“What are you doing here?” Tina exhaled, barely able to breathe. Her knees felt weak, but she didn’t want Bette to see that, so she locked her knees and stood frozen in place. Bette was blocking the apartment door, so Tina couldn’t even get past.

“I-I heard you were in the hospital. Dana said you needed stitches?” Bette said shakily, looking Tina over. She didn’t see anything wrong–and then she spotted it. Tina’s hand.

“Are you all right?”

I’m gonna kill Dana. “I’m fine.” Tina lowered her gaze. She couldn’t bear to look at the concern etched in Bette’s faceit would break her.

“Can I see it?”

“No.”

“Tina, look at me.”

Tina shook her head, found some courage and started to move for Alice’s door. As Tina expected, Bette grabbed her by the upper arm, stopping her. Tina spun around and ripped her arm from Bette’s grasp. “Leave me alone!” In two swift movements, Tina had unlocked the door and stepped inside, ready to slam it in Bette’s face. However, Bette slammed her hand against the door and put her foot against the frame, preventing Tina from closing it all the way.

That didn’t stop her from trying. “Bette!” She screamed in frustration, pushing on the door. She only had so much strength with just one good hand though.

“I’m sorry Tina; you have no idea how sorry I am.”

“Well that doesn’t fix it.” Tina hissed through gritted teeth, still trying to close the door.

“Then tell me what will. Tell me and I’ll do it.” Bette pleaded, tears pooling her eyes. She couldn’t stand to see Tina in that much pain and knowing that she caused it.

“You know what?” Tina shouted, pulling the door open and pushing her hand into Bette’s chest. She ignored the electricity that flowed through her arm with the connection, the anger overwhelming her. Bette stumbled backward, surprised at Tina’s aggression. “You promise me that I won’t have to feel like this ever again. Promise me that I’ll be able to trust you again.”

“I promise T. I promise that and more–” Bette nearly sobbed, moving for Tina, but Tina backed away.

“Promise me that you’ll never see her again.” Tina whispered, holding the door. Keeping herself standing was becoming a challenge. All of the emotions that were flowing through her body nearly suffocated her. I can’t get worked up. I can’t, it’s not good for the baby. The whole hospital experience showed her that she needed to take care of herself. No matter how much Bette worked her up, she had to remain calm. It was getting very hard to. Please, just go away!