Chapter 10

The pain is on and off. The girls, arrives under a pain-attack. They get to see up close how sick Bette really is. Shane is the one who reacts saddest.
Dana could you give me that pillow. Tina asks, pointing at a pillow in the sofa, right next to Dana. She gives it to Tina, who places it under her right hip, to try to ease the pressure. But it doesnt help. My God, I cant take it anymore. Bette cries out.
Bette, Im calling an ambulance now. Tina says and motion to Shane to give her the phone. She presses 911.
Hi, this is Tina Kennard. Im here with Bette Porter. She has bone cancer and is in a great deal of pain. Usually it goes away after a few minutes, but now it hasnt stopped in almost an hour. Shes almost fainting. Tina says, and listens to the person talk.
Okay, the address is Spencer Road 231, West Hollywood. Tina says and adds thank you.
The ambulance will be here soon okay baby? Just hold on.
Bette is laying on the floor with her head on Tinas lap.
Tina touches Bettes forehead and notice that shes burning up.
Oh, youre burning up! Shane, could you go into the bathroom and get a towel and put some water on it? Tina says. Shane runs in and is back in a flash. Tina places the towel on Bettes forehead. Ah. Bette moans.
The paramedics arrives, they place her on the stretcher, gives her something for the pain, and head back out to the ambulance.
Alice, could you lock up here? Im going with the ambulance. Tina asks and follows the medics.
Yes, sure, go, well be right behind you. Alice says.
Tina climbs into the ambulance and sit down in the back. She holds Bettes hand during the hole ride.
Upon arrival, Bette is brought into a exam-room. Dr. Wilson is paged, so she follows right after. Tina is left wandering around in the waiting area. After 15 minutes, the gang arrives. Have you heard anything yet? They ask. Just then a nurse enters the waiting area.
No not yet. Tina replies. She is playing nervously with her hair, just then a nurse enters the waiting area. She seems around 40 years, short blonde hair, a bit muscular. Is there any family of Bette Porter here? She asks out loud. Yes, here Tina says and walks towards the nurse.
Your name is? The nurse asks. Tina Kennard. Tina replies.
And you are related how? The nurse continue asking, like she didnt want to tell them anything. She seems stuck-up, doesnt seem to have any compassion for the patients families. Shes my wife! Tina says. The nurse facial expression changes from superior to disgusted. Do you have any info on Bette or what? Tina asks, getting annoyed by the nurse.
Shes been moved into X-ray and ultrasound. You have to wait here till shes finished. Youll be notified. The nurse says and then turns around and leaves. What a *****. Alice says.
Yeah. They all agree.
An hour goes by before the get new info on Bette.
Tina Kennard? A nurse calls out.
Yes, thats me. Tina says and walks over to her.
Bette is back from x-ray and ultrasound, shes in a room, two floors up. Room 412. Shes asked for you. The nurse says and smiles.
Is she okay? Tina asks concerned.
Yes, shes fine. The nurse replies and then she exits.
Tina turns to the others. Tina, you go to her. Well come back tomorrow, its getting late so. Alice says. They all hug Tina goodbye. Say hello from us. Shane says. I will, thanks for keeping me company. Tina says and smiles. They leave and Tina takes the elevator up to the 4th floor.
She finds the room, and softly knocks on the door, she enters slowly.
She sees Bette lay there, she seems worse now than at home earlier.
Bette notice Tina entering, and a wide smile appear on her face. Tina takes Bettes hand and holds it tight. She takes a seat next to the bed.
Hey baby. Bette says, almost whispering. How are you feeling? Tina asks. It doesnt hurt now, probably because they have filled me with painkillers. So you have to excuse me if I seem a little dopey. Bette says and smiles.
I was so scared. They made me wait over an hour without any info. Tina says. Sorry about the poker night. Bette says.
Dont worry about that. Tina says squeezing Bettes hand softly.
So did they find out anything? Tina continues.
Yes, it is spreading fast, so they are going to operate tomorrow afternoon. Bette says.
Tinas eyes are filling up. Hey, Tee, Im going to be fine, okay baby? Im going to be just fine. Bette says and tries her best to comfort her wife.
But lets not talk about that tonight, okay? Bette suggests.
Okay. Tina agrees.
Bette pulls Tina up and into bed next to her.
Are you sure? Tina asks, she doesnt want Bette to be uncomfortable.
Yes I am sure, I just want to feel you next to me. Its comforting and relaxing to me. Bette says and looks at Tina. Tina leans in for a kiss, as does Bette. Their lips meet in a soft romantic kiss.
I love you Bette. Tina says after a few moments in silence.
I love you too, baby. Bette replies.
Tina has her head resting on Bettes chest, listening to her heartbeat.
Baby, I have been thinking about something, I dont know why, but Bette begins. What baby? Tina asks.
How long is it since you spoke with you family? Bette asks.
Tina sits up and looks at Bette. Im not going to talk to them, no way. Tina says seriously. Tee, it has been 7 years, dont you miss them? Bette asks. Sometimes, but they hurt me, and theres nothing they can say or do to make it up to me. Tina says and leans back down.
I would like to meet them. Bette says. Tina sits up again and looks at Bette. What brought this on? Why are you suddenly talking about my family, we have never talked about my family before. Tina asks.
I dont know, its just a thought that have been floating around the past couple of weeks. Bette says. I just dont want you to be without a family Bette says. Tina cuts her off. What do you mean? Without a family. You are my family, and you are not going anywhere. Tina says as she starts to cry. And the girls are my family. Tina finishes.
Tina lets be serious for just one second, please. There is a possibility that I will not survive this. Tina cuts her off again. No Bette, please dont talk like that, you are going to be fine. Tina have problem getting the words out of her crying mouth. Bette places her arm around Tina and pulls her close. Sorry I shouldnt have brought it up. Bette realize