Bette had woken to see Shane sitting quietly next her bed. She watched her for a few minutes. Shane looked sad and it worried Bette, “Shane, you okay?”

Shane looked up in surprise, “Gees! Bette I didn’t know you were awake. I should go.”

“Hey just because I’m awake doesn’t mean you have to run for your life.”

“I’m not running”, Shane told her sounding slightly defensive and she looked as if she were about to come apart.

“Shane? Sweetie what’s going on?”

“God Bette I’m sorry”, Shane started to cry and got up made to bolt for the door.

“Shane wait, Come here please. Why are you apologizing?” Bette was beckoning her back to the chair. Shane leaned forward placing her hands on the bed where Bette could reach her. She gently placed a hand on top of Shane’s to encourage her to speak.

“I’m sorry because I’m you friend and I wasn’t there for you.”

“No, Shane I pushed you away. I didn’t let any of you in. You can’t apologize for things I caused. You were the one who was there more than anyone else. I was a real ***** to you most of the time but you were there.”

“I should have been there more.”

“Shane you did exactly what I wanted you to do. You were with Tina.”

“But Bette”

“No buts. I will not accept that.”

“I’m still sorry.”

“I know you are sweetie and I appreciate it but it’s not necessary. Why is everyone so keen on taking the blame? Because you didn’t do this, none of you did this.  So stop it.”

Bette was beginning to sound frustrated. Shane didn’t say anything for a long moment. She didn’t want Bette to stress herself over this so she just surrendered. “Okay”, Shane said nodding her head. “So, how are you feeling?”

“Not bad actually just a little tired. It’s funny how exhausted you can get without even lifting a finger”, her eyes seemed to grow heavy again as she said this. “This is the story of my life”, she said waving her arms in a wide motion.

“It pretty late maybe it’s early at any rate I should go and let you sleep”, Shane said getting up.

“Don’t go” Bette said closing eyes.

Shane looked at Bette then sat again, “Okay Bette. I won’t.”

“I’m sorry I don’t think I’ll be able to stay awake much longer”, Bette told Shane but fighting heavy eye lids just the same.

“It’s fine Bette. You don’t have to stay awake. Besides you still need to sleep to heal. So, I suggest you sleep. And remember it’s all because we love you. I love you, okay. Don’t forget that.”

“I love you to Shane. Never again will I doubt.” Bette closed her eyes and Shane occupied the visitor’s chair. Together they enjoy the companionable silence. Shane watched as Bette fell into a deep sleep. It wasn’t often she was able to just sit watch someone sleep. There was something calming about it and it was a relief to not have something like ***** and foreplay getting in the way.