Chapter 25

The next day, Bette wakes up and Tina is not lying beside her. She jumps off the bed, put on some clothes and walks out to the common room. There is Tina sitting in a chair, looking out the window.
Bette can see how scared Tina is, and how nervous she is. She walks up to her from behind, slide her arms around her neck and whisper in her ear:
Everything will be okay. Tina snaps out of her thoughts and turn her attention to Bette.
How do you know? Tina asks, not really expecting a answer.
I borrowed Shanes Yoda mask. Bette replies with a grin, attempting to free some of Tinas mind from bad thoughts. Tina cant help, but smile.
Good morning. Tina says and leans in for a kiss.
Good morning to you too. Bette replies.
Bette takes a seat next to Tina, allowing Tina to lean back onto her chest, while holding her arms around Tina.
After several minutes, Bette speaks.
Shall we get ready?
Yeah. Tina replies, standing up and walking into the bedroom, with Bette close behind. Bette sneaks up sliding her arms around Tinas waist.
I will be right there by your side. Bette whispers. Tina turn around, she lowers her shoulder a little bit and kisses Bette.
Im so lucky to have you. She says.
They get ready. Bette takes on a pair of jeans and a dark purple shirt, and a black leather jacket. Tina also takes on overall jeans with a olive green tank top inside, and a denim jean jacket. A casual look for the both of them.
They go down to the lobby, there they rent a car, so they easily could move around. They head over to the hospital. They park and Bette jumps out and sprints to Tinas side, opening the door and helps her out. They walk hand in hand inside. Bette holds on tight to Tinas hand squeezing it softly from time to time. They reach the reception desk.
Hey, how may I help you? The reception desk asks.
Hi, Im here to see Sean Kennard, he was in a car accident. Tina says.
Are you a relative? The lady asks.
Yes, Im his sister. Tina replies.
Oh, I got the impression that he was an only child. The lady asks.
Whys that? Tina asks curiously.
Well, on the form here it doesnt say anything about a sister. Well, hes on the 7th floor. You can asks up there which room hes in. The lady says.
Thank you. Tina says. They walk over to the elevator and take it up to the 7th floor. At the reception there, Tina asks again for Sean Kennards room. Its 709, its in the end of that hallway. The lady says and points in the right direction. They walk down there. But before they enter, Tina stops outside. Shes really nervous at this moment.
Baby, youll be fine, and you brother will be fine. Im here right by your side. Holding your hand if you want me to. Bette says in a soft voice.
Yes, please. Tina replies and grabs Bettes hand.
Tina slowly pushes open the door. Inside are Tinas mom and dad and Seans wife and two kids. Tina turns to Bette and whisper I didnt even know he had kids. She turns her attention back to Sean. There are tubes sticking out of him everywhere. She gets tears in her eyes.
Her mom and dad stands up, they are shocked to see Tina, a very pregnant Tina holding hands with a woman.
Hi. Tina says, hoping to open up the line of communication.
Hi They answered. The woman with the kids, walks up to Tina and reach out her hand.
Hi, Im Emily, Im Seans wife. And these two are our kids, this is Scott, hes 4 years old and this is Christina, shes 6 years old. Emily says.
Hi, Im Tina, Im his sister. Tina replies and smiles at her. Emilys jaw drop to the floor.
Sister? I didnt know he had one. Emily is able to say.
Yes he do, and this is my wife, Bette Porter. Tina says. She looks over at her mom and dad, while she introduced Bette, to see their reaction.
Hi, nice to meet you. Emily says, reaching out her hand, and smiles. You have to excuse my jaw-drop, but I didnt know. Emily continues. She turns her attention to Mrs. And Mr. Kennard and looks at them curiously. Why would they not tell her about Tina.
Its okay. Tina says and smiles. Tina walks over to the bed where Sean is lying. She gently touches his hand. She notices that her parents dont like it. For in their eyes, it might be contagious.
Emily seems really nice, Tina thinks to herself. Just then Emily speaks.
Hey, would you two join me for a cup of coffee? Bette looks at Bette who nods her head.
Yeah, sure, that would be nice. Tina replies.
Joanna and Jeffrey, could you two watch the kids for a while? Emily asks.
They nod their heads, but still looking like they are looking at a stranger. We wont be that long. Emily says as they walk out the door. They walk to the cafeteria and order a coffee and take a seat.
So, Tina, why havent I heard about you? Emily says curiously.
Well, you should really ask Sean, Joanna or Jeffrey that question. Tina replies.
Do you mind me asking what happened? Emily asks and looks at Tina. Tina looks over at Bette, she just nods.
Well, back then, 9 years ago I was with this guy, Eric. He had asked me to marry him, mom and dad really loved him. He was part of the family. Tina starts but is interrupt by Emily.
Eric? You were with Eric? Hes my kids godfather. Hes Seans best friend. Emily says. Tina is surprised by this. Her eyes are starting to get wet, but she pulls it together and continues.
Okay? Well, we were on a trip out to Los Angeles. Eric was a big art collector, and he had hears of this great little gallery, The Bette Porter Gallery. So we went there. Tina says. Emily looks over at Bette who is looking at Tina with the most loving gaze Emily has ever seen, holding her hand. She smiles.
That night I fell in love, we were in Los Angeles for two weeks, and I went to see Bette as often as I could. I had never felt that way before, and certainly not about a woman. When we got back home I broke it off with Eric and told him that I had fallen in love with someone else. And I told him that it was Bette Porter. He off course told my parents who doesnt approve of that lifestyle. They threw me out and broke all contact with me. The same did Sean. We used to be so close, we could tell each other everything, but with this he didnt even want to hear me out. Tina says now sobbing.
Oh my God, how could they do that? Emily asks, partially to herself also.
As I said, you have to ask them that. Tina says.
So, how long have you been with Sean? Tina continues.
We had been dating a few months when I got pregnant. Then he proposed and we got married three months later. It was very quick. Emily says.
I see you are having a kid? Emily asks and looks down on Tinas stomach.
Yes, only two short months left now. Tina says smiling at Bette.
So, are you still running a gallery? Emily asks Bette.
No, not now. I was the director of California Art Center. But I got fired from there7-8 months ago. Now I am an art-teacher at the Center for social services in West Hollywood. Tina is one of the important people there. Bette says and smiles at Tina.
Thats good work, rally doing something for the community. I admire people who do that. Emily says.
Hey, Emily, how is Sean doing? Tina asks the question she has been wanting to ask since she went into Seans room.
Hes doing better. The doctors believe he will make a full recovery, but they wont know for sure until he wakes up. Emily says.