Tina was running late this morning. She had been working part-time every since Bette had fully recovered from the botched surgery. Bettes cancer in remission now allowed her to take care of the twins by herself. She also continued to run the Bette Porter Gallery that she and Peggy owned. Tina received a raise after the huge grant they received. But it wasnt about the money. It was about all the children she helped.

On the days Bette went into the office she simply took the twins with her when Tina was working. She had redone her office to accommodate all her needs for taking care of them. If she had to step out on the floor with James, one of his assistants would baby-sit. Not that anyone complained. They all loved the Twins, especially James. Bette knew from watching him that he and his lover would make wonderful parents some day.

In a rush Tina headed towards the twins room to kiss them good bye. She stopped in the door way as she watched Bette with their precious children. Tears filled her eyes knowing this would be the first time she had been away from them all day since their trip to Catalina Island.

Even though Bettes right arm was much stronger now, she still had a slight impairment from the brain tumor. Looking at her you wouldnt be able to tell until she went to pick something up and lose her grip. Which was why she never picked up one of the Twins unless she used her left arm.

Now Tina stood there and watched the three most precious loves of her life. Her heart breaking because she knew she had to leave them. Knowing they were only a phone call away. Plus Bette had set up the web cam so Tina could see them from work. Just something sweet to help make the transition a bit easier for Tina. Once Tina got settled in at work full time, she had hoped to be able to take the Twins with her. The Center had a nice daycare now since the grant money.

Tina was snapped out of her sadness as she watched her wife of almost nine years playing with their kids. Bette seemed so relaxed when she did this. Like nothing bad in the world could touch them. Seated on the floor in their little rockers AJ and JT bounced back and fourth as Bette played Paddy Cake with them.

Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Touch the ground.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Turn around.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Show your shoe.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
That will do.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Run upstairs.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Say your prayers.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Blow out the light.
Teddy bear, Teddy bear,
Say good night.

As Bette finished she felt Tinas presence and turned to look up. Hey honey. All ready for work? Bette said trying to hide her sadness. WOW, you look great. Help me up will ya, Bette ask. Tina reached down and as she pulled Bette up Bette pulled her into her arms and passionately kissed her causing Tina to let out a gasp of pleasure as she broke the kiss in need of air.

Tina: Well that is certainly the wrong thing to do.

Bette: Wrong? How do you mean.

Tina: You really think I am going to be able to leave after that kiss.

Bette: Oh, you had me worried for a sec. I thought maybe I had…

Tina: Shhhh that could never happen. Least not the way you kiss.

Bette: That good huh.

Tina: Right. Like you dont already have a big enough ego. You know darn well you take my breath away.

Bette: Well, I can never get enough of seeing you smile. So what time will you be home so I can start dinner?

Tina: I have no idea. Being my first day back full time I havent a clue what awaits me.

Bette: Ok, just give me a call about an hour before you leave. Hows that?

Tina: Sounds good. Whats for dinner?

Bette: I dont know yet. Any requests?

Tina: No, just surprise me.

Bette: Ok. Hey give me a hand getting these rascals into their playpen before you leave.

Tina: Sure. Then I really better run.

Kissing the twins good bye Tina wiped her tears away as Bette walked her to the door.

Bette: Honey, you know you really dont have to do this. We are just fine with what I make from the gallery. Plus the lawsuit against the hospital will be settled soon. Richard said they want to settle out of court for what happened. So if youd rather stay part-time.

Tina: No its not about the money babe. Its about what I do. Helping children have a better life.

Bette: I know honey. Just so you know. I support you in what ever decision you make. If you change your mind thats fine with me.

Tina: I love you so much Bette. You have done so much to help make this so much easier on me. But right now I better run before I get fired. (laughing)

Tina reached up and pulled Bette down to her. Kissing her wife and hugging her tightly before she turned and left. Bette watched Tina as she drove away and felt a pain in her heart. This was not easy for her either. Tina and Bette had been almost inseparable since the twins were born. Now both were feeling a loss of some sort.

Walking back towards the family room Bette heard a knock at the patio door. As she got there Shane was already inside holding Amy Jo.

Bette: Hey Shane. Where have you been lately? Weve missed you.

Shane: Hey, whats up? Yeah, Ive been seeing a lot of Carmen I guess. Ive even met her Mom. Shes really cool. So how are you holding up with Tina going back full time?

Bette: Not good actually. I mean she just left and I feel empty already. I dont know why knowing shes full time makes it different from when she left working part-time?

Shane: Hey thats a good thing in a way. You guys have bonded so much since. Well you know, with everything that happened and all. I never lost faith in you though. I knew it would only make you guys stronger. And see it did.

Bette: This is true. I do feel our love really got hit by some really hard challenges. But youre right. We survived and came out even stronger than when we first met.

Shane: So you see. In the end it was all worth it to be able to stand her alive and well to acknowledge it. Also the fact that you both have been pretty much inseparable. Well, you know what they say. Distance makes the heart grown fonder. Something mushy like that.

Bette: (laughing) Yea I knew what you meant.

Shane: So listen, what are you up to today? You going any where?

Bette: No I dont have to go in today. I plan to get some work done from home and play with the twins. Why whats up? You sound like you need something.

Shane: Actually I do. Mark has my jeep and I need to pick up Carmen in an hour. I was wondering if I could borrow the SUV. I noticed Tina took the car so.

Bette: Sure, I dont mind if you dont. Its not as hot and ***** as the convertible with the baby seats in the back, but hey itll do right.

Shane: I doubt Carmen will care. Shes got a bunch of little brothers and sisters. So shes use to it.

Bette: Well why dont you give me a hand getting twins to bed and we can talk some more before you have to leave.

Shane: Cool. I’m got AJ. Hey sweetie. Hows my girl? So Bette, are they talking?

Bette: I say they are but Tina says it doesnt count if she cant understand them. I keep working with them to say Mommy. I just know that would tickle Tina to death if they said her name first.

Shane: Ahhh man thats awesome, Bette. Are they walking yet? I know they can crawl. I dont know how you keep up with them. Man, I can see you chasing them around once they can walk.

Bette: No doubt. They are both fast lil scooter poots now.

Shane and Bette busted out laughing at that. So Shane left in Bettes SUV and Bette called Tina to see how her day is.

Bette: Hey honey. How is your day so far?

Tina: Great actually. Things are so different now Bette. Being here all day I have really gotten to see so much more. Unfortunately Helena showing up was not on my list of things to deal with today.

Bette: Helena showed up. What the ***** for? She didnt touch you or mess with you did she? I swear to god Tina if she did I will.

Tina: Bette! Bette! Baby, calm down. She didnt do anything. I was never left alone with her no matter how hard she tried. Oscar and other staff members were in the conference room with me at all times. Actually we were watching breaking news on Court TV about a court case verdict. Have you seen that yet?

Bette: Honey, I could care less about that right now. I want to know are you ok? I mean Shane borrowed the SUV so I cant get to you. I need to know youre ok.

Tina: Bette baby, I’m ok I promise.

Bette: You promise really.

Tina: Yes honey. I promise. Besides I can take care of myself with her. I am positive she still remembers the broken jaw I gave her.

Bette: Ok, yea I forgot about that. I’m sure you can take care of yourself. It just scared me after what she did or tried to do to you. It just hit me hard you know. Having remembered what Candace did to me. I I would It would kill me if something happened to you baby.

Tina: I know honey. Believe me. Nothing will ever happen like that again. I promise.

Bette: Ok well I’m going to go start dinner. Shane went to pick up Carmen with the SUV so I’m waiting on them to get back. If you get home before she does just park in the drive. Well switch out in the morning.

Tina: Alright honey. Ill be home soon ok. I love you. Kiss the twins for me.

Bette: I will. I love you too. Drive safe ok.

Bette was just about done with dinner when Tina got home. Bette felt loving arms wrapping around her as should stood over the sinks washing the lettuce. Tina kissed her on her neck and squeezed her tight.

Tina: Gosh, I missed you so much today.

Bette: I missed you more baby. So how did it go? I mean the rest after we hung up at lunch.

Tina: Everything still went good. We have a lot set up for the kids tomorrow. I’m actually very excited about it.

Bette: Baby, that is so great to hear. Can you do me a favor after you change? Can you get the rugrats in here for dinner? Theyre in their playpen.

Tina: Sure Babe, let me just change and wash up first. Hey. Wheres Shane. I noticed shes not back yet.

Bette: I hadnt even noticed with the kids and getting dinner ready. That is odd. She said shed only be gone a few hours. Let me finish up here and Ill give her cell a call.

As Bette was reaching for the phone it rang. Hey, thats probably her now Bette yelled out to Tina. Do you want to invite them for dinner? I fixed enough just in case you said yes.

Tina: Thatll be fine. (yelling back from the bedroom)

Bette: Hello Bette Porter speaking. Oh hey Carmen. Are you guys almost here? I have dinner ready. WHAT? What do you mean Shane never got there. Shes been gone over 4 hours. No, No… I’m not mad. I’m worried. Ok if you hear from her call me back. If I do Ill call you ok. OK bye. Tina!!! Shane never picked Carmen up.

Walking fast into the kitchen Tina answered back. What do you mean she never got there? Something must have happened. Shane would never borrow the car and not do what she said shed do. Tina said in a concerned tone.

Bette: Yeah I know that. Thats why I’m worried. If she broke down or something shed call right. Plus I have that satellite thing so she could call for assistance or help. Now I am really worried.

Bette and Tina went ahead and ate dinner and were finishing up giving the twins their baths. They still had not heard from Shane and had called every where they could think of looking for her. Yet no one had seen her. Bette was telling Tina that she was going to call Whit when there was a loud knock at the door as they put the twins down for bed. Ill get it Bette said.

Trying to remain calm but feeling like a Mother ready to hug first, and then pounce on Shane for scaring them to death. Bette opened the door to see two Police Officers standing there. One of them was Whit and she had a really bad look on her face.

Bette: Whit what are you doing here? Did something happen to Stacey?

Whit: Bette wheres Tina?

Bette: Shes in there with the twins. Whit whats wrong? Youre scaring me.

Whit: Bette may we come in? I need to ask you some things about you vehicle.

Bette: Oh God no Whit!! Shane was driving it. Is she hurt? Did she have a wreck? Carjacked? What is it Whit please god tell me. What happened to Shane????

Tina heard Bette screaming and ran to the front door to see Whit and another Officer. Whit was holding Bette as she had all but collapsed. Helping her over to the couch Tina started asking what happen?

Whit: Tina did Shane borrow the SUV today?

Tina: Yes she did. Weve been worried and were about to call you actually. Whit what happened? Why are you here? What did you tell Bette that has her so hysterical?

Whit: Tina, Bette We I’m sorry this is Officer Cruz. We are investigating a near fatal wreck off the BFE Freeway. It is still under investigation, but apparently Shane crashed the SUV while exiting the freeway.

Bette and Tina almost in unison started asking Whit is Shane OK?! Is she alive? How bad is it? Whit was really trying her best to calm her friends down. Notification of a death or accidents was the worst thing and Whit hated it more than anyone.

Especially now as she stood telling her best friends about another dear friend. It was killing Whit inside, but she had a job to do. Whit explained that Shane was airlifted to the hospital. She had no I.D. on her so it wasnt until Whit showed up to question the accident victim before anyone knew it was Shane. By then Shane was being rushed into surgery.

Bette: Whit please, how did this happen? How could this happen to Shane? Shes a safe driver.

Whit: Bette, I’m not supposed to release this yet. I could get in a lot of trouble. Promise me…

Tina: For god sake Whit spit it out.

Whit: Ok, Look we noticed a fluid leaking on the ground exiting off the ramp leading down to the crash site. Bette, I think your brake lines were tampered with. I think this was meant for you or Tina. I’m sorry, but thank god you werent in it or had the babies in there. It totaled the SUV Bette.

Neither one of them could say a word. Bette and Tina just sat there in shock. Then snapping out of it they started making phone calls. Bette called Kit to come over and stay with the Twins. Tina was on her cell phone calling Alice. Bette and Tina decided they would pick Carmen up themselves and break the news to her on the way to the hospital. Everyone else would meet them there except Dana. No one knew where she was.

Shane was still in Surgery while everyone sat in the waiting room. Stacey was on leave from the hospital since she was due any week now with their baby. She made Whit come by and take her to be with their friends. Nothing was more important. Especially hearing that Shane had suffered a head trauma. Stacey wanted to make sure Shane had the best doctors and care. They at least didnt have to worry about Bettes old doctors since they were fired and lost their license.

Dr. Berry came out through the OR doors and headed straight for Stacey and the others. Directing her comments at Stacey since technically Shane had no blood relative there. Stacey was listed as Shanes Doctor to prevent any problems with the hospital staff. Dr. Berry left after passing them information onto Stacey. Stacey motioned for every one to take a seat so she could explain what they all heard.

Stacey: Ok so you know Shane is out of surgery and she is going to live. She has a head trauma, broken ribs, and her Femur was broken. Thats the large bone in your thigh. Thats what she had to have surgery for. Dr. Berry repaired the break with a steel rod placed down the center of the shaft of the femur. Shane will be in ICU for a while them moved to a room. I know you all want to see her but only two at a time right now. Dr. Berry said she is conscious and alert at this time but really doped up so she might not know you are there.

Everyone knew that Bette and Tina felt horrible about the wreck. It was their SUV after all and both felt so guilty that Shane had been hurt. They had to see for themselves that she was ok.

Bette and Tina held hands supporting each other as they entered Shanes hospital room. Both gasped at the sight of the dear friend. She was badly bruised and had a large cast on her right leg. Her head was wrapped with a bandage covering a small wound and she had a concussion. Other than that thank god she was alive. Bette didnt gave a damn about the SUV. It could be replaced. Shane couldnt.

Trying to focus her eyes on the figures that stood in front of her Shane started flirting with Tina.

Shane: Hey wheres that sponge bath you promised me if Id stop grabbing your *****.

Tina: Shane honey. Its Tina and Bette. Shane its us honey. How are you feeling.

Shane: OH *****! Sorry, T. These drugs are some awesome ***** ya know. Sorry about the bath thing.

Bette: Its ok Shane. We just came in to see. To make sure

Tina: We wanted to see how you were and if you need anything.

Shane: I’m great now. Give me another 30 minutes and ask when I can punch that morphine button again. Ill be even better. (laughing)

Bette: Listen kiddo. Anything you need or want you just tell me ok. Anything at all just call if I’m not here.

Shane: There is something.

Tina: Anything honey.

Shane: Carmen. Shed gonna be so mad I didnt pick her up.

Tina: Shane she’s here. We picked her up and told her about your accident. Shes been her the entire time and wouldnt leave. Shes waiting to see you next.

Shane: Is she ok? Shes not mad I missed our date is?

Bette: I think the drugs are kicking in pretty good.

Tina: Shes not mad honey. Just worried about you. Well go get her ok.

Shane: OK cool.

Kissing Shane good bye and reminding her again if she needs anything. Just call. Ill be back tomorrow ok Shane, Bette said before closing the door. Alice went in then left leaving Carmen and Shane alone.

Carmen: Hey you. Boy are you a sight for sore eyes. How are you feeling? Tina said youre having a party on drugs.

Shane: Hey yourself. Sorry I never made it. I was really looking for to us going back to my place.

Carmen: Shane its ok really. I’m more concerned about you. You have some pretty banged up stuff going on here. Are you sure youre ok. I mean considering your broken leg and all.

Shane: MY LEGS BROKEN!?? Oh my god.

Carmen: Oh Shane. I am so sorry. I thought you knew.

Shane: I do know. (laughing then grabbing her ribs) Ah ***** that hurt. Sorry I was being a smartass joking with you. Boy I paid for that.

Carmen: I’m so sorry baby.

Shane hit the pain button and was out like a light.

Carmen leaned down and kissed Shane on her cheek being careful not to hurt her ribs or leg. She whispered Ill be here Shane. Ill be here.