Bette replied in a shaky voice,

“Of course I do.”

Shane and Kit got Bette into the house and got her to bed.  Shane gave Bette some sedatives and before Bette passed out, she whimpered,

“I love Tina.”

Kit stroked her sister’s long brown locks and said softly,

“I know you do, baby.”

          Finally after Bette drifted off in an uncomfortable and painful slumber, Kit and Shane went into the living room to talk.  

Kit said,

“I’m going to spend the night here to keep an eye on my baby sis.”

Shane replied,

“Just make sure you lock up everything that could harm Bette like any sharp objects, pills and liquor.”

Kit agreed,

“Of course and I’ll keep her away from the damn pool too!”

Shane headed to the door and opened it. She said,

“I’ll call you when we find out about Tina.”

Kit sighed,

“Thanks Shane and I’m sure this ain’t no cakewalk for Alice either since Dana died a few days ago, but please tell her I’m proud of her.”

Shane smiled and replied,

“Will do.”

          About a half hour later, Alice met Shane outside to give her the news and Shane was anticipating yet dreading what could be bad news. 

Alice sighed,

“Tina is out of surgery and is in a coma.  She has a fractured skull, a broken collar bone and a broken leg.”

Shane cried,

“Fuck!”

Alice continued and feeling herself choked up with emotion,

“They aren’t sure how much brain damage she will have if she comes out of the coma because from what I’ve heard she hit her head pretty fucking hard on the concrete.”

Shane bit on her lip to keep herself from crying, but tears were already forming in her eyes.  Shane said in a quivering voice,

“How the fuck am I suppose to explain that to Kit and to Bette? I can’t do it, man; I just fucking can’t do it!”

Alice put her hand on Shane’s shoulder and said,

“You’ve done so much for me and for Bette and Tina, it’s time for me to help out around here.”

Shane hugged Alice and replied,

“I love you guys so fucking much, I can’t lose another friend!”

Alice squeezed Shane and said softly,