Bette: “Tina, you can’t imagine what it feels like to be in my position. She obviously doesn’t care about me or she wouldn’t keep putting me throught this *****…..I can’t take the ***** abuse anymore.”

Tina knows this is an arguement she can’t win, so she drops it. By now, Bette is getting irritated by the whole situation.

Bette: “How the ***** long is this going to take?!”

Tina: “Baby, calm down, it’s for security purposes.”

The nurse returns and asks Bette for some identification.

Bette: “So what do you want a ***** birth certificate? or how about we draw some blood?”

The nurse is speechless, “uh……uh….. no ma’am…..a driver’s license is fine.”

Bette fumbles through her purse, looking for her ID.

Bette: “Where the ***** is it?” She slings her purse on to the counter and lets her face fall into her hands. Tina senses Bette’s frustration and takes the initiative to help. After a quick sifting, Tina finds the license and hands it to the nurse.

The nurse looks oddly at Bette who is now pacing in front of the desk. She hands the ID back to Tina, “Thank you, please take a seat and someone will be down to escort you up in just a moment.”

Tina puts her hands on Bette’s weary shoulders and guides her to a seat.

Tina: “Baby, I know you’re upset, but you have got to calm down. This temper of yours is not going to help anything, in fact, it will only make matters worse.”

Bette nods in agreeance as a stray tear escapes her eye. Tina hugs her tightly, caressing her soft brunette locks.

The nurses aide steps off the elevator and the nurse directs him towards Bette and Tina.

Aide: “Ms. Porter?”

Bette looks up, “That’s me.”

Aide: “If you’ll follow me I’ll take you up to see the police officer working your sister’s case.”

Both women stand.

Aide: “Oh I’m sorry you must come alone, Ms. Porter.”

Tina knew this was coming she just hoped Bette wouldn’t get angry again.

Tina: “Baby, I’ll be right here if you need me, ok?”

Bette replies with the sadness of a lost child, “ok”

Tina kisses her forehead and sends her on her way. She watches as Bette boards the elevator. Tina’s heart aches for her lover.

Upstairs………………………………..

The elevator door opens and Bette follows the aide to a small lobby area just outside the ICU. Officer Whitfield stands and greets Bette, “Hello, Ms. Porter, I’m Officer Whitfield.”

Bette: “Hello.”

Officer Whitfield: “I believe the doctor needs to see you first, but I would like to talk with you when you are finished.”

Bette responds, “Ok” then takes a seat. A few minutes later a tall slender man in a white lab coat approaches with an outstretched hand, “Hello, Ms. Porter, I’m Dr. Sutton, Kit’s doctor.”

Bette: “Hi….how is she?”

Dr. Sutton, “Well, she has several minor abrasions and a few broken ribs, which lead to her biggest injury. Her left lung has collapsed from the impalement from her steering wheel. She is now stablilized and we are hopeful that she’ll pull through, but she’ll need constant observation for the next 24 hours. We should know more in the morning.”

Bette: “Is she awake?”

Dr. Sutton: “She is drifting in and out of consciousness. She is on some pretty strong pain medication.”

Bette: “When can I see her?”

Dr. Sutton: “You’re welcome to visit her briefly, but first I need to get a little bit of medical history from you, ok?”

The doctor gives Bette a clipboard with a thick stack of forms. She sighs and starts this daunting task.

Downstairs………………………………………..

Meanwhile, Tina is impatiently reading a Cosmo in the waiting room. A tall dark haired man walks past holding a cup of coffee. He notices her then takes a second glance as he stops walking, “Tina?”

Tina looks up and is shocked, “Oh my God! Eric……..”

TBC