(Bette) I know you’re trying to make a breakthrough with your career at the moment

(Tina frowns) Trying to make a…

(Bette) But I need you. I need you here now

Tina furrows her brow in confusion.

(Tina) Bette, Alice is there

A doctor and nurse enter Bette’s room and stand by the end of the bed perusing her chart. Bette looks to them and then focuses back on Tina.

(Bette) Tina, I can’t talk, I have to go. Can you please just come?

Bette ends the call and Tina stands with the phone still held to her ear, staring ahead.

Later, Tina walks through the open door to Bette’s room and hesitates, seeing Alice and two nurses standing alongside Bette. She knocks uncertainly on the door frame and Bette looks up at her from the bed. Bette’s face lights up as soon as she sees her and she immediately sighs in relief, and Tina pauses for a moment as she takes this in. Tina then takes a few hesitant steps into the room and looks to one of the nurses.

(Tina) Hi, I’m Tina

The nurses smiles at her.

(Nurse) Well we are very glad you’re here Tina

They nod towards Bette.

(Nurse) Maybe this one will be a bit less grumpy now, she’s been anxious for you to arrive

Tina and Alice share a look. The nurse smiles at Bette and touches her on the shoulder as they move towards the door.

The other nurse stays a moment longer, reminding Bette of the location of the call button and asking her to call if she has any concerns or if she begins to feel unwell. As Tina listens to the nurse she can feel Bette’s eyes on her, watching her closely. The nurse leaves and Tina turns to Bette, who is still looking at her intently.

(Tina) How are you feeling?

Bette searches Tina’s face, trying to make sense of her distant demeanour.

(Bette) Where have you been?

Tina raises her eyebrows and looks at her for a moment, taken aback by Bette’s directness and the intensity of her gaze. Alice’s cell rings, breaking the moment, and she holds it up as she moves towards the door.

(Alice) Back in a sec