(Bette) That’s fine, Tina can stay with me

Tina raises her eyebrows.

(Tina) Ah, Bette, that’s not a good idea

Bette looks over at her and Tina looks to the doctor.

(Tina) It’s no problem having someone stay, she has close friends who will be more than happy to

The doctor nods and replaces the chart.

(Doctor) Well we’ll make sure everything is in order, you should be home by tonight

Bette and Tina both thank them and the doctor leaves the room. They look to one another.

(Bette) I want you to stay with me

Tina frowns and shakes her head slowly.

(Tina) Bette, I can’t do that

(Bette) Sure you can. Tee I don’t really understand anything of what’s happening here, but I need you. I know that much. Please, I’m so confused, and all I know for certain is that I need you here with me while I try and find my way out of this

Tina takes a breath and looks downwards, gathering her thoughts.

(Bette) Is it because of your partner?

Tina looks up at her.

(Tina frowns) Ah, no. That’s not the reason

(Bette) But you live together?

Tina shakes her head.

(Tina) No. She’s living and working in Toronto for a few months

Bette looks at her for another moment.

(Bette) Were you living together before that?

Tina looks back at her.

(Tina) No

Tina looks away and Bette continues to study her for a moment.

(Bette) What’s her name?

Tina looks back to her and they hold each other’s gaze.

(Tina) Sarah

Bette nods and looks away for a moment. She looks back to Tina and shrugs.

(Bette) That’s a stupid name

Tina gives a small laugh and shakes her head.

(Bette smiles) Just saying

They smile at each other.

A short while later, Tina has stepped out into the hallway and she places a call on her cell.

(Tina) Hi Al, I just wanted to give you an update. Bette is being discharged tonight and I’m going to stay with her at her place

Alice raises her eyebrows.

(Alice) Ah, OK, if that’s what you want. I’m sure Bette’s happy about that

Tina smiles and glances back towards Bette’s room.

(Tina) I’ve spoken to the parents of a friend of Angie’s and she can stay there for a couple of nights. I’m going to pick her up in the morning and take her to school so I can talk to her. That’ll bring us to the weekend and then we can figure out where to from there

(Alice) You think you’ll stay there a while?

(Tina sighs) Honestly I have no idea. I think maybe Bette does need me at the moment, as ridiculous as that seems

Alice nods.

(Alice) Have you told Bette about Angie yet?

Tina sighs and rubs her forehead.

(Tina) Not yet. I’m trying to not lay everything on her all at once. Once we’re settled at her house I’ll tell her

(Alice nods) OK. And have you told Sarah what’s going on?

Tina takes a breath and again glances back to the door to Bette’s room.

(Tina) No

They are both silent for a moment.

(Alice) OK, well I’ll sit tight then. I’ll wait and see what you want to do from the weekend. Let me know if you need me to do anything in the meantime. Or if things change and you want me to stay with her

(Tina) Thanks Al

(Alice) Do you know Bette asked me not to contact Julia?

(Tina) Ah, yes, I was there when she called you

Alice nods.

(Alice) Do you have any thoughts on that?

Tina frowns and takes a breath.

(Tina) I’m going to stay out of it actually. I want to try and maintain some boundaries here and I really don’t think I get a say on anything to do with Bette’s relationship. I’ll leave it to you lot to decide what you think the right decision is

Alice nods and raises her eyebrows.

(Alice) OK