Bette slowly opened the hospital door; afraid to wake Marina if she was still sleeping. The rest of the gang were also silent until they looked in and saw Marina sitting half upright with her hand slowly running through the dark curly hair of the woman sleeping with her head in Marinas lap.

CiCi! Dana said a little too loudly when she saw who it was. The sleeping womans head rose up at the noise and Alice softly elbowed Dana in the ribs.

Way to go ace! Alice said as Dana rubbed her side and shot her a whyd you do that look. Cecilia sat up and stretched her hands over her head. Her hair was a mess and there were dark rings under her eyes. You could tell from her rumpled and creased clothing that she had been wearing the same thing for quite a while. Despite her appearance, there was a smile on Cecilias face.

Hey guys, she said stifling a yawn.

Hey back, Bette replied smiling as they all entered the room. Its nice to see you awake, Bette directed at Marina. They all crowded around Marinas bed and the convalescent woman smiled as best she could.

You look like *****, Shane said being her ever honest self.

Thank you, Marina replied with a soft laugh.

You gave us quite a scare, Tina said a she reached out and squeezed Marinas foot.

Im sorry; Ill try not to get shot again in the future. The women laughed at Marinas small joke and Marina reached out her good hand to Bette and Tina. Cecilia told me what you did thank you.

It was no problem wed do the same for any of our friends that drive their car into our lawn, Bette said still smiling.

And you! Marina said releasing Bettes hand and pointing at Shane. I should kick your behind for going over to confront Francesca! But thank you. Shane looked down at her feet and lightly kicked at the leg of the hospital bed.

I know it was stupid. But at least you dont have to worry about it happening again, Shane replied with her roguish smile.

I should hope not, Cecilia said quickly.

Dana? I thought you were at a tournament, Marina said looking at the silent woman at the foot of her bed.