«When’s the operation?», a visibly shaken Dana asked.

«Next week», Bette answered.

«No wonder you guys didn’t feel like socializing… Come here…», Alice told Tina as she pulled her into her arms.

«I’m going to be OK… Don’t worry about me…», Tina said.

«Of course we worry… Is there anything we can do for you?», Shane asked Bette.

Bette stroked her arm. «Just being there is enough… Tina needs all the support she can get»

«I’m glad she has you, Bette», Dana observed.

Tina gazed at Bette lovingly. «She’s my rock…», Tina said. Bette pulled her close and kissed her. «Don’t listen to her, she’s the strong one in the family»

Bette and Tina spent a wonderful evening with their friends and it occurred to them both how much they had missed Shane, Alice and Dana this past week. Their support and friendship meant a lot to Tina and she was grateful to have them around in this time of need. Before leaving, the three of them hugged Tina and told her how much they loved her.

«We’ll see you soon guys», Bette told them before closing the door. She joined Tina on the sofa. «Are you OK?», she asked as she noticed how quiet Tina had been at the end of the evening.

«I’m fine… Despite everything, I’m just so lucky… Lucky to have you and lucky to have friends like these guys…», she said.

Bette stood up and gave her hand to Tina. «Come to bed, baby, you need to rest now…», she said as she put her arm around her wife’s waist and guided her to the bedroom.

A week later, at the hospital…

«How are you feeling baby?», Bette asked to Tina who was waiting to go in the operating room. Tina looked so pale and fragile lying in her bed. She took Bette’s hand. «I’m OK… A bit nervous… », Tina said. She turned to her parents, who had flown the day before, and gave them a faint smile.

«Everything will be fine sweetie. Dr Prescott is the best, so you’ll be in good hands…», her mother replied, stroking her cheek. Her father was standing behind his wife, a loving smile on his face.

At that moment, Dr Prescott walked into the room. «Singing my praises already? I should hire you as my publicist», he told Mrs Kennard with a big smile. He turned to Tina. «Ready?», he asked as two orderlies came into the room behind him.

Tina took a deep breath. «As ready as I will ever be…»

As Tina was wheeled down the hall, Bette stayed by her side, holding her hand. When it was time to let go, she bent down and gently kissed Tina on the lips, whispering a sweet «I love you» in her ear. «I love you too», Tina whispered back.

With tears in her eyes, Bette saw her wife disappear behind the two blue revolving door. She stood there for a while, surrounded by Tina’s parents, then resigned herself to go to the waiting area. When they got there, Alice, Dana and Shane were already there. They turned around when they heard someone approaching.

«What are you doing here guys?», Bette asked, surprise.

«You didn’t think we could stay away, did you?», Shane replied.

«Thank you…», was all an emotional Bette could say before she fell into Shane’s arms.