast.
Is it bad? Alice asks.
Dr. Wilson believes I will recover, but theres no guarantee with an illness like cancer. Bette says. She looks up at Tina, who is also teary, but put on a brave little smile.
Where is the cancer located? What kind of cancer is it? Kit asks.
Its bone-cancer, located in my right thigh bone. I have already started chemo treatment 4-5 times a week. Bette replies.
They all sit in shock, not ready to believe it yet. Tina is stroking Bettes back lovingly, Bette lean back into the embrace of Tina.

The weeks that follow, Bette took Tina’s and Dr. Wilson’s advice about taking a sickleave.
Bette isnt getting any better, shes getting weaker and weaker. Tina is worried sick and Bette tries her best to act strong for Tina. Bette is most of the time laying in bed or on the sofa cuddled up under a blanket. Tina stays by her side all the time, she has taken a leave of absence from the Center to care for Bette.
During these weeks, they have grown closer together. They are more attentive to each other now than they were before. They talk more as were the promise they made all those weeks ago.
They are laying in bed in each others arms.
Im scared Tina shares with Bette.
Me too, baby, me too. Bette replies.