I remembered sitting down on the couch in such a way so that I could just see the top of Bette’s hair, the brown curls laying across the light material. I sighed wishing I could touch them. The desire then hit me. It entered from my toes and filled me to my shoulders with a longing to hold my love. I got to hold a drink instead. A half full one at that. I greased off Dana but was secretly grateful to her. I knew my limit was approaching fast. I turned my gaze back towards Bette. My Bette. My love. The one with whom I share absolutely everything. Why then was I so distanced? Or rather, why was I distancing her? It was her child too. That and the problems now ongoing at work, she must be in as much pain as me, if not more. Feeling guilty, I looked down at my feet but my eyes refused to wander far from her for too long. I’ve never craved to embrace her so much than at that moment. A immense yearning to be strong for her and cradle her soft face in my hands to tell her everything would be fine. I wanted to be strong for once. A sudden feeling of heroism overcame me. In order to enact it, I rose swiftly, intent on sweeping Bette off her feet, cuddling her in my arms and apologising profusely for my selfishness.

            Instead, my legs gave way as I tripped towards the floor, where I possibly fell asleep before I even hit the ground. My intentions were obviously a little too ambitious.

                              **********

            Bette heard Tina collapse however she was very slow to respond. She watched as Tina’s eyes fluttered for an instant then they were shut. Bette’s shouts were lost amongst all the others. Kit jumped up to assist but Shane and the others had already carefully lifted Tina to her feet. Realising she was not going to stand on them any time soon, Shane heaved Tina’s sleeping body into her arms and, directing Alice and Dana to open doors for her, proceeded down the hall into the main bedroom. Dana was advising about cautions to take with incidents involving blows to the head while Alice kept on denying that Tina even hit her ***** let alone her head. Shane suggested to attempt to wake her up anyway. The yells and commands of each worried friend shut Bette up completely. Jenny ran in with cold water as Shane was laying Tina down on Bette’s side of their bed. All she could do was stand in the doorway and stare, her inebriated state temporarily sobered.