Daniel Friedman hospital was all the way in Inglewood. It took them short of an hour. The moment the three women had walked through the door, they were bombarded with hordes of anxiously waiting people.

Great, Shane said, now how are we going to find her?

Jenny glanced nervously about. Shed been to a hospital before, but never like this. A middle aged man sat quietly, holding a blood soaked t-shirt to his arm. A boy cried and pulled repetitively on his mothers trousers. Mom, Im thirsty! Im thirsty! The mother ignored him. Bette found her way to the front desk, and brought Shane to speak to the tired, baggy eyed woman standing behind a computer screen.

Im looking for a patient – her name is

Shane stopped suddenly, her eyes growing wild.

Bette, I dont know her last name! *****!

Jennys eyes widened to match hers. Bette looked to the woman at the counter.

Were looking for a girl, she came in about an hour ago, Bette let Shane continue.

Her name is Case. She was with me before she was taken here. I found her and called 911. I never got her last name. Shanes eyes spilled over. How could she not have gotten her last name?

She had only begun to speak, and the woman at the desk was already quickly taking a great liking to her. Shane had that effect on a lot of women.

Please, Bette chimed in, Is there anyway we can see her? Any way at all?

The woman – her nametag read Sandy – she felt horrible, for without proof of family relation, she could not, in good conscience, let them visit until proper hours. She began to tell them so

Im so sorry, but our policy –

Sandy struggled to finish her speech. She had been saying it all night, and was tired. She tried again, Our policy, it doesnt allow But Sandy could see the horror in Shanes eyes. The other two looked equally concerned. She thought to herself, what if these women are all this girl has? What if they are her family?

Oh, *****. She took a deep breath. Shes in room 506, ICU. Its two floors up. Go to the right and down that hall. She pointed in the general direction.

Thank you so much! Shane said.

Bette and Jenny thanked her as well.

Dont tell them I let you through, she whispered.

We wont, I promise, Bette replied.

They left the front desk and headed for the elevator.




Case lay in a small bed, her body wrapped in layers of flannel. Several tubes were connected from her left hand to an IV. She slept. It had been an hour, and there was no sign of her waking. Her pulse was regular, her skin tone flush with pumping blood. If she would only open her eyes.





Dana stepped out of the shower, Alice not far behind.

You know, Alice started to say, If you wanted to Then she hesitated.

Wanted to what? Dana asked.

Uh – never mind. Alice wanted to say it, but wasnt sure if she really should.

Cmon, Al. What?

Alice looked at herself in the mirror. Well She hesitated, still.

Dana waited for the words to come.

If you wanted to, you know, talk to Laurasee her, Alice felt her gut twist and turn, I – I would be okay with it.

Dana scowled. What makes you think I want to see her? She came off quite defensive.

Nothing! Alice quickly replied, I just wanted you to know, Im okay with it.

Alice applied a line of paste to her toothbrush and scrubbed at her teeth. Dana stared into the mirror to meet Alices reflection, then let out a strange grunt, followed by a nervous laugh. She was in disbelief. Alice was totally the jealous type.

Youre too much, Alice.

She shrugged, then continued brushing.




Bette, Shane and Jenny had finally found Cases room. They each entered, quietly and carefully.

Is she sleeping? Shane asked the nurse.

In a way, yes. Shes still unconscious. We have to run more tests to find out exactly why. Are you family?

Shane looked at Jenny, then to Bette.

Yes, Bette answered, were her family.

Well, like I said, we have to run more tests fist before we can make a solid diagnosis, but it seems that the blood flow to her brain was cut off for several minutes.

Brain damage, Shane murmured.

Jenny put an arm around Shane, placing a hand on her left shoulder.

They dont know yet.

Bette observed the girl, lying in her hospital bed. She seemed so slight, so delicate – except for her pink hair. That gave her the impression that she was probably a tough kid. Even though she didnt know her, she still prayed.

I have to tend to another patient, will you ladies please excuse me? The nurse left the room in a hurry.

Friendly, Jenny noted sarcastically.

Guys, I have to stay here – I cant leave Case alone. Her parents might try to claim her. I dont know what they would do to her. Jennyshe told me some pretty horrible things about her past. Her dadhes a ***** monster. He could be out there.

Jenny embraced her. Shhh. Stop thinking of the worst. Shes going to wake up any moment, and were going to take her right back home to our place. Shes going to be fine. Its okay. Jenny wasnt really sure it was true, but she couldnt stand seeing Shane in such a state. She kissed her forehead. Bette found a chair and sat down.




Dana? Alice whispered through the sheets. Dana was sleeping. Alice poked her with a finger. Dana.

She turned over, facing Alice. What? Whats wrong?

DanaIm, Im sorry if what I said bothered you. I was just trying to be open about it.

About what? Dana was still in dreamland.

About Laura. I know you dont want to talk about her, I just didnt want you to be mad at me. Youre not mad, are you?

Alice waited patiently for Dana to answer.

Im not mad, Alice. Forget about it, its no big deal.

But Dana, I –

Dana had fallen back asleep. Alice stared up into the whitewash ceiling.

*****.





Tina had returned to work, no less on a Saturday, feeling ready and able. Sitting at home was getting to her nerves. She was on the phone, speaking with a possible donator, when a sharp and rather handsome man, roughly five foot eight, walked through the door. He glided towards the edge of Tinas desk, making sharp eye contact.

Dave, could you hold on just one moment? Tina asked into the phone. Hi, can I help you? Tina said with a smile.

The man replied, Yes. My name is Kelly. Im looking for Tina Kennard.

Tina shifted in her seat. Im Tina Kennard.

Oh, then I should say I am very pleased to meet you. He offered a large hand to shake. Tina shook it.

So, Kelly, what can I do for you?

I should probably wait until youve finished your phone call. He had a husky British accent. The British part reminded her of Helena. She had completely forgotten the phone in her hand.

Oh, right! She blushed with embarrassment, one moment, please. She pointed to a row of chairs over in the corner of the office. Please, wont you have a seat?

Thank you.

Tina wrapped up her phone call, then stood up and walked over to Kelly.

I was sent here by Helena Peabody. She has told me all about you, Tina. You do such wonderful things for the children here.

Tina felt weary. Helena sent you? Her face colored. What did she send you here for, may I ask?

Kelly became slightly guarded by her tone. Well, she wanted me to share with you my idea for a new project. He clasped his hands and wrung them together in a nervous sort of fashion.

I have this idea, Tina. Theres a really bad neighborhood over in south Compton. Theres been a racial battle going on between the Black and Hispanic communities. I thought, maybe, we could do something to bring them together peacefully. Like group activities or a car wash.

Tina was upset that Helena was trying to interfere with her life, but Kelly did have an interesting idea.

I like the sound of that. Tell me more

Kellys face lit up. He opened his briefcase and pulled out a list of plans.





It was nine a.m., and Bette had been long gone. She needed a hot shower and a strong cup of coffee. She said she would return to the hospital later that day. Shane was still asleep in a chair, a blanket draped over her body. Jenny had gone to the restroom. The sun spilled in through the window, casting little lines on Cases face. She hadnt woken yet. Shanes eyes fluttered open. She jumped to her feet and searched the room frantically. She had been having a nightmare. Cases father had found her room, and was strangling her with an IV tube. Quickly though, Shane saw that it was only a dream, and sat back down in her chair with a great sigh. Jenny entered the room. She handed Shane a cup of weak coffee.

Sorry, its ***** coffee. It was all I could find.

Thanks Jenny. Shane downed it, despite its watery taste.

So what did she tell you yesterday? Jenny pulled up a chair and slowly sipped her coffee.

She had a rough life, Jenny. Thats for sure, and Shane began her story.





Bette felt better after the shower. She started a large pot of coffee, and settled on the sofa to read the paper. She had been reading for only five minutes, when the phone rang. Cant I be left alone for one day! she said to the noise.

Hello?

Tina almost held her breath. Bette, its Tina.

Bette tried not to spill her coffee. She was surprised to hear from her. It had been a while since they last talked.

Tina, hi! How are you? How are the twins?

Were all fine. Um, I was calling because I wanted to talk to you aboutabout the babies. We should plan ahead, you know? I want the birth to go as smooth as possible, and I would really love it if I could come home with you on that day. Its where we should be.

Bette could almost cry. It was the best thing she could have heard all month.

I would love it if you stayed here, Tina. It would be an honor. Ive started cleaning up the guest room. I wanted to turn it into a nursery.

Thats a great idea, Im sure youll do a beautiful job. But wait – where am I going to sleep? *****, I guess I hadnt thought about that. I could take the couch.

Nonsense! Bette thought Tina crazy. Im taking the couch, and youre getting the bedroom. I wont have it any other way.

Tina blushed. Maybe we can share the bed.

Bette was thrown. She paused for a minute, the silence filling her ears.

Maybe.