Chapter 2

Bette is at work, working on the new exhibition, Provocations. Shes had a few bumps in the road, concerning that show. Theres a lot of pressure from different organizations, who think of the show as pornography. Mostly by a woman named Faye Buckley. Everything is starting to take its toll on her, does she have the strength? Theres no communication at home, and too much at work. The production design stab is working on the show setup. The team is an all woman crew, headed by Candace Jewell. They have been working on the set for a week now, and Candace has made it clear that shes attracted to Bette, but Bette told her no, she has a wife at home, she will not cheat.

The following morning before work, Bette takes her daily shower. She suddenly feels an intensive pain in her right thigh. She barely managed to keep from falling down. She grabs the towel and push the end into her mouth and bites hard. Shes screaming but no sound comes out, after a minute or so the pain stops, and she got through it without waking Tina.
Shes terrified, what could this be? She finishes her shower, get dressed, watches Tina sleep for a few moments, then leaves. She calls James at the office. Hey James, its Bette, Ill be in a little late today, I have an artist meeting. She tells a little white lie. That wasnt on your schedule today. He replies. I know, it was kind of last minute, look Ill be in around noon, okay? She finishes. Okay, see you then. They hang up.
She drives by the hospital, to see if Dr. Wilson has an opening.
Hey, does Dr. Wilson have an opening this morning? The lady in the reception checks the schedule.
Its your lucky day. There was a cancellation now at nine. The reception lady says. Dont know about lucky But Ill take it. Bette says and goes to sit down in the waiting room.
Ten minutes passes, then the reception lady calls Bette.

Bette walks into Dr. Wilsons office.
Bette? This is a surprise, how are you and Tina doing? Dr. W asks
I guess were doing ok, consider Bette replies and takes a seat. She doesnt want to talk about the miscarriage now.
So, what can I do for you? Dr W. asks as she writes something on the computer.
Well, this morning I got a shooting pain in my right thigh. She looks at Dr. Wilson to see if theres a reaction to what she just said.
You have never experienced that before? This was the first time? Dr. W asks. No, never, this was the first time. Bette replies.
Have you felt the area? Is there a lump there that stands out? Dr. W. asks. No, I havent felt anything. She replies.
Theres not much I can do here, but I will send you to X-ray and an ultrasound, so can we take it from there. You just take the x-rays back here to me, when youre finished. Ill push it trough, so you get in right away. Dr. W. says.
Thanks, which way is it? Bette asks as she opens the office door.
Take the elevator up one floor, and there is a waiting area straight ahead. You can just sit there and wait for your name to be called. Dr. W says.
Okay, thanks Bette says as she exits the office and takes the elevator up. She takes a seat. She waits only about 5 minutes. But its long enough time to get the wrong thoughts to circulate and taking over.
Bette Porter? A lady calls out.
She takes the x-rays and the ultrasound. And head back down to Dr. Wilson. She waits again.
Bette Porter, Dr. Wilson is ready for you The reception lady says.
Bette walks in to the office again. Shes nervous and almost shaking. She has a feeling that it isnt good news shes about to hear.
Bette hands the x-rays to Dr. Wilson, who hangs them up on the light board.
She looks at them closely for a few moments. Then take a seat.
You see something, dont you? Bette asks, her breathing is getting shorter by the second.
Yes, theres something there, we have to take some tests, a blood sample and a small needle biopsy. It wont take long. Dr. W says
So its cancer? Bette asks, not really wanting to hear the answer.
From what I have of evidence its possibly cancer, we wont be sure until the tests are back. It could be benign. Dr. W replies.
So what now, do I take the tests today, or should I come back another time? Bette asks.
If you have time now, we can do it right away. Ill go and prep a room, you can just take a seat outside again, and Linda at the reception will call you when Im ready. Dr. W. says as she stands up. Bette also stands up, and walks towards the door.

After the tests Bette head back to the CAC, Dr. Wilson said she would call about the result when theyre ready in a few days.

The first person she runs into is James, she signals him to join her in her office. He follows.
Close the door behind you She says
Are you okay? You look a little tired. James says as he takes a seat in one of her visitor chairs.
Actually Im not okay. You cant tell anyone, okay? She pleads
I wont, what is it? He asks curiously.
Ive been at the hospital this morning and taken some testsShe sits down and leans back in her chair, and continues:
Theres a good possibility that I have cancer. James is shocked. Bette, cancer? Shes never sick. He looks at her, hes never seen Bette like this, so fragile and so out of control.
Oh my, when will you know? And what did Tina say? He asks.
Within the week, and I havent told Tina yet, shes still struggling with the miscarriage, so I have to pick the right moment. You are the only one who knows, so keep it to yourself for the time being, okay? She says.
Sure James replies.

The day goes by, and Bette goes home, where Tina has made dinner, chicken wok with boiled rice. Bette could smell it right away when she exited her car. She walks in and put her bag on one of the chairs in the living-room. She walks towards Tina. Shall I tell her now, or wait? Bette thought.
Tina smiles as she put the dinner on the table, Tina lean in for a kiss on the cheek, they sit down to eat. Tina seemed to be in a good mood, maybe Ill wait, Bette thought to herself.
How was your day? Tina asks