“I know… I know…” Kit leaned over to kiss her temple in an effort to calm the other woman. She didn’t need Tina going into another panic attack right now. That would be just too much for her tired self to handle at the moment.

“Angie should be with her. Angie needs her… God, I’ve been so fucking selfish!” Tina continued to chastise herself.

“Kit, please. Angie needs her. Bette needs to know she has… she has a baby girl. She needs to…” Their eyes locked and Kit saw the pleading in her wet eyes. She couldn’t say no, she knew that but Kit also needed to know that Tina really means it this time around. Bette couldn’t take anymore… Not anymore.

“Please, Kit. She needs her … Momma B.” Just saying Bette’s pet name caused her to choke up more. Her eyes were sore when she shut them. Tina just closed her eyes for a while to get over the sore.

“Ok, but you have to be sure. Bette… She can’t take another-“ Tina saw an opening and stopped her, assuring Kit.

“I am, Kit. I’m very sure and I’m sorry. But I mean it this time. They need each other.” I need her too… Tina didn’t say that out loud. What would it look like if she did? She would look like an attention-seeking, pain-inflicting, revengeful ex.

–

“Bette! Are you alright? You scared the crap of us!” Alice exclaimed in excitement after seeing her eyes fluttering open.  Shane was reading their address for an ambulance to be sent when Bette finally woke up. She immediately thanked the person and hung up.

“What happened?” Bette asked staring into worried faces so close to hers she could see faint crow’s feet developing at the corner of Alice’s eyes. She smiled at the cheeky thought.

“You fainted, Bette.” Shane came by with a glass of water and Alice helped Bette with it.

“We’re taking you to the hospital now, ok?” Alice looked at Shane, silently asking her to help her get Bette to the car.

“No, I’m fine… It’s just exhaustion…” The girls ignored Bette’s excuses and started lifting her, both holding her in place between them.