Bette could not take her eyes off of Angelica. This beautiful child has no idea that her world is changing. Her mommie was very sick and she was not going to see her for awhile. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood beside her precious angel and tried to comprehend the future. She cupped Angelica’s face in her hand, leaned down and kissed her cheek, “ Your mommies love you very much Angelica.” The tears start to run down Bette’s face as she contemplates going back to the hospital. She cannot stand the thought of Angelica not having both of her mommies, just like they were. Bette sips the coffee that Kit has poured for her.

“Baby girl, don’t worry about a thing. We got it covered. We will take Angelica and you just go to the hospital to be with Tina.”

Bette walks over to hug Kit, “Thank you both. Angus I know this is a lot for you right now. Are you going to be ok with this. If not, I can call Alice and Shane and they will help.”

“Bette, I cannot think of anything I would rather be doing than spending time with Angelica. We’ll work on some new songs, won’t we Baby A. We’ll be fine, really. You need to be with Tina and not worried about anything else.” Angus moves toward Bette with outstretched arms.

The phone rings and Bette’s heart sinks. She turns to Kit with eyes that plead for her to answer it.

“Hello. Oh hey Alice, it’s Kit. Yes, she’s here but she’s on her way back to the hospital…….             No, nothing that we know of right now.             She’ll call you as soon as she knows anything……         Ok Alice, ……  Ok, …….. she will call you.     Bye.”

“The girls is going to have a nervous breakdown if you don’t call her.”

“I will Kit, thanks!”

Bette kisses Angelica one more time and heads out the door.

Bette arrives at the ICU nurses desk. She hasn’t seen Tina since she was moved from the trauma room.

“I’m Bette Porter, I’m Tina Kennard’s partner.”

The nurse stands to greet Bette. “Miss Porter, we have her settled in her room. As you know, the extent of Miss Kennard’s injuries are such that we cannot predict the outcome. Her doctors remain hopeful but, brain injuries are hard to evaluate. They do not follow guidelines for recovery or the lack there of. Be mindful of the fact that, even in a deep coma, the patients body may move. It is generally an involuntary movement. We are looking for the voluntary movements. The reactions to your voice or your touch. In as much as our jobs are the care of the patients, their families are ours to care for as well. We want you to feel free to ask us any questions you have, at any time. There will likely be many questions. This is going to be a trying time for everyone who loves her. Patience is a word we use often here. Just be patient. Let this take it course. She is being provided the best care that southern California has to offer. Her neurosurgeons are two of the best. She could not be in better hands.”

The nurse turned to walk Bette to Tina’s bedside. She looked like an angel. She was covered in white. She was laying there still and quiet with the machines acknowledging her life was still viable. Her heart was beating, she was breathing on her own, her color was good considering. She looked so much better than she did in the trauma room.

“Miss Porter, do you have any questions for me now?”

Bette looked at the nurse with eyes full of questions that she knew the nurse could not answer, “No, not right now.” Her eyes moved from the nurse back to Tina,

She was looking at the face that a few short hours ago could smile back at her. She leaned over the bed and gently kissed the lips that she loved to kiss so much. She whispered to Tina. “Hey baby, it’s me. I love you. Open your eyes and let me know you hear me.”

There was no response from Tina. She remain still and quiet.

Bette brought a book with her. She wanted Tina to continually hear her voice. She began to read to her.

A couple of hours had passed and the nurse came in to let Bette know that there was someone asking for her. She walked to the desk and Kate Arden stood there.

“What are you doing here? Bette’s ire was about to rear it’s ugly head.