Bette let herself into the apartment – she had been out all afternoon so it wasn’t until after 5 that she had got back to the office and James had told her that Tina and Angie both had high 90’s temperatures and were feeling very ill. Bette had known as soon as James had relayed the message that their trip away for the weekend wasn’t going to happen. She gathered some papers up and took advice from James as to what medicines were suitable for children. She knew what Tina needed when she had a cold – lots of sleep and plenty of orange juice – she was less certain what Angie would need. So once she had been armed with a list from James she had set off to shop before heading home to see her sick lover and child.

The apartment was in darkness – she assumed that they were both tucked up in bed. She switched the lights on, locked the front door and turned up the dial on the heating before going in search of Tina and Angie. They were both in Bette and Tina’s bed. Angie was half awake – looking pale and sick, next to her Tina was looking even worse

“God – what on earth has hit the two of you ?”

“God knows – Angie fainted after breakfast – I nearly keeled over a couple of hours later “

Bette sat on the bed and touched Tina’s forehead

“God you are burning “

“I feel like I am “ Tina replied “I did try and keep going as long as possible “

“You should have rung me as soon as Angie fainted “

“I thought I could look after her- it wasn’t until I realised how ill I was when I realised that I needed help

“

Bette shook her head “I am here to take care of both of you – nothing is too good for you two “
“Sorry – I guess it might take me a little longer to shake off the feeling that I am bringing her up alone “

“Well I hope that this helps it get out of your head – I am here to love both of you and make sure that