Chapter 38

Nancy: (hesitantly) BetteI need to speak to you about Tina getting discharged on Friday

Bette instantly regained her smile, (excited) Yes, isnt it great news. I am just making the few last preparations to our home. I had the main changes done weeks ago in hope of Tinas release and I cant express to you how elated I am that the day is finally approaching. I just want everything to be perfect you know

Nancy could hear the love and excitement in Bettes voice. This was going to be tough. Nancy was silent; she wanted to choose her words carefully.

Bette sensed the somewhat uncomfortable silence on the phone, and assumed that Nancy had doubts about her intentions, (sincerely) Nancy, you dont have to worry. I will take care of your daughter; I will give her everything she needs You will never have to worry. I love Tina. I will always love her!

Nancy got a bit choked up at Bettes admission; a knot formed at the back of her throat and tears welled in her eyes. She couldnt believe this was the same woman who broke her little girls heart. The same woman who was going to have her heart broken just as much, if not more, if they couldnt figure out a way to show her daughter what a huge mistake she was thinking of making.

Nancy: (sombrely) Bette, I know you love my little girl. I know you will take care of her!

Bette: (quizzically) Ok, thats goodso what do you need to speak with me about then?

Nancy: (slightly stalling) Bette, I really dont know how to tell this, you so Im just going to say it ok?

Bette: (wearily) Ok.?

Nancy: (crossing her fingers that she isnt making a dire mistake) Bette, Tina is my daughter is. when she is released Bette, Tina wants to return to San Francisco. with me! bracing herself for the outburst.

Bettes face suddenly went ashen, her anger and disappointment was building, WHAT!!No Tina wouldve told me! You must have miss understood! Tina loves me! She wouldnt do this to meto us! I need to talk to Tina!

Nancy: (adamantly) No, Bette, please listen to me. I know this is hard to hear; I want to help but I am not going to continue until you agree to listen!

Bette felt as if her whole world was falling apart, and the old Bette made an appearance (rightly so), What the ***** is this Nancy? When did Tina tell you this? Why the ***** would she want to leaveagain? Why didnt she ***** tell me? Bette slumped on the couch; all the effort, the sleepless nights, and the stress she had endured over the last month suddenly taking its toll; her body-feeling heavy and limp.

Nancy: (compassionately) Bette! Please just listen to me?

Bette: (resignedly) Ok, you want me to send her things up there? WhatI am listening?

Nancy: (wearily) You are giving up that easy Bette?

Bette burst into tears, What more can I do. I have given Tina everything I have, I have given her all of me and she still wants to leave. She doesnt even love me enough to tell me herself? Nancy could almost hear Bettes heart breaking as she spoke.

Hearing Bette in so much sorrow, Nancy knew that she was doing the right thing, Bette, Tina thinks she will be a burden to you. She is going through a lot of emotional turmoil and is not thinking straight at the moment. Just think about it Bette, she may never be able to walk! and she cannot give you the family that you both wanted! Try an comprehend how you would feel?

Bette:(through her tears) That is just ridiculous Nancy, Tina could never be a burden to me and of course she will walk again. And the family situation we can deal with. This is Tina Kennard we are talking about here. (sadly) I cant believe I wont even get to see it though.

Nancy: (smiling knowingly) Thats exactly why I want to help you Bette. I want my daughter to have a happy life, and as much as I abhor interfering in other peoples relationships I really believe I need to make an exception here. Tina loves you and you two belong together! You are the only way to a happy life for Tina!!

Bette: (despite her current mood, Bette had to smile at Nancys encouraging words) Thank you Nancy, Tina is my only way to a happy life too; but she is stubborn when she wants to be. If she wants to leave me, how can I stop her? She has obviously made up her mind?

Nancy: (simply, encouragingly) Show her Bette. Show her what shell be missing. What shell be giving up!

Bette: (confused)I already

Nancy interrupted, (cunningly placing her idea in Bettes thoughts) Bette, I was thinking, there is no way we will change her mind in the hospital. She has too much time to think in here! I will bring Tina by the house after she is released, before we go to the airport. You think about it Bette, you need to show her. What you need to do is get Tina to feel, not to think about what if I go? Just to feel what it would be like to stay? Its up to you sweetie!

Bette took a few minutes for her mind to mull over what Nancy was saying. An idea immediately came to her; she had till Friday to pull it off, (hopeful) Thank you Nancy. I think I got it! I really appreciate your help! Nancy cheekily smiled, knowing Bette did in fact ‘get it’!

She could see Tina was being wheeled back into her room, Um, BetteI need to go ok! Good Luck, I am depending on you, and please dont inform Tina of this little conversationNot until after you have tried at least!

Bette: Ok, sure. I will see you soon! Good bye Nancy!

Nancy: Bye Bette!

Bette hung up the phone and remained slumped on the couch. Her mind was racing, seemingly a million thoughts were running through her head. She couldnt help but be extremely disappointed by Tinas decision.

She had done everything possible in the last month, pulled out all stops, to show Tina her true love and devotion and she had changed, she had tried and had really changed for her Tee; for what though now, Bette sombrely thought. Tina had made this huge decision all on her own, with no discussion at all.

Although because she had changed, Nancys words rang through Bettes ears too, She thinks she will be a burden..Tina is not thinking straight, Bette began to really think about how Tina may be feeling.

As she did, she gained a little insight, and she gained a bit of understanding as well. Tina was not feeling good about herself at the moment, she was frustrated and depressed that she was still unable to walk, and that everyone was telling her it was up to her and it was only a matter of time; Bette did know that much, but she had no idea Tina was so insecure about their relationshipGod Tee, dont you know Id do anything for you! Bette screamed into their otherwise silent, empty home.

She was going to give it a go, put her plan into action, make every attempt to get Tina to stay where she belonged, with her in L.A., but if and when she did, Bette was going to ensure Tina didnt ever make a decision like that again without her!!!

Bette wasnt going to give up, her and Tina had come so far; she even had Nancy rooting for them. Besides, Bette knew Tina loved her; that was all she needed.. to try!



Nancy went and grabbed a coffee from the hospital cafeteria, a quick cover in case Tina asked where she had been, and joined her daughter just as the nurse had settled her comfortably back into her bed.

Tina glanced at her mom when she entered the room, (quizzically) Where did you get to mom?

Nancy didnt say a word, just held up the cup of coffee and Tina nodded.

Nancy wandered over and sat in the chair next to Tinas bed, smiling lovingly at her confused, stubborn daughter, (even tempered) So sweetheart. We do need to discuss what we are going to do when you leave here? (Tina looked at her mom surprisingly, she expected another lecture telling her she was making the wrong decision, and was shocked at her moms seemingly newfound attitude) I am not going to push anymore honey, its your life, your decision and you already know what I think ok! Nancy was silently hoping and praying already that Bettes little plan would work.

Tina: (pleasantly) Geethanks mom. First I need to speak to Bette though, and then we can arrange everything. I will need to pick up some things from the house. (hoping) Maybe you could do that for me, if Bette doesnt take it too well?

Nancy saw the opening and took it, (grinning cheekily) Maybe instead we can go there together. Just wait and see sweetie, just wait and see.

Tina was oblivious to her moms look, worried about her ensuing conversation with Bette, Yeah ok mom!

As Tina and Nancy were conversing a tall, lanky nurse entered Tinas room, Excuse me Ms Kennard. There are two police officers in the hall to see you. Its in relation to your accident. Are you up for it?

Tina looked at her mom a bit nervously; she still didnt remember the accident in its entirety.

Tina: (thoughtfully) Umyes, ok. Could you please send them in?

Nurse: Sure No sooner had the nurse exited and two police detectives walked through the door. A middle aged burly man and a young slender woman holding a clipboard walked purposefully into the room.

The woman opened her clipboard, while the man stood glancing around Tinas hospital room.

The woman began, holding out her hand in a formal manner to introduce herself, Hello, Ms Kennard, Senior Detective Rebecca Wilson and this is my partner Senior Detective Russell Roberts. We are from the L.A.P.D.

Tina shook the womans hand, (politely) Pleased to meet you detective. This is my mother, Nancy Kennard.

Detective Wilson nodded at Nancy in response to the introduction, (skimming over her clipboard notes) Ms Kennard, we are here because your hit and run driver has been arrested. The San Francisco boys were able to detain him earlier on today and before they formally charge him we need to know what kind of memory you have, in relation to the accident? They were able to obtain the offender due to eyewitness accounts but a statement from the victim, you, will ensure that this criminal will not get off on any type of technicality and it will also affect his bail application.

Tina looked at the detective, Im sorry detective Wilson but I cant help you, I dont really have my memory of the accident. I only have little snippets. The only thing I can do is call you or the San Francisco police if or when I do remember. I will be back in San Francisco next week so..

Detective Wilson smiled and looked over at her partner, Well thats good. The offender has a record and it is very likely that he will do hard time judging by the charges that are going to be laid. His court case will not be up for a few months. Would you be willing to attend court, be called as a witness for the prosecution, if your memory returns by then?

Tina: (indecisively) UmIll really will have to think about that

Detective Wilson: Ok thats fine. When you get back to San Francisco, if you could give the station a call and let them know what you decide, that would be great.

Tina: (politely) Ok sure, I can do that.

Detective Wilson: Good, Now Tina has anyone explained to you about Victim of Crimes compensation?

Tina: (overwhelmed) Umno, I dont really think that I need

Detective Wilson pulled out some pamphlets interrupting her response, handing the leaflets to Tina, Just read these Ms Kennard. I understand that you are paralysed, temporarily at least; you will be restricted for a while as to what you do, what form of employment you can undertake, what activities you can partake in and this is precisely what this service is for. It will help! The option is there anyway.

Tina took the leaflets, (politely smiling) Ok Thankyou!

Detective Wilson looked at her partner then back to Tina, Ok, Well we are done here! Thankyou for your time, (pulling out a business card from her clipboard, handing it to Tina) if you do regain your memory before your return to San Francisco Ms Kennard, or if you require any other information please call me.

Tina again shook the female detectives hand, Thankyou Detective Wilson. as the two officers walked out of the room.



Bette walked into Tinas room about hour later trying to remain cool, calm and collected; like nothing was different, like nothing had changed, but everything was different, everything had changed! When she left Tina earlier that day she had no doubt, no sorrow, no uncertaintyshe thought Tina was coming home with her, she was so happy, but now as she walked in there, with a false confidence. into Tinas room, she felt a huge gaping hole in her heart that was filled with all those things.

Bette gazed at Tina and could feel the tears begin to sting her eyes, What if she really leaves? What if she really goes back to San Francisco? Bette thoughts were consumed by those two questions. Her despairing heart never wanting those thoughts to come to fruition.

Tina looked back into Bettes big brown disappointed eyes. As soon as she locked eyes with Bette she knew, she could sense, that something wasnt right; Bette did her best but she couldnt hide her disappointment. To Tina it almost look as though Bette was .sad.

Tina was momentarily taken aback, on one hand she was worried about Bette, longing to know what had caused the sadness in her eyes, but on the other hand she was consumed by guilt about having to tell Bette of her plans. Tina needed to focus on that for the moment, time was running out and the longer she put it off; the harder it was going to be!

Bette approached Tina and as she always did, lightly kissing her before settling on the bed, Hi Baby! wrapping her arms warmly around her love. Bette held Tina tightly, almost protectively, closing her eyes, breathing in the unique scent that was her Tee. She couldnt believe that in 4 short days she may never be able to enjoy this simple pleasure again.

Tina, (caringly) MmmHi Bette! looking at her mom, who just shook her head, If youll just excuse me for a minute girls, I need to grab a coffee. Bette can I get you anything? Nancy looked at Bette sympathetically, in silent understanding.

Bette: (trying to sound casual) No thanks, Im good!

Nancy left the room and Tina looked lovingly up at Bette, scared and hesitant about the ensuing conversation. How the ***** am I going to get through this Tina thought to herself.

Gripping Bette tighter, tensing in her arms, Tina began, Bette, I need to talk to you about Friday?

Bette thought to herself, Here we go Porter. Stay calm!

Tbc.