Tinas face went as pale as a ghost, as she interrupted, (confusion and disbelief washing over her face) I knowOh My God, its youits really you? is all she could shakily whisper before the world around her once again went black, and Tina passed out, cold!!

Tbc

Chapter 33

The doctor immediately attended at Tinas side, grabbing a little bottle of smelling salts out of her coat pocket, gently waving it under Tinas nose.

Bette looked at her, somewhat impressed by her preparedness.

Doctor: (grinning slightly, noticing the look from Bette) Oh, its an occupational hazardthis little bottle comes in handy in my line of work. believe me the good doctor acknowledged.

Bette nodded in understanding before returning her attention and concern back to Tina

After breathing in the salts, Tina began to stir and reawaken. She was initially dazed and disorientated taking a few minutes to regain her senses.

The doctor looked sternly at Bette, (quietly, confusedly) Whatwhat was that about?

Bette shrugged her shoulders, I have no idea Dr Hunter youre the doctor. (eagerly) Is Tina ok?

Dr Hunter shrugged as well, Oh well, sometimes patients have a reaction, of sorts, like this when they initially wake up! We will just have to chalk it up to that unless or until Ms Kennard tells us otherwise! No harm done! Ill get a complex if it keeps happening though, thats the third patient today thats passed out on me. quietly chuckling to herself.

Tina heard the light conversation between Bette and Dr Hunter as she was re-emerging, back to reality. Once Tina was fully aware, her attention was instantly drawn to the beautiful brunette (the other beautiful brunette) standing right in front of her.

Tina looked intently at the doctor and smiled, slight confusion clouding her mind. It was just a dream wasnt it? Why is Steph here then? Tina unsurely thought to herself, a thousand thoughtsa thousand scenarios racing through her head.

Bette: (concerned) Are you ok Tee? placing Tinas hand gently in her own.

Tina continued to quizzically stare at the doctor, answering Bette nonchalantly, not even looking her way, Yes Bette. I am fine!

Tina quietly spoke to Dr Hunter, (hesitantly) Steph, is that really you? What arewhat are you doing here?

Dr Hunter was somewhat taken aback, looking over at Bette and then back to Tina.

Bette was just as perplexed asking, Do you know Tina, Dr Hunter? furrowing her brow.

Dr Hunter: (deep in thought) No I dont believe I do? Did you tell Tina who I was Bette? This is strange, professionally everyone addresses me as Stephanie, only my friends know me as Steph?

Both women looked at Tina in anticipation of an explanation. Bette was actually a little jealous, Tina seemed almost smitten by the gorgeous doctor and the attention that she was receiving from Tina just moments earlier, seemed to be transferring to the doctor. And a gorgeous doctor at that. Bette thought.

Dr Hunter: ErmDo you know who I am Tina?

Tina: (lightly grinning) YeahI think I do?

Dr Hunter: (surprised at Tinas response) Huh..? How?

Bette anxiously looked at Dr Hunter then back to Tina, wondering what was going on; while both her and the doctor waited with bated breath for this explanation.

Tina: Well..At the moment its all a bit of a blur, I cant really explain it! (Tina took a deep breath composing herself, fearing she would sound crazy, squeezing Bettes hand, hesitantly continuing) I know this will sound crazy, but.I had I had a dream while I was unconscious and..you …you Dr Stephanie Hunter were my doctor.

Dr Hunter: (letting out the breath she didnt realise she was holding) Tina, thats not weird at all. In fact its pretty common to dream whilst in the state you were in, most people dont remember though. Its just strange, because you had never met me before and yet you seem to know me now? a curious look enveloping her face as she tried to make sense of Tinas admission.

Bettes uneasiness peaked, and she became anxious, her hands beginning to grow moist, I knew it was too god to be true she dejectedly thought, in respect to Tinas most recent behaviour. Tina had had some sort of .a dream? Thats allit was just a dream!

Bette found it oddly unsettling however that Tina had dreamed about this doctor Hunter woman, pretty accurately too it seemed.

First there was a Jack, and now Dr Hunter, god was there even hope for them at all? Bette began to think, erasing that thought out of her mind as quickly as it entered! Bette Porter was feeling unusually insecure and vulnerable!

Dr Hunter spoke, snapping Bette out of her thoughts, Ok, anyway well get to the bottom of that later Tina, first lets get onto the matters at hand. Are you aware of what happened to you?

Tina: (frustratingly) No, Im not reallyEvery time Bette began to tell me, we were rudely interrupted by one thing or another (looking over at Bette, a weak smile tugging at the corners of her mouth)I had some sort of accidentright?

Dr Hunter: Thats right Tina. Now I want you to think carefully. What do you remember about the accident?

Tina was a little unsure of the validity of her current memory, more specifically her memory in relation to what was a dream and what was reality. She didnt trust that part of herself right now and wasnt certain of anything, Um, I dont remember much reallyI was knocked over while I was running, near my moms house I think? rubbing her head feeling the early indications of a migraine coming on, adding, And it hurts like *****!!

Bette ran her hands through Tinas hair and gently massaged her scalp, trying to quell her impending headache, eliciting a tranquil moan from Tina.

Dr Hunter: (smiling warmly) Ok, thats a really good start Tina. Dont worry about trying to remember alright. Dont push too hard, your brain needs time to rest and to heal. It will all come back to you, all in good time. The police will probably wish to speak to you in relation to the accident too. As I understand it, it was a hit and run.we are always required to inform the local authorities when a patient wakes up who was a victim of such a crime. You speak to them when you are ready Tina, and not before ok!I dont want you getting anxious or stressed, I need you completely focused on rest, healing and recuperation!

Tina: Ok doc!

Dr Hunter: Now Tina, you are aware that you are in L.A. hospital?

Tina looked at Bette, curiously crinkling her eyebrow. That thought never even crossed Tinas mind, not until now. Sure, it made sense, she had to be back in L.A., how would Bette and the girls all be all there, waiting for her, otherwise? They all had jobs and a life, they couldnt possibly be in San Francisco.

Why AM I in L.A. hospital, when I was in San Francisco at moms at the time of the accident though? Tina thought perplexingly.

Bette observed the questioning look on Tinas face and responded, (compassionately) I flew you back here Tee, to L.A After I heard about the accident, I researched and ascertained the information on who the best possible doctor in this field wasand that was Dr Hunter. She was based here in L.A. and couldnt manage to get out to San Francisco, so I discussed it with your mom and your doctor in San Francisco, and once you were stable enough we flew you and your mom out here. (looking directly into Tinas eyes Bette was becoming overwhelmed with emotion) Tee.. I only wanted the best for you, so you had every chance.. Bette had to stop; her voice becoming crackly and hoarse, a stray tear trickled slowly down her cheek. Tina wiped it lovingly away with her thumb.

Tina: (smiling sincerely) Its ok babe. Thank you for doing that for me! as she lightly brushed Bettes cheek with the palm of her hand.

Bette immediately noticed the Freudian slip, thinking hopefully, Wow, she called me babe? smiling genuinely back at Tina. Tina was unaware of the slip, she didnt even realise the associated can of worms she had opened up with that one simple word; it was purely a habitual response.

Tina: (still looking caringly into Bettes eyes) How long was I unconscious for Steph .Um, (shyly glancing at the doctor) sorry I mean Dr Hunter?

Dr Hunter was a little uncomfortable that Tina seemed to know her, that Tina Kennard seemed to feel so comfortable in her presence, and what made matters worsewhat intrigued the good doctor was that she seemed to feel as though she knew Tina tooshe felt comfortable too, somehow.

Dr Stephanie Hunter didnt particularly like anyone but her friends calling her Steph. She diligently kept her work and her private life separate; she had always lived that way, ever since she graduated from Medical School, but she couldnt help but think that Ms Tina Kennard was a bit differentthere was something different, something endearing about her. They had some sort of a connection or something?

Dr Hunter took a good, long look at the fragile blonde, lying in bed in front of her; her eyes fixed devotedly on her wife. She could see the warmth. and kindness. and love, emitting from Tinas body. Even in the state she was in, all bruised and battered, her body still showed openly and undoubtedly to the naked eye of a stranger what Tina Kennard was really like, deep down on the inside, and she was beautiful!

Tina was concerned with the lack of response from the doctor, Dr Hunter?

Dr Hunter: (professionally) Ok, sorry, about 5 days um, about 115 hours to be exact, (looking over Tinas chart, then at her wrist watch.) You have pretty significant injuries, you had to be put in a drug-induced coma for the first two days Tina, after the surgery and then we just let you come out of it on your own! You were in San Francisco General Hospital for those first two days and as Bette explained, you have been here since then.

Tina: (timidly) So what now doc? looking from the doctor, once again into Bettes soulful eyes, with a look of total loss consuming her face; a scared vibe emitting from her eyes, terrified at the thought of what was actually next. This didnt go unnoticed by Bette who gave her a reassuring smile, rubbing Tinas back gently, (quietly for only Tina to hear) Itll be ok Tee.

Just as Dr Hunter was about to answer, Nancy Kennard (Tinas mom) came bursting through the doors to Tinas room. Tears quickly formed in the corner of her eyes, trickling down her cheek by the time she had made her way over to her daughter and engulfed her in a tight, protective embrace, Tinasweetheart. Youre ok? Thank God!!.

Tina: (teary eyed) Hey mom, Im ok! Ill be ok Tina hugged her mom back tightly, getting lost in the loving, warm, tender embrace; evoking the safe, I love you no matter what feelings that only a mother could give. Tina closed her eyes and just stayed snuggled in her moms safe arms; getting lost in the moment; she didnt even notice the time go by, it couldve been minutes it couldve been hours and Tina didnt care.

Bette looked on and couldnt help but become teary eyed herself, the emotion between mother and daughter was overwhelming.

Dr Hunter hated to interrupt the tender moment between the two women, but had to conclude her consult, so she could see her other patients.

Dr Hunter: Ok so Tina, Im sorry to interrupt but I have to officially tell you about your injuries and your prognosisDo you want your family to stay or do you wish to hear this by yourself? I would advise that you have someone hereyou have just been through a very traumatic experience, you will need a lot of support. Bette and your mom both already know of your injuries, but the now what longer term prognosis wasnt learned until recently.

Tina looked lovingly at Bette and at her mom, consumed by her own thoughts. Bette and Nancy sat in anticipation of the doctors words, each taking one of Tinas soft, weak hands in their own, assuming that of course they were going to stay and support Tina. They werent going anywhere as far as they were concerned, and wanted to know what they were all up againsttogether!

Tina on the other hand knew her body, and she knew the prognosis wasnt going to be good. She decided right at that moment that she had to know for herself before she decided to divulge the information to anyone else. After all her mom was getting on in years and wasnt in the best of health and Bettewell Bette had enough on her plate already, this could send her over the edge, maybe she couldnt handle more bad news, and as angry and disappointed as Tina was at Bette she didnt want to subject her to that. She needed to do this on her own. to hear this on her own!

She was dying to have someone there with her, to just hold her hand, and whisper that everything was going to be ok, whilst she was being told the long term prognosis, but she just couldnt, she had to protect the people she loved.

Tina: (sternly, not looking at either one of them, playing with Bettes fingers) Mom, Bettedo you mind. Ill let you know what Dr Hunter says, I just really need to hear this primarily on my own(looking up sadly at the two disappointed women) and I need to ask the doctor a few things too(quietly) Im sorry but can you please leave for a few minutes!

Dr Hunter: Um Tina, It is serious.. So um, it would be advisable to have someone with you?

Tina: (adamantly glaring at the doctor) No!! I want to hear it on my own. Mom, Bette do you mind please!

Nancy and Bette looked at each other concernedly, anxiously, they were both extremely disappointed that Tina wouldnt let them be there to help her. Bette was especially upset, she was hoping to try and make things right; she wanted for them. for her and Tina to get through this together, she couldnt do that though if she wasnt let in and allowed to!

Bette: (pleading) Please Tinaplease let me stay and help you with this? We need to get through this together Bette was trying to hold onto her welling tears; unsuccessfully though as they escaped down her already stained cheeks.

Tina: (stubbornly) No Bette. I told you already, I need to do this on my own. Now could you please take mom and get out of here so we can get on with it. I will tell you the results when we are finished ok!!

Bette: (desperately) But Tee

Tina interrupted, (abruptly loosing her patience) Bette, I told you I will let you know when we are finished! glancing at Dr Hunter, Now I have never given you any reason not to trust me, have I? staring straight into Bettes eyes. Regretting her choice in words the moment she spoke them.

With those hurtful words Bette suddenly felt all the guilt and regret from her actions returning, churning in her stomach, slowly overtaking her whole body, and she decided to give up, for now anyway. Choose your battles Bette. she thought to herself.

Nancy listened to Bettes hopeless pleas and decided not to even try.

Bette: (quietly) NoNo you havent Tee! Ok!

Resignedly the two women realized they were fighting a loosing battle; both women knowing all to well how stubborn Tina was when she wanted something, so they stood up and left Tina and Dr Hunter to it.

Bette gave Tina a light kiss on the cheek, Tee. I will be right outside if you need me ok!! squeezing her hand before releasing it and walking out into the waiting room, tears streaming down her cheeks. Nancy gave Tina a quick hug, whispering similar sentiments before she too joined Bette in the waiting room.

Dr Hunter began, Ok firstly, do you have any questions? Any questions at all Tina before I begin?

Tina: (her voice laden with fear) StephDoctor Hunter I didnt want to concern my mom or my friends but (Tina didnt want to announce her concern out loud, knowing that hearing herself voice the problem would make it all too real and she wasnt sure if she was ready to face that just yet) IveIve lost all feeling and control in my legsI feel nothingabsolutely nothing. Whats going on down there? (breathing erratically) I am freaking out here deftly afraid but needing to know the answer.

Dr Hunter: Ok, listen calm down Tina. Take a deep breath ok There is a good reason for thatAre you sure you dont want Bette or your mom in here with you TinaLike I said before, this is serious?

Tina: (panicky) No just tell me pleaseIm begging you!

Dr Hunter: (professionally, void of any emotion. A trait she had to learn over the years) Tina at this stage, until the swelling completely subsides in your brain and your injuries to your vertebrae heal, we are not sure if you will regain movement or feeling in your legs. (lightly sighing) Im so sorry, but I must tell you what you may be faced with. There is still hope that.. the doctor kept explaining but Tina had zoned out, her mind taking on a life of its own, mulling over the doctors initial prognosis, not comprehending the initial part.

She looked at Steph sorrowfully, seeing that the kind doctor was still talking, her lips were still moving, but for some reason Tina couldnt hear what she was saying. One predominant thought was racing through her mind, over and over, smothering any hopes of her sudden desire to listen, Oh my godIll never walk again! Ill never walk again!

Little did Tina know, that sadly the worst was yet to come..

Tbc