(Justin and Julie are sitting on his office couch. He had taken her for a walk to calm her down. He was awaiting word from Harold Bombier in Nunavut, who hadn’t been reachable the past few hours. The phone rings and he walks over to his desk to answer it, remaining standing.)

JUSTIN- “Morneau speaking. Yes Harold? It’s confirmed?” (His face drops.) “Ok. Thank you Harold. I appreciate that. I think it would be best if they could transport them here. It’s alright. I understand you got back to me as soon as you could. Yes, thank you my friend.” (He turns to Julie, who now reacts with an even more solemn look as she sees Justin’s face. He walks over, sits down, and takes her hand.) “She’s in critical condition. They managed to stabilize her but they have transported both her and Bette to a trauma centre in Montreal. We are doing everything we can to ensure they are brought here to New York.”

JULIE- (Her tear soaked eyes re-emerged and she slowly shook her head.) “Justin, I need to go to her.”

JUSTIN- (Comforting her) “I know, I knowit’s okit’s going to be ok. She’s going to pull through, I just know it.”

JULIE- (She intensifies her statement.) “I need to go to her Justin.”

JUSTIN- “I know Julie and I’d like to go with you. There’s nothing I want to do more right now. But there’s nothing we can do and they’re going to bring them here as soon as possible.” (Julie cries into Justin’s embrace. After a few moments, she reverts to her solemn state. What she just learned wasn’t a surprise reallyshe somehow knew.) “I have to call Bette’s family, her sister in Los Angeles.” (The phone rings. He walks over after reassuring Julie.) “Yes? Yes, this is he. Yes, hello Peggy. How did you know? Oh I see. Well, I understand they’re being transported to Quebec, yes a trauma center in Montreal. I don’t know. I assumed it would be too dangerous but apparently the weather system moved through and they were stabilized enough to be taken there via a specialized military medical transport. Yes, it’s a topnotch facility. I would prefer that yes. Ms. Dobbs’ family is here and certainly we have excellent facilities. I don’t know whether they’ll cooperate. Their medical conditions, especially Ms. Dobbs’ might prevent them from being transported further. I would be much obliged if you would do that. Well, I just learned of their respective conditions. I was about to contact Bette’s sister in Los Angeles. Bette is conscious so she has to be told about her daughter. I assume that her sisterOh, I see. Alright, yes, thank you. I appreciate your assistance. I look forward to seeing you again; it’s been quite some time. Thank you. Yes, we’re all very close here, so it has come as quite a shock. Thank you. Good bye.” (He hangs up and prepares to make another call.)

(At the hospital in Los Angeles, Tina has returned to Angelica’s room, in the ICU where she was moved overnight. She is standing over her, gazing at her, Tina’s eyes and face appear pummeled by fear, worry, sleepless nights, and tears. Alice is consoling her as best she can. Tina has reverted into her own world. She looks at Angelica as intensely as she can. Her heart is pained by the sight of her daughter, but she clings to thisbecause she loves her but also because the view she has of the little girl is the only tangible link she has now to the woman that Angelica actually reminds her ofa woman for whom she now feels a most painful connection that is so tenuous yet so intense that she cannot understand it. She had been running away from her for so long and now She cannot believe what is happening. She is lost in herself and in her conflicting circumstancesso much is going on, but so little is happening. Everything is in disarray, yet everything is now really very basic and straightforwardlife and death. Tina has been mostly silent and unresponsive to any person, words or touch. In the hallway, Shane and Helena sit with Kit. A nurse approaches.)

NURSE- “Ms. Porter? There’s a phone call for you at the desk from a Mr. Morneau.” (Kit nods and Shane and Helena accompany her to the phone. Cell phones weren’t allowed so she gave Justin the hospital’s number and the desk extension.)

KIT- “Hello. Yes Justin.” (She gasps. Her tears flow…) “Oh thank youthank you, dear Godthank you. My prayers are with her, with you and her family. Thank you, you’ve been so kind. Yes. Well I want to go to her as soon as possible. I have to tell her about her daughter. This is going to be very devastating. She just survived a disaster and now she has to learn that her daughter is seriously ill. Who? She did?” (Kit turns and looks at Helena.) “She’s going to do all that? Alright. Yes, I prefer she be told in person. I agree. That’s fine. Yes, I’m certain. Thank you. You’re very kind. Goodbye.” (She starts crying and hugs Shane.) “She’s okshe’s going to be ok. They’re taking her and he colleague from the hospital in Canada to New York as soon as they can.”

SHANE- (Crying) “Oh thank God.” (Helena cries and strokes Kit on her upper back.)

KIT- (She releases Shane and looks at Helena.) “Your mother is going to bring Bette to Los Angeles. She’s going to tell her about Angelica.”

HELENA- “Are you sure you’re ok with that Kit?”

KIT- “I want to tell her myself. But I really don’t want to break the news over the telephone to my sister, whom I want more than anything right now to hold in my arms. There’s no point in me flying to New York if your mother is going to personally bring her here. Your mother is a good woman Helena, andthank youI appreciate what you have done in these past few horrible hours. I think I better go and talk to Tina.” (Helena pats her on the shoulder.)

HELENA- “Ok Kit. I’m going to get food for her and Alice downstairs and some coffee. Shane can I get you anything?”

SHANE- “Why don’t I come with you? Kit, we’ll be right back.” (They leave and head downstairs to the main floor of the hospital. Kit goes to Tina.)


PEGGY PEABODY- (She’s in New York, in her office. After hanging up with Justin, she’s on the phone again.) “Hello Jacques. Yes, it’s Peggy. How are you? Yes I’m fine.” (Smiling) “Jacques you crazy Canuck, you send me another stuffed beaver again and I’ll call my friends at the Pentagon! Oh, is that what that thing was? Well, I don’t know about that! My goodness. Yes, the Pentagon. Well, I’ll just request they invade you after all. Manifest destinyit’s just a matter of time Jacques.” (She chuckles.) “Listen, I am actually calling on serious business. I need a favour and it’s relatively urgent. Yes. Thanks Jacques. My people were on a plane that went down in your Nunavut yesterday. I understand that they’ve been rescued by your military and have been taken to a trauma centre in Montreal. Yes, yes, that’s right. I was surprised they didn’t keep them at the military hospital in Iqaluit but they were quick in getting them to the best medical centre in Quebec. Yes I know, but here’s the thingI have been in contact with the employer of the two women passengers, the Whitney Museum. Yes. I’d greatly appreciate it if you could ensure that they be transported as soon as possible to New York. Yes, I know, she’s in critical condition. I understand she’s not out of the woods yet but that she’s as stable as they can manage. Well, I’m in agreement with the Whitney. I want them taken directly to La Guardia and by emergency transport to NYU Medical Centre. Whatever their insurance and the Canadians can’t cover financially, I understand that the Whitney will. I’m happy to facilitate in any way I can. I thought that with your position at the Prime Minister’s office it might be helpful to get your input as I don’t know whether the staff at the hospital or whoever is in charge now over in Montreal will cooperate as quickly as possible. Thanks so much Jacques. Yes, of course, anytime. As for the native art collection, whatever the Whitney needs to insure that it can still borrow the collection, I stand behind them. This Justin Morneau fellow seems quite good. I just want you to know that I completely support it and if he needs my assistance in any way I’ll be jumping in. Yes Jacques. If there’s anything I can do, let me know. Bye bye now.” (She hangs up and dials another number.) “Helena? Yes. Listen to me. Has Kit heard any news yet? Ok, good. Yes, Bette is going to be alright. She has a head injury, some cuts on her head and arm, but it doesn’t appear to be anything life threatening. Her colleague is in serious condition. No, now they’re in a hospital in Montreal as you must know by now. I’ve done what I can to facilitate their transport to New York. No, you stay in Los Angeles. I’m already here so I will take care of Bette. The company jet is here in any event. Just make sure that Kit, Tina and the child have everything they need. I already spoke to Justin Morneau, the chair at the Whitney. He’s leaving the matter of informing Bette to me, pending Kit’s approval, so I need to speak with her. What? And she agrees? Alright. Yes. Just do what I said. We’ll talk later. Bye.”


(Kit approaches Tina in the ICU. She moves up next to her and looks at Alice. Tina looks at Kit, and both sets of eyes are darting back and forth. Kit starts off, “I just heard” Tina starts slowly nodding, as though she could interpret the look in Kit’s eyesand here chest feels like it’s going to explodeshe starts to mouth “she’s ok?”Kit nods. Alice raises her hand to her mouth and releases a sigh and some tears as she cries and takes hold of Angelica’s hand, looking to Tina, Kit, and then back to Angelica. Tina sighs and breathes deeply as Kit accepts her into an embrace. Tina’s eyes had dried for some time, but now they moistened quickly. Kit says while holding Tina, “She doesn’t know yet. They’re going to take her to New York. Peggy Peabody is there. She’s going to tell her about what’s going on here and then fly her out here as soon as possible.” Tina nods into Kit’s shoulder. She asks “when Kit?” Kit thought the question was a bit odd, as she did say ‘as soon as possible’ and her sister was injured though not seriously “soon, very soonas soon as they can.” Tina slowly withdrew and reverted to Angelica. Alice came around to stand next to Tina. The mother bent down over Angelica and whispered in her ear, stroking her head. Kit couldn’t hear what she had said but somehow she knew that Bette’s name was central to what was imparted to her daughter.)

(At the Montreal hospital, the doctor walks into Miranda’s room. Bette is sitting in a chair next to the bed, with her hand on Miranda’s, and her head lying next to the hand. The doctor stops for a moment to take in this site. She’s concerned as Bette is due to be released after the test results confirmed only a concussion, but she’s not released just yet and should be resting, thought the good doctor. She slowly approaches and checks the machines hooked up to Miranda. Bette lifts her head and looks up.)

DOCTOR- “Good morning.”

BETTE- “Hi. Are you her doctor?”

DOCTOR- “Yes, and I’m yours as well. I’ve been briefed by Dr. Jeffries, who examined you yesterday. What are you doing out of bed Ms. Porter?”

BETTE- “I’m fine. How is she?”

DOCTOR- “Stable, but if you’re asking for a prognosis, I don’t know.”

BETTE- “What?”

DOCTOR- “Well, that’s the abbreviated version. We’ve done all we can. Certainly, the medics did a good job, so that helped. It is a question of time. We won’t know for a while yet. If she doesn’t awake within the next couple of days, it may be a long haul. For now, we have her as stable as possible. Technically, she’s critical but stable. I honestly don’t know how she made it this far, but the fact she has is, to me, a good sign. I repaired all the internal damage, but she had lost a lot of blood. There were no fatal wounds to the main organs, but it was touch and go for a while last night. And you my dear, how’s your head?”

BETTE- “Fine.”

DOCTOR- “The arm? Here, let me have a look at youyou’ll save me a trip to your room.” (She walks over and examines Bette, who continues to look at Miranda.)

BETTE- (She suddenly remembers) “Doctor, has the museum been notified? Do you know?”

DOCTOR- “Yes. I was told that your colleagues from the museum were informed before you both arrived here. I have actually been speaking with the head of my department. I understand you are both to be transported to New York. We all are. I wouldn’t otherwise approve, but given her relatively stable condition and the specialized military transport involved, it should be fine.”

BETTE- “Military?”

DOCTOR- “Yes. The Canadian military will be facilitating the move. They’re the ones who brought you both to Montreal. They’re quite effective. You’ll be flown to La Guardia and taken my medical transport, likely helicopter to NYU Medical Center. I’m indicating that you should be transferred with her, even though we can probably release you. I’ll be accompanying you for the trip to ensure everything goes as well as possible. I was surprised my department chief authorized everything, but it seems you have some very special people looking over you in addition to us. In any event, the additional movement from the transport shouldn’t really be a huge factor.”

BETTE- “Thank you.”

DOCTOR- “You’ve been through quite an ordeal.” (She puts her hand on Bette’s upper arm.) “Everything is going to be alright. She’s a tough lady your friend here and you, well, I’m sure that while things have been a bit rough, you’ll be just fine.” (She starts to leave.)

BETTE- “Doctor”

DOCTOR- “Yes?”

BETTE- “What’s your name?”

DOCTOR- “Myrddin, Dr. Helen Myrddin.”

BETTE- “Thank you Dr. Myrddin.”

DR. MYRDDIN- “You’re most welcome. I’ll see you soon.” (She exits. Bette stands slowly and strokes Miranda’s head. She let’s go and turns to walk to the window. She stands there looking out. She feels unique, she feels solitary, she feels odd, she suddenly feels aloneso very alone and unsettledshe starts thinking about Miranda and then Julie and Justinand thenas though a foreign concept reasserting itself onto her consciousness after being ostracized by her stubbornness before the perilous flightfamiliar thoughts and faces impact herKither familydo they know? No one in New York really has information about them, she thinks to herself. ‘My family’? Kit? She starts to feel anxious and sees the love of her life in her mind’s eye againshe feels so far away, she feels distantdoes she really exist? Does this little being really exist? She’s gone from her world, this new world of hersand now, after cheating death, here she is, on the other side of the continent, feeling like she was on the other side of the world, on another planet, another planea reality she never envisioned those months ago. ‘My Angelica,”no, not anymoremy little girlhow is she? How is my little girl? I left herI leftGod damn itwhy did I even survive?’ Suddenly, she turns to Miranda, having heard sighs)

BETTE- “Miranda?” (Miranda is moaning and moving) “Miranda?!” (She moves up to her and puts both hands on her upper body) “MirandaMiranda” (The monitors escalate their electronic soundsBette doesn’t know what’s happeningthe door opens and a nurse and Dr. Myrddin run in)

DR. MYRDDIN- (She runs up to Miranda and starts examining her and looking at the monitors.) “Dane, get Dr. Franks.” (The nurse runs out.)

BETTE- “What’s happening?”

DR. MYRDDIN- “Her vitals are in flux.” (She ignores Bette and continues examining Miranda. Dr. Franks runs in with two nurses.) “Doug, they’re all over the place.” (The heart monitor emanates sounds that seem franticthe medical staff reacts in kind and their movements intensify and they start to yell out information to one anotherit’s all becoming a frantic blur to Bette as she stands there helplessly) “Damn it”

BETTE- (She calls out to her friend) “Miranda!”

DR. FRANKS- “Crash cart!” (He grabs the paddles as the nurse sets the machine.) “Clear” (The electric paddles exert a shock to revive the almost lifeless heart) “Setclear” (A second shock exerts itself on Miranda’s body)

BETTE- “MIRANDA”

DR. FRANKS- “Set to 23″

DR. MYRDDIN- “Doug!!!” (Dr. Franks turns to look at the monitorit has picked up a heartbeat)

DR. FRANKS- “Thank goodness. She’s hanging on.” (Bette hears the sounds and views the sights of the scene but as though she’s watching a dream and hearing a cacophony of sounds she doesn’t understandbroken words, beeps, and voices)

DR. MYRDDIN- “Nurse100 milligrams, statokokay, there we goit’s stable” (They watch her for a few moments and monitor her.)

DR. FRANKS- “Helen, she’s waking” (Dr. Myrddin moves to Miranda’s face and Dr. Franks is on the other side touching her hand and shoulder) “Ms. Dobbs? Miranda? Can you hear me? I’m doctor Franks” (Bette goes to Miranda’s bedside)

BETTE- “Miranda” (Dr. Myrddin grabs Bette, brings her close to Miranda, takes Bette’s hand and puts it on Miranda’s upper chest, placing the palm of her hand over Miranda’s heart. Bette is looking at the doctor as she’s doing this.)

DR. MYRDDIN- (To Bette) “Talk to herNOW” (She continues to monitor vital signs.)

BETTE- (Her voice is cracking but holding up as her eyes release their tears) “Mirandasweetieit’s me BetteMs. Dobbs, you better wake up or I swear I’ll beat the crap out of you! Mirandaplease wake up.” (Miranda moves slightly but her eyes are still closed. The monitors are emitting sounds of life.) “You better friggin wake up or I’ll steal Julie from you!” (The heartbeat over the monitor starts to fluctuate. The doctors get anxious and then a regular heartbeat blooms) “Oh sureTHAT got your attention didn’t it! Damn straight Ms. Dobbs, Julie is mine if you check out” (Tears stream down Bette’s face. Dr. Myrddin moves in closer on the other side as Dr. Franks moves to the heart monitor to examine the readout.)

DR. MYRDDIN- “You heard her Ms. Dobbsyou gonna let this woman steal your love? Come on now” (She looks up at Bette who breaks a bit of a smile. Miranda’s mouth opens slightly and she seems like she’s trying to form words. Her eyes then open slightly. Bette strokes her head.) “There you gothat’s right, fight for the woman you loveI knew you were no pushover” (She winks at Bette. Dr. Franks walks over.)

DR. FRANKS- “Hey there brave lady. I’m Dr. Franks. Miranda, do you understand what we’re all saying? Blink once if you do.” (Miranda blinks.) “Good, very good.” (He nods to Dr. Myrddin, who then examines Miranda’s eyes.) “You gave us a bit of a scare, but I think you’re out of the woods. And now I think I want to meet this Julie of yours!” (Miranda smiles and starts to mouth something)

BETTE- “It’s ok sweetie, you don’t have to talk”

MIRANDA- “Ddon’tdon’t even think it Porter if you go anywhereanywhere near herif anybody…anybody doesthey’re dead meat” (Bette laughs and cries at the same time)

BETTE- “Spoken like a true New Yorker”

MIRANDA- “Queens” (The doctors laugh.)

DR. MYRDDIN- “Miranda, I hate to tell you this, but you’re in a hospital in Canadayou’re in Montreal.”

MIRANDA- “Enchante”

DR. MYRDDIN- “Moi aussi madame”

DR. FRANKS- “Hey, how about me?” (Miranda tries to laugh) “I’m jealous. Can’t speak French to save my life.”

DR. MYRDDIN- “It’s truehe’s hopeless” (Miranda smiles.)

DR. FRANKS- “Nurse” (She comes over and he gives her instructions.) “Now Miranda, you won’t be stranded here in Canada for long. We’ll have you over to your Julie in no time. Soon, sometime tomorrow perhaps, assuming you keep up the good work, we’ll be transporting yourself and Ms. Porter here directly to New York.” (Miranda smiles.) “I thought that would make you happy.” (He pats her on the shoulder.) “I’ll be going now, but we’ll see you soon.” (He nods to the others and leaves.)

DR. MYRDDIN- “Alright Miranda, let me just listen in now” (She continues to examine her and listen to her heart. Bette holds Miranda’s hand, never looking away from her.)

(During the next twenty-four hours or so, Bette rarely leaves Miranda’s side. Miranda seemed to be doing a bit better. They even exchanged a couple of words from time to time and then Miranda would rest. While asleep most of the time, when awake Miranda had been watching Bette and was almost more concerned about Bette than herself.)

MIRANDA- “Hey”

BETTE- “Hey sweetie. Do you want more ice? I’ll put some on your mouthit’ll feel good.”

MIRANDA- “Bette what are you doing?”

BETTE- (She looks over her as she stops fussing) “What do you mean?”

MIRANDA- “II’m fine. I knowI don’t look too pretty right now, but I’ll be fine. Why are you still here?”

BETTE- “Didn’t you hear what the doctors said? We’re going to New York soon.”

MIRANDA- “Still got that west coast haze huh?”

BETTE- “What?”

MIRANDA- “Why are you going to New York?”

BETTE- “I don’t understand”

MIRANDA- “Wow, you really hit that head of yours hard”

BETTE- “Miranda, I don’t”

MIRANDA- “You promised me.”

BETTE- “Promised what?”

MIRANDA- “If you got out alive you’d”

BETTE- “Oh THAT.”

MIRANDA- “Yeah, THAT!”

BETTE- “I’m heading back to New York with you. I want to make sure everything is ok. I live in New York now Mirandaremember? We work together”

MIRANDA- “You promised.”

BETTE- “I willbut after I get you back to Julie.”

MIRANDA- “You’ll do no such thing. Forget New York, at least for now. Get the next flight out of here to L.A.”

BETTE- “Everything is fine. There’s no rush. Besides, I don’t think it makes a difference.”

MIRANDA- “You know, life altering events like the catastrophe we just lived through are supposed to enlighten one, not cause immense stupidity.” (Bette bows her head.) “What? What’s wrong?”

BETTE- “I’ve been feeling so far from them. I feel like I’m losing hershe’s letting go of meforgetting mesomehow disappearing from my life. It feelsI want to see her so desperately but what right do I have nowI left, MirandaI leftthat’s what this catastrophe reminded meI left her” (She sighs and the lump in her throat forces out a few tears that stream down her face as she wipes them) “It feels like a tunnel to her, the only connection to herto themis collapsingI’ve been feeling it more intensely this past while”

MIRANDA- “So you run in the opposite direction? Bette, I don’t understand you. Even battered, broken, and bruised, every fiber of my being is yearning for Julieare you standing there telling me you’re not overwhelmed, even with your doubts, just totally overwhelmed by the desire to go to them?”

BETTE- “All I ever wanted to do was go to thembut “

MIRANDA- “You’re being stupidfor all the Ivy League in your brain, you’re really being very stupid”

BETTE- “MirandaI intend to keep my promise and there’s nothing I want more than to see my child but as soon as”

MIRANDA- “Get out.”

BETTE- “What?”

MIRANDA- “Get outnow.”

BETTE- “NoI won’twhat’s wrong with you?”

MIRANDA- “I can’t listen to this rubbishlook at me BetteLOOK at me if I had any ability to move I’d be running out of this hospital and heading straight for the airport for the first flight to New York. Julie was probably writhing in painthinking she was losing me. For all we know she might still lose me with all these machines I’m hooked up toanywayI don’t know what hurts moremy battered body or the thought of her sitting there waiting to hearand now waiting to touch me as I sit here spending every single moment focusing on the image of her in my mindwell, at least the moments I’m not wasting trying to get through that ridiculously thick skull of yours.”

BETTE- “I’m sorryI” (Just then, the medical staff enter the room.)

DR. MYRDDIN- “Ok ladies, time to get you ready for our journey. The transport is on the way. It’ll take some time. We should be able to leave within the next several hours.” (The staff examines Miranda and after a while Bette wanders out to her room. She sits on her bed and starts thinking and seeing her beloved as her eyes close and she cries. After a few moments Bette wipes her face, turns to the phone and calls Justin.)

BETTE- “Hi Justin. Yes, yes. Everything is still fine. She’s improving, yes. I’m fine. Thank you. Please tell Julie I’m by her side. Yes. Justin listen, II need to go to Los Angeles” (She struggles to keep the lump in her throat at bay) “I need to see my familywould you mind if I just went there for a little while? I promise I’ll be back at work soon. Maybe just a couple of weeks” (He cuts her off)

JUSTIN- “Don’t be silly, you can go for as long as you like. But Bette, I think it’s best if you come to New York first.” (He’s trying to figure out how to prevent her from leaving before Peggy can be reached. He can’t tell her about Kit, so he plays it by ear.)

BETTE- “Justin I really need to go to Los Angeles.”

JUSTIN- “Ok, but Bettelisten, why don’t you give me some time and I’ll make the arrangements?”

BETTE- “Ok. They’re planning to transport Miranda in a few hours or so.”

JUSTIN- “Just stay put. Don’t leave. I’ll call you back.”

BETTE- “Ok, fine. Thanks, I appreciate it.”

JUSTIN- “It’s the least I can do. Goodbye.” (He hangs up and dials another number.) “Peggy? Hello, it’s Justin. I have a problem. I just got a call from Bette. She wants to fly to Los Angeles directly and she’s pretty intent on doing so. I’ve told her to wait and that I’d make the arrangements. I thought I’d check with you. Do you think we should just let her go without her knowing what she’s going to find there or should I just get her sister or yourself to speak to her on the phone?Ohok. Well, that’s your callwhatever you think is best. Ok, I’ll call her back. Peggy, thank you. Yes, they’re transporting her in the next several hours. Yes. Right. Ok. Goodbye.” (He hangs up and calls Bette.) “Hi Bette. Listen, in a few hours, someone is going to be coming by to take you to the airport for a direct flight to LA. Yes, no don’t worry, everything is arranged. Yes. Ok. Bye.”

(Bette hangs up. She goes in to see Miranda. Just before she approaches she sees the nurse holding a telephone receiver to Miranda’s ear and Miranda has tears streaming down her face and is nodding. Bette slowly approaches and overhears the conversation.)

MIRANDA- “I love you. Everything is going to be just fine. I can’t wait to see you. Soon my love, soon. I love you. Bye.” (The nurse hangs up the phone and leaves. Bette walks up to Miranda, pulls some tissue from the box on the nightstand and proceeds to wipe Miranda’s face gently.) “Thanks.”

BETTE- “You know, my thick skull was finally penetrated”

MIRANDA- “Oh?”

BETTE- “I called Justin. He’s going to arrange a flight to LA from here.”

MIRANDA- “Well glory be!”

BETTE- “I justI didn’t want you to travel back alone”

MIRANDA- “I know, I know sweetiethank you.  But there are more important things than accompanying my sorry ass to New York right now.  And I’m fine, so you don’t need to worry. You haven’t left my side since I got here for crying out loud.  You really need to get a life Bette.” (Both of them chuckle.) “Besides, that Dr. Myrddin is coming with me. So, don’t worryok? I love you.”  (Bette reaches out and grasps Miranda’s hand.) “I’ll miss youand so will Julie. She’s so happy that you’re ok. Lily says we’re throwing a big dinner and a night at the symphony just to celebrateand we’ll be waiting for you to get back to do it.”  (Bette strokes Miranda’s face and smiles, a tear slowly making it’s way down Bette’s cheek.)

(A few hours pass. Bette is in her room, standing at the window, awaiting word from Justin. There’s a knock at her door and as she turns to look at the door it slowly opens.)

PEGGY- (Carrying a bag and looking stunning.) “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

BETTE- (She shakes her head and stares at Peggy, with her mouth slightly hanging open.) “Peggy?”

PEGGY- (She walks over to her and stands right in front of her) “Bette Porter, you are one lucky woman. I” (Her speech is impeded by a lump in her throat. She struggles to maintain the Peabody presence, and as speaks further her eyes betray her) “I’m so very glad to see you.”

BETTE- (She smiles.) “How did you know?”

PEGGY- “You little shithow could you move to New York and not pay me a visit?”

BETTE- “II”

PEGGY- “Oh forget it. I spoke with Justin Morneau. It just so happens I’m on my way to LA on the company jet. I told him I’d be happy to give you a lift. I’m parked at Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport. We’ll go when you’re ready.”

BETTE- “But how”

PEGGY- “Bette” (She puts her hand on Bette’s face) “let’s sit down for a moment.”

BETTE- “Peggy”

PEGGY- “Sitplease” (They sit on the bed, next to one another. Peggy faces her and puts her hand on Bette’s.) “I found out about the crash and was in touch with the Whitney as well as the authorities all this time. Bette I found out from Helena.”

BETTE- “Helena?”

PEGGY- “Just after you left on your trip, Kit was trying to reach you. She called the Whitney”

BETTE- (Her eyebrows come together) “Peggy what’s”

PEGGY- “Pleaselet me finish…”

BETTE- “Peggy what’s wrong?”

PEGGY- “BettepleaseI’m trying to explain” (Bette’s heart sinks) “When Kit called she spoke with Justin. After the plane went down, he called her with the news. Fortunately, everything is ok and he informed Kit, so you don’t have to worry about that. But Bette, and please, I need you to stay calmthe reason why Kit was initially trying to reach you is because there’s a problem back homeit’s your daughter Angelicashe’s fallen ill.”

BETTE- (It was as though a determined blow was delivered to her guther torso fell forward slightly and she sighed) “WhatI”

PEGGY- (Raising her hands to grab hold of Bette’s upper arms) “Betteshe is at the hospital and all your friends and family are there. She is in the best medical hands available in Los Angeles. She’s”

BETTE- “Tina “

PEGGY- “Tina, not unlike any mother under the circumstances, is not doing too well, from what I hear, but she’s holding up. She hasn’t left Angelica’s side and neither have Kit or the other girlsall your friends. They don’t know what’s wrong yet, but apparently she’s been acting up for the past while and it suddenly got worse in the past few days.” (Bette begins to shake her head.) “They took her to emergency. She is undergoing tests and being examined by the best doctors.” (Bette stands, and Peggy follows) “Bette, it’s going to be ok. That’s why I’m hereI’m here to take you to your daughterto your family.” (Bette shakes her head and tries to talk. Peggy walks right up to her and holds her by the upper arms) “It’s going to be ok, but she needs youyour daughter needs you and I’m going to take you to heryou’re going to be by her side in a matter of hourseverything is going to be ok.”

BETTE- (She tries to talk but her voice cracks and she falls into Peggy’s embrace sobbing.) “NoI love herI love her so much”

PEGGY- “I know, I knowshe loves you too I’m sure” (Peggy pulls back and tries to lighten things a bit with some encouraging words, in her own unique way) “Hec, she probably concocted this whole thing just to force you to get your butt over to hershe knows she has you wrapped around her little fingerdon’t let her fool youshe’s a smart little girland I’m on her side, so let’s get you ready. I brought some things for you in case you didn’t have clothes and needed toiletries.” (Peggy puts the bag she brought on Bette’s bed.) “Now, get yourself cleaned up and ready. I don’t want Angelica waiting any longer than she has to. Not to mention that feisty sister of yours andwell, they’re all anxiously waiting to see you. Bette, I’m so sorry you’ve been through so much and much more than most people can bear in these last two daysand now thisbut it’s going to be fineyou’re going home, and she’ll finally be back in your arms. But I’m sure she’s not a patient little woman and neither am I, so come onget ready.” (Peggy tries to get some of Bette’s things in order.)

BETTE- “I have to call Kit.”

PEGGY- “Bette, why don’t we get you ready and once we’re airborne you can think about calling her.” (Peggy was worried about Bette’s stateit could only get worse if she got into a conversation before they left the hospital. She preferred they were already on route.)

BETTE- “Peggyis there something you’re not telling me?”

PEGGY- “No. I just think it might be easier. Right now you might want to go and say goodbye to your colleague.” (Bette nods, wipes her tears, and heads off to Miranda’s room.)

BETTE- (She walks over) “Hey.”

MIRANDA- “Hi. Is everything ok?”

BETTE- (She walks up and puts her hand on Miranda’s hand.) “I’m going to fly directly to LA, so I just want to make sure you’re ok before I go. The person Justin sent to pick me up is here.”

MIRANDA- “Hey that’s great. I’m glad.”

BETTE- “Do you need anything? Can I do anything before I go?”

MIRANDA- “Yes, actually you can.”

BETTE- “Surewhat?”

MIRANDA- “Give me a goodbye kisson the cheek Porter” (Bette chuckles and sort of starts to get emotional.) “Nooooo.no crying. Not necessary. You and I survived the Polar Express jalopy catastrophe togetherwe’re both going to be in each other’s lives for the rest of our lives, one way or another. I say we have a lot to be happy about. I get to see Julie again and you get to see that family of yours. And soon, you’ll be back with us in New York celebrating with us, with Lily and Justin and Julie and I. So no tears.”

BETTE- (Putting her hand on Miranda’s upper arm) “Please kiss all of them for me?”

MIRANDA- “Of courseeven Lily.” (They chuckle and Miranda starts to tear up.) “Damn it, I need a drink!” (Bette laughs.)

BETTE- “You be good. I’ll miss youI wish I didn’t have to leave.”

MIRANDA- “Stop. Enough. I’ll miss you too but, like I said, we’ll be seeing each other in no time. Now give me my kiss and get going.” (Bette nods and bends down to kiss Mirandaexcept she kisses her on her forehead, drawing some tears from both women.) “I love you too.” (Bette strokes her face as she steps back and leaves. On her way to find Peggy in her room, Bette runs into Dr. Myrddin.)

DR. MYRDDIN- “I hear you won’t be joining us on the trek to New York Ms. Porter.”

BETTE- “No, I have to get to Los Angeles.”

DR. MYRDDIN- “Bette” (She walks up to her and puts her hand on her arm.) “Dr. Norman is one of the top pediatricians in the countryyour daughter is in good handsand so are you.”

BETTE- “How did you know?”

DR. MYRDDIN- “They just filled me in. That Peggy Peabody woman is like a force of natureshe tried to get me to fill her in on your condition but I can’t do that. Anyway, you’re going to be fine. Everything is going to be alright.”

BETTE- (She starts sobbing) “I don’t even know what’s wrong with her”

DR. MYRDDIN- “They don’t really know yet, if I understand correctly. They’ve stabilized her and are running tests. It could be anything. It’s especially difficult with children, because you can’t get a good idea of the symptoms. It could be something systemic or a couple of different conditions that have come together to cause complications that may not have arisen if she only had one problem. And it could be something as simple as an infection. They’ll figure it out, I’m sure. They’ve got a great department there. You just get to her and I’m sure everything will work out.”

BETTE- “I wish there was something I could do. I feel so helpless.”

DR. MYRDDIN- “Just go to her. Let her know you’re there, touch her, hold her, let her body and soul feel your presence. Don’t underestimate thatthe power of your touch. It can make a huge difference and promote the body’s natural energy and defences. Let the doctors do their work. You just focus on being a mother to her.”

BETTE- (She’s getting upset and angry simultaneously) “But I haven’t been I haven’t been there for her, I haven’t been a mother to her at allII abandoned her”

DR. MYRDDIN- “Heylistenyou just survived a plane crash in the Canadian arctic. It’s a miracle you and your colleague are alive. I don’t know what you mean by saying that you abandoned her, but right now you are going to do everything in your power. You are going to go to her now and be a mother to her. That’s all that matters now. Bettethink primarythink primalthink powerfulAnd when you talk to her, when you reach outwhen you communicatedon’t talk to this” (she gestures to her head) “talk directly to this” (she gestures to her heart.) “Give her all of yourself now and don’t look back.” (She smiles) “But I do expect at least a post card or something, letting me know how you all areok?” (Bette nods, wiping her tears.) “Your discharge papers are ready, so you can go Ms. Porter.” (They hug and the doctor leaves. Bette walks toward her room, but Peggy emerges with everything ready.)

PEGGY- “Ready?”

BETTE- “Yes. I just have to change.” (Bette goes into her room and puts on a change of clothes and emerges from her room to join Peggy. The two women walk to the elevator. Silence sets in. They enter the elevator, head to the main floor and exit to the awaiting airline limousine. Bette sits silently throughout the trip to the airport, looking spentmore of an emotional and psychological wreck than the physical devastation of the wreck she managed to walk out of alive. They arrived at the airport, checked in and boarded the corporate jet. Peggy left Bette alone, though not far from her. She kept a watchful eye throughout the flight. She made a few phone calls.)

(In Los Angeles, things were relatively unchanged.)

ALICE- “When do you think she’ll arrive?”

HELENA- “I don’t know. I don’t know if they’ve left yet. Mother hasn’t been answering my calls. But I don’t think we should be filling in Tina other than to tell her that she is on route. Kit did you tell her that efforts were being made to bring her here?”

KIT- “Yes, but that’s about all.”

SHANE- “Yeah, let’s just leave it at that.”

KIT- “She stopped asking when she’s coming. But she seemswell, it’s weird, it’s like she keeps waiting for her, expecting her to walk in at any moment.”

ALICE- “I walk in and out and she barely notices. Helena practically does hand stands and she doesn’t flinch. It’s like she’s in a trance the poor thing. She hasn’t stepped away from Angelica for more than a couple of minutes at a time, which is understandable, but she’s totally shut down, shut off or something.”

SHANE- “What did Dr. Norman say?”

KIT- “They’re doing more testssame old story. The ones they did last night came back negative.”

HELENA- “He said it could be anything at this point.”

ALICE- “This is scary for us, but can you imagine Tina? Helena, has Bette been told?”

HELENA- “As far as I know, my mother was going to await her arrival in New York with the other injured woman and then meet her at the hospital. She planned on telling her there. I’m going to go to the desk to check messages.” (She leaves.)

KIT- “Alice maybe you should you should go back in and make sure she’s alright.”

ALICE- “Actually, I think she wants to be alone. I got the feeling she doesn’t want anyone there right nowor whatever she does want or whomever she wants isn’tI dunno”

KIT- “I guess nothing and no one can really console herI can understand that. She just wants her girl to be ok. Damn it this frustrating. Why can’t they tell us anything? This is ridiculous.”

SHANE- “They seem to think she’s not getting worse though. At least she’s stable even though she’s in serious condition.”

ALICE- “That Dr. Norman seems good, but still no answers.”

KIT- “Something’s gotta giveand soon.”

HELENA- (Returning) “I got a message from motherapparently they’re already on the plane and en route directly from Montreal.”

KIT- “Thank God.”

ALICE- “How’s Bette?”

HELENA- “I don’t knowshe didn’t say in the voicemail.”

SHANE- “She must be a basket case thinking about Angelica. And she just went through hell. I can’t even imagine.”

ALICE- “I bet all she’s been thinking about is Angelica, whether she went through hell or notthis is her new hell.”

HELENA- “What do you mean? That Angelica is sick?”

ALICE- “Yeahseriously ill and she wasn’t hereI bet it’s worse for her than facing near death on that plane.”

KIT- “You’re right AliceI know you’re right.”


(On the plane, Bette is staring hopelessly out the small windowall she can see are sky and clouds. Her mind is racing. ‘My family’, she thinks, and she envisions her the last time she saw her and her thoughts speak the torture that’s now holding her heart and mind captive ‘my little girl’ ‘my little girl’ ‘I left herI leftdamn it’her tears are the only other meaningful commentary. Bette can’t stand the slow passage of time that stands between her and her daughter. She just came from a calamity she wasn’t expected to survive and now heading into a storm she doesn’t know she can weather. She almost lost her life in the past hours, but nownow she stands to lose everything that ever meant anything to herall over againshe already thought she lost these things, before she left L.A., but nownow the threatened loss is staggeringshe can’t fathom it. ‘Everything that meant anything’that sounded familiar, thought Betteshe’s heard it beforeand the image of Tina then takes its place in her troubled mind.

Bette almost winces at the thought of her former lover. It hurts now more than ever to think of her, to picture hernow probably holding her daughter and suffering a pain Bette would never wish upon her. Tinaher Tina…though not hers any longer, thought Bette. Once upon a time she was hers and Bette was beholden to Tinathere was no respite from the bond they shared, and now there seemed to be nothing to save it. She thought of her love for Tina and tried to remember it when it was still all encompassingbefore the love for Angelica had been brought into being. She tried on rare occasion to explain her feelings for Tina and now, with her eyes closed, she remembered one such attempt. Bette’s remembrance beginsshe’s talking to someonesaying her piecedeep in thought and intense in her words

“I turned around and there she wasthank Godthere she still waslying there in all her glory. That skin, those eyesthose intense and brilliant orbs that possessed me so. I was captivated, enraptured, and encumbered by themlost to the world when caught in her gaze but found in her…she was my salvation, my saviour, my saving gracethe end of the proverbial rainbow in my life…my deliverance. Hyperbole isn’t my style, but extremes are the only way to describe my feelings and her to myself, to others, to my hearta heart she captured, conquered and kept in the palm of her hand. She destroyed all my predispositions, all my hang-ups, all that came before her in my lifeand all that would come after would have to contend with her as my point of reference. She was the beginning, the end, and the journey from there and back. This was the simple and complicated effect of the woman that exorcised all my demons and took their place as my possessor. When I look at her, while she wakes, while she sleeps, while she lies there motionless just breathingall I think is ‘I am yoursall of metake me now and take me forevernever let me go.’ That’s what would be in my mind.”

MAN- “That’s intense. Did you always feel that way?”

BETTE- “Yes.”

MAN- “Is that how it began?”

BETTE- “Sort of.”

MAN- “Sort of?”

BETTE- “When I saw her the first time I didn’t see her with my eyesI saw her with my heart. My chest sank, my skin liftedraised from all of me like it had been dormant” (She pauses, looks down and then up at him) “Is this what it’s like? To love someone so much that it hurts? Because this hurtsreally just takes me over and immerses me in feelingsso many feelingsI’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

MAN- “That’s intense.”

BETTE- “You already said that.”

MAN- “Everything you say of her though IS intense.”

BETTE- “You don’t say much, do you?”

MAN- “You’re the one who really should be doing most of the talking, don’t you think?”

BETTE- “It’s my penny, but shouldn’t you share some insight or something?”

MAN- “When it’s warranted.”

BETTE- “It’s warranted. That’s what I’m here for. I could sit at home and hear myself talk, and I don’t have to pay anyone for it.”

MAN- “Truevery true.” (Looks down at his watch) “Time’s up.”

BETTE- “Figures.”

MAN- “Just getting good was it?”

BETTE- “Just getting painful.”

MAN- “Think about what we talked about today and we’ll pick it up next week.”

BETTE- “Easy for you to say.”

MAN- “Trust me, I don’t say these things for fun.”

BETTE- “Except you say them to everyone who happens to sit in this chair.”

MAN- “Some words of wisdom or healing really are applicable to everyone. Same time next week then?”

BETTE- “Yes, fine. Good bye.” (She gets up and leaves. She exits the office and then exits the building, and walks down the street, almost aimlessly.)

(On the plane with Peggy, Bette wakes from her conscious dream, her remembrance.)

PEGGY- (Standing) “Are you alright?”

BETTE- “No, no I don’t think I am.” (She wipes the tears from her face.)

PEGGY- (Sitting down in the seat next to Bette) “Is your arm alright? How’s your head?”

BETTE- (She shrugs) “I don’t knowfine I guess.” (Peggy is trying to assess Bette. She’s worried. There’s no way, Peggy thinks to herself, that Bette isn’t somehow left traumatized by the crash and nowhaving to face the fact that her daughter is in perilit’s just too much for a person to handle. Bette’s strong, Peggy ponders, but she’s worried about her and almost fears for what the next few days hold.)

PEGGY- “This really is incredible, all of this. No normal person knows how to deal with something like this. So, if you’re afraid, in factif you’re terrifiedI’m relieved. I’d be worried if you were calm or indifferentbut I’m not terribly at ease right now and I’m not even that close to you, your daughter, or your familyso I can’t even imagine how you feel. I just know that Helena has grown closer to you all, that she called on me to help, and that I couldn’t be happier that I could do somethinganything. But youall that you’re feeling Betteyou go on and feel it. Just don’t let it cloud your vision, your focus, your thoughts of what’s importantthe fundamentals. Let’s just focus on your little girl for now. And, if you need anything, all you need do is ask. Do you understand me?”

(Tears running down her face, Bette nods. Peggy pats her on the arm as she sits next to her, trying desperately to somehow share her burden and her pain.)