Its not that Easy

Chapter Twenty-One


Early in the morning, they all returned to the hospital. Tina had debated whether to go home, but she knew Bette was her friend and she needed her right now. It was lunch by the time she had joined the rest of the crew.

Hey guys. Is she doing ok?

Yeah, Libbys in there right now.

Ill be back,

Libby was feeding Bette because she still couldnt with her able hand.

Hey,

Hey yourself, Bette replied. Just like old times huh.

Ill give you a minute ok.

Thanks Libby, and as she made her way to the chair she notice Bette struggling to feed herself.

Let me help you Bette, she surrendered and let Tina feed her. She fed her in silence debating how to start the conversation.

Bette,

T, its not what you think. God knows that I would love having you here with me, in my life again, but I cant ask that of you it wouldnt be fair right now.

Its over Bette.

What?

She didnt want me to come out here for you guys and I couldnt stand to not be with you. She left out the part of Amy hitting her because now was not the time to get Bette going. All this time, I was making excuses for me to not run to you, because I was still scared. I was still hurt. I had forgiven you, but I wasnt ready to forget it or you. It wasnt letting me get on like I had wanted.

Getting on with her you mean?

Yeah, but how could I when all this time I had wanted you, even after what happened between us. The hurt just had washed over my love for you in the beginning, but if it hadnt of I would have ran back to you the next day.

But you couldnt, it wasnt that easy for you to. I thought it was what you wanted T, and I tried lords knows I did to even pretend that you were happy without me.

And for that I couldnt help but love you even more for it. You hurt me yes, but you loved me more than the hurt. I saw you changing and bettering yourself and it tore me apart that we couldnt share that. But it was me who held back for so long.

Bette, and the last note you sent, did it for me. I couldnt stand not being with you. Then I came up here, and I met Callie.
Bette closed her eyes, she had Callie, but nothing had really started between them. She was there, but she knew Bette was taking her time.

I went to LA, that time you saw me, because I needed to know for sure that you really had moved on so that way maybe I could do the same with her.

Did you?

Not yet, she understood that my heart wasnt in it except for being with you. But she was willing to still stay, shes a good friend though. I love that about her, but Tina I still cant, and Im sorry things didnt workout for you.

And then Alice walked in, Sorry but Tina, were going to grab a bite to eat did you want?

No, Im good thanks, and squeezed Bettes hand a little tighter.

Peggy came by this morning,

What did she say?

That obviously I could take the time I needed.

How are you going to balance it? I mean work and still being a mom in all. I know Libbys grown, but

I dont know, but I can do it. I dont want any one to raise her except for me.

I see you and I see this whole new person,
with some of the old still in there.

Do you think thats a good thing?

I bet it is.

Bette, I know its going to take some time to get back into routine, and Im sure Libby and Callie would take excellent care of you. But dont you think you should move with Kit for awhile so she can help you recover.

I dont know Tina, Im not sure. How bout I think about it and Ill let you know here in a bit.



Monday came and it was time for all them to go. Bette still remained in the hospital and would be there for another two weeks or so, but she managed to reassure them all she would be ok. She didnt know where that left her and Tina, or with Callie, but she kept hope for both.

Libby promise youll call if you need anything.

Tina, I will.

Bette said her goodbyes to the girls and thanked them for to coming to her party.

Yeah Bette one ***** of a party.

T, thanks for everything.

Youll be ok right.

Yes, Libby will take care of me, now go before I walk you out myself.

Listen call me whenever you want. Bette motioned for them to leave before she started to cry.




Summer was half way over, and she missed them terribly. Her physical training had been going good and the cane was taking some used to. Peggy had told her not to worry about a thing, and she took that to heart, because she didnt. James had been good about bringing most of her office home and spending his working hours at her house. Callie and Libby had turned into wonderful house nurses.

On the strong days she would go to a show and mingle like she had used to. Even with a cane, they still had seemed to show some interest in her, but she knew she would never interest in anyone else.




Hey Libby, I was thinking and I know this being your first year in college and you wanted to finish your studies somewhere else, and I know that you are holding back in part of me but I think it would be nice to change the scenery.

A while back Libby had brought it up to Bette that her studies would be better in California, but Bette hadnt wanted her to go. She hadnt wanted to either, but still hadnt put the idea completely in.

So are you saying you are finally ok with it then.

Ive always been ok with it. She was smiling because she knew Libby knew that wasnt true.

Oh really,
Once again, Libby knew the real reason for her sudden change of heart.

Mom, me going over there is not going to effect your chances with the past. And i don’t want to be ugly but Callies here remember.

Libby, that is not the entire reason you know. The CAC needs me you know. They have been calling for awhile and…

And nothing, well you knew I was going to go regardless, but maybe down the line you could join me.

Then its settled, Libby also knew that something else was up because mom wasnt in a hurry.

Mom,

How long have you had this ready? She knew she couldnt get away so easily.

A couple of days ago, I called my real estate agent, and he found you a nice apartment.

So a couple of weeks it is then huh?

It looks like it.

Mom are you really sure about this. Its not going to be that easy either you know. You still cant do that much on your own.

Libby, Ill be ok I promise. And if I ever need help I can call Kit or ask someone else.

Libby knew that she had been pushing herself because she couldnt stand the fact of someone else doing the work for her. She knew she would be okay.


The next day Kit had arrived just to do some checking up on Bette and
was in for a surprise.

Baby girl, can she really leave just like that?

Come on, Kit, its a great opportunity for her.

And you are doing this for the right reasons, right?

Of course Kit, for Libby and us. Libby has better opportunities up there and maybe in a little time I could join her. Theyve been calling you know. And to be honest I do miss you all very much.

I know its just that you were doing so well and Im scared if you go back, youll just fall again.

Oh Kit Kat, we are both grown women and we are doing okay. Dont worry, besides I said maybe one day, its not for sure just yet.

Girl sometimes, I still dont know about you.


Back home Tina thought about Bette. She didnt know exactly where Bette and her stood, but she didnt want them at opposite ends.

She would come home you know, its that easy to ask her. Shane said her peace and finished her cup of coffee.




I want to but

Chapter Twenty-Two


Is Kit coming back today?

Yeah she should be here around noon.

I know Libby is really good about taking care of Bette, but isnt that a little much for her to do all by herself?

I think shes doing ok. Kit said this hot nurse would come by and see her, and besides Callie is still around.

Tina closed her eyes Callie was up there holding Bette together instead of her. They were seated in the back and didnt notice Kit coming in.

Im back girls.

Kit, they cried in unison.

Is she okay Kit, and before Kit could answer a few steps behind Bette answered for herself.

T, Im okay.

Bette, Libby, what are you doing?

I missed my family.

Sit down first ok. Can I get you anything? Libby?

Some water would be nice.

I will have what mom is drinking.

So is it okay for you to be traveling? Why did you come down anyway?

Bette, Libby and I are going to the house to get you guys settled in.
Dana, Alice, and Shane knew that was there cue.

Right, Dana and I have some stuff to get done, so Shane would you like to join us?

Sure, okay, bye guys.

Bye you guys.

Bette, whats going on?

Libby wants to finish school up here. Ive had everything ready for a couple of weeks now, so I thought I would bring her here myself.

So shes coming over here.

Yeah, she needed to.

And what about you?

In the beginning, my home was wherever you were at. But now that I have her, I need to do for her first. Tina looked away, so Bette reached up, took her chin and turned her back to face her.

But, T, Im here now.

So she has a place and everything.

Yeah, and its not far from Kits so I know shell be okay.

Im really happy for you.

T, Bette knew she was giving her the runaround.

Im going to call Kit and tell her we are on our way.


Back at the house all the girls were waiting for them to arrive. Libby and Kit were cooking a nice homecoming meal. Bette had been tired so she had lied down for a short nap. When she woke up, Tina had been sitting in a chair across the room.

T. what are you doing.

Just watching you sleep. I came in here a while ago, just to make sure you were breathing. Tina had done that all the time when they were together, it was an old habit she couldnt break. Dinner is ready,

Will you bring my chair over here.

Bette Im glad youre here.

Me too, can you help right quick?

After dinner they all said their goodnights and went there own ways home.

The next morning while Bette had started breakfast, there was a knock at the door.

Tina, its a little early you know.

I just came by to check up on you. Bette smiled, I love you, and pulled her into an embrace.

I was just making breakfast, Id love it if you stayed.

Do you need me to do anything?

Just wake them up.

Thanks for breakfast, it was good.

Thanks, Im glad you liked it.

Well, Im off to work.

Ok, T, thanks for everything, you know. Knowing that Bette had not meant breakfast she took the gracious words and look of love in her eyes and walked out.

Hey Callie, no Im fine, thanks.

Are you enjoying yourself?

Yeah, the CAC is having a show and I thought I would make an appearance.

Sounds exciting, are you sure they wont woo you back there? Bette laughed but didnt know if she really meant the center or Tina.

Well theyll have to try hard.

All right see in a few days ok.

Bye.