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Bette opens her eyes to see Tina resting fitfully in the small bed in the corner of the room.  For the first time since the accident, she feels a tremendous loss in her chest. She can’t remember the last time she woke up and didn’t feel Tina’s soft skin on hers.  She feels horrible that Tina is tossing and turning in her sleep.  She can’t believe this has happened.  She tries to sit up in the bed and moves over to the side.

“Tina…Tina…baby…can you hear me?”

Tina immediately wakes up and tries to hurry out of the small bed to get to Bette’s side.

“Oh my god, Bette, are you in pain?  Do I need to call a nurse?”

“No baby…I need you to lie beside me.  I need you to get in bed with me.  I miss the feeling of you.”  Bette’s eyes begin to water and fights to hold back the tears.

“You have no idea how much I miss holding and being held by you, but I don’t want to crowd you, babe.  I might hurt you.”  Tina gently runs her fingers down Bette’s face…kissing her temple gently.

“It hurts me more to see you uncomfortable over there…please…there’s room in here….lie beside me.”

Tina slides into the bed and snuggles under Bette’s uninjured arm….wrapping her arms around her body, “Okay babe…but sleeping only….no funny stuff!”

Bette smiles and falls back to sleep.

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Sam awakes early and is heading out the door to begin canvassing rental car agencies when she hears Helena.

“Not even a kiss as you skulk from my bed?”

“I’m not skulking.”  Sam returns to the bed and places a soft kiss on Helena’s lips.  “I’m on my way to check a lead.  I’m going to check “Best Car” Rental agencies in the area.  The witnesses saw a bumper sticker for that agency on the car that hit Bette last night.”

“I have no doubt that you’ll find out what happened.  I also know that you have William Kennard’s resources at your disposal, but if you need anything from Mummy, let me know.”

Sam smiles at Helena then kisses her goodbye, “Thanks, sweetheart…I’ll let you know what I need.  I’ve got to get going…I’m not sure how long this is going to take.”