Bette sat nervously in the hospital waiting room with Angelica tucked securely in her arms, impatiently awaiting news about both Tina and Jenny.  Someone had turned on the television, and the news blared out in the background.  Dimly, she stared at the screen, hoping for a distraction, trying to pay attention to the newscaster’s words.

“In today’s top story, the search for survivors is on after today’s deadly southern California earthquake.  Whole neighborhoods lie in ruins, and the death toll is currently well over three hundred people.  Unfortunately, that number is only expected to rise.  In other news, ***** pop band BETTY is also missing and presumed dead after their studio collapsed in the quake.  They were at the studio creating music for the popular Showtime series – “

 Bette stood up and transferred Angelica into her carrier in order to reach up and hit mute on the television.  Hearing about the devastation only reminded her of the fact that she was currently living it.

“Bette!” a hysterical voice shouted.  Kit, her clothes torn, face dirty, and arms scratched, burst into the waiting room and threw herself at Bette.  “Oh my God, baby sis, I’m so glad to see you!  I thought”

Bette squeezed her back, burying her face in her sister’s shoulder.  “I know, Kit, I know.”

Kit pulled back, noticing the baby sleeping securely in her carrier.  “Thank the Lord Angelica is safe, too!  But where’s Tina?”

Biting her lip, Bette collapsed wearily into an uncomfortable chair, pulling Kit down beside her.  “She’s in with the doctors right now.  Her legs are broken and she has a concussion, but other than that, she seems to be doing okay.”  Bette rubbed her face tiredly.  “Jenny’s here, too, and KitI don’t know.  It didn’t look good.  I’m so worried.  *****, I hope she’s going to be all right – she saved Tee’s life.  And Mark’s around here somewhere, as well, but he’s fine.  Just a slight concussion.”

“Helena came in with me.  I found her buried in what’s left of The Planet.  She didn’t look so good, either.  And Lara” Kit looked away a moment.  “She didn’t make it.”

“What’s left of The Planet?  You mean it’s gone?  What do you mean Lara didn’t make it?” Bette demanded, gripping Kit’s arm tightly.