The emotions began to break through the tightly held barriers but Leo knew that control couldnt be lost especially at this crucial time.

 Meeting Kaysons eyes Leo knew that the attempt at control failed when sympathy and compassion poured forth from the womans eyes.

As there seemed to be no more questions Kayson excused herself and took Leo and Cassie to another room.

Before they were able to exit, Cassie questioning voice rang through the room

Wheres mommy?

The questions caused all of their heads to spin, Tinas head felt like it was going to explode with all the questions that seemed to be building up.

Even with her emotions clouding her mind she couldnt help but wonder if Bette had a child?

Was this why she was so distant after my miscarriage? Was this why she cheated?…

Tina was brought back when a nurse came in and led her to Bettes room.

Alice and Kit followed Tina to Bettes room, unprepared for the sight that greeted them.

Kit was glad that she was allowed in the room with Tina as she felt her falter and stumble at the sight of Bette in the hospital bed surrounded by so many machines all buzzing and she was dwarfed by the white bed.

Tina walked into the room, she almost turned back, she couldnt bear to see this.

Oh my God! Bette! I cant believe this

Tina walked around to Bettes side and gently brushed aside a stray hair from Bettes forehead, leaning down she gave Bette a gentle kiss on her forehead before straightening and settling on the chair next to the bed.

 Holding onto Bettes hand she was careful not to move anything.

Disbelief and shock still ran rampant trough her, but this new vision of Bette caused and sense of protectiveness that Tina hadnt felt in a long time.

Her determination strengthened as did her hope for the future as she whispered in Bettes ear

You had better not die Bette; we have way too much to talk about and to settle I love you so much; you promised that you wouldnt leave me so you had better not.

Outside of Bettes room where tensions still ran thick through the air, Shane and Dana prowled the hallways to shake off their feelings.

Well, at least Shane was, Dana was sitting with her shoulders hunched with her heads cradled in her hands as if she had just lost the Wimbledon but she certainly felt worse as Bettes life hung in the balance.

Stalking off Shane walked around trying to bleed off all this nervous energy she felt.

Getting off the elevator she passed a room only to walk back as she saw Leo hugging the doctor tightly and not letting go as they stayed embraced for a long time.

Looking around Shane couldnt see Cassie anywhere and wondered at this.

Feeling a little betrayed she quickly went back to here Dana was waiting to sort out these confusing events.

The heart monitor beeped reassuringly hear Tinas ear as she waited next to Bettes bed.

She knew that everyone, including Kit who had gone out to leave Tina alone with Bette, was waiting outside but she couldnt bring herself to leave Bette alone.

Twisting a little bit to get comfortable in the plastic chair. Tina looked up as the door opened only to see Cassie standing in the doorway.

She looked so small, so fragile

Those deep brown eyes seemed to penetrate into her soul as she locked eyes with the child.

God! Those eyes are so familiar….

Her attention was drawn away as the hand she was holding seemed to twitch, watching Bettes eyes flutter her hopes raised as the sudden realisation washed over her.

Looking back at Cassie, Tina finally realised why those eyes were so familiar, she had been looking into them every day for the last 7 years.

But her confused feeling were no match for the mind numbing fear that enveloped her as the heart monitor began to shrill its alarm…

tbc…