How are you feeling today?

Bette was frankly surprised at the amount of talking they had done over the past few days, even with everything that happened these talks reminded her a time when they could talk freely and not feel trapped.

She cherished these rare times for what they were and swore that she would do everything to guarantee that they would continue.

Im ok, a bit surprised at the visit but I am feeling better they dont hurt as much. Bette said as she pointed at the casts that covered her arm/hand and leg.

Nodding Tina began to talk about her day as they fell into the routine they established.

Meanwhile Outside the Hospital:

Peggy was walking out to her car when a small blur attached itself to her leg along with its cheerful voice.

Gamma Cassie yelled running from her fathers side to the distinctive form of her god-grandmother.

Hugging Cassie close to her, Peggy watched as Leo came closer to them.

Picking Cassie up, she hugged and kissed her and waited for Leo to arrive.

Peggy gave Leo a hug and kiss before any words could be said. Looking up and down at the lanky form, Peggy said

You need to eat more, youre having dinner tonight with me and Helena, no arguments.

Acquiescing to Peggys demand Leo asked for the time before saying goodbye.

Watching the tall form walk to the hospital with a small attachment, Peggy sent a quick prayer to the heavens for Leos comfort during these times.

Driving away, Peggy hoped for a better outcome than before as the knowledge of  Jessies death and Leos secrets weighed heavily on her mind.

Leo let Cassie run ahead as a call came through.

Watching Cassie enter the room, Leo stopped and answered the call before feeling all happiness and joy leave.

Walking into Bettes room, Leo was caught off guard by the happy family atmosphere that surrounded Bette, Tina and Cassie who currently was bouncing up and down on Tinas lap.

Apologising for interrupting their conversation Leo stayed for awhile before leaving due to work but left Cassie with a promise to pick her up later.

Watching Leo leave Bette for a little worried from the confusion and pain that seemed to surround Leo, her attention and thoughts were redirected when Cassie squealed from Tinas tickling.

The picture of them two playing became seared into Bettes memory, stored for another day.

It wasnt until Dr. Kayson entered the room to check up on Bette that they realise the time that had gone by, Tina was surprised at the lateness of the time and was about to leave when Cassie grabbed her hand and pulled her to Bettes bedside after the doctor had left.

Pulling Tinas had on top of Bettes and keeping it there with her own Cassie felt happiness course through her small body at the look on her mommys face.

Leo ran into Shane and Dana entering the hospital to pick up Cassie, the brightening of Shanes face brought a smile to Leos own and they all began walking to towards Bettes room.

Dana didnt really feel comfortable but a few words and a quick smile from Leo quashed any and all uneasiness even as her thoughts jumbled with questions of who Leo was and why Leo was here.

Stopping at the doorway they peeked in only to see Bette and Tina smiling at each other with Cassie in the middle looking up, Shane and Dana felt their hopes rise at this sign of reconciliation while Leo felt a pang of pain at the sight, the haunting memories of a time when Leos soul was also complete lingered and wakened at his sight, but the feeling of bittersweet relief coursed through as Bettes life was getting back together, piece by piece.

But this was the bigger piece of the puzzle and Leo was happy for Bette even if the road had only just begun…

tbc