Carmen- Shhhh, I know babe, I know. And she will make it, she knows how much we all need her and she will come back to us, to Angie and to Tina…but you have to take it easy, especially with Alice. I imagine she’s hurting just as much as you, so take it easy, ok?

     Shane- I will…Thanks for being here. I love you.

     Carmen- I love her too so don’t thank me, and I love you too. Call me as soon as you know something. Bye babe.

Carmen and Shane kissed. Carmen walked to Kit and did the same as Tasha but when she got to Tina she knelt in front of her and spoke:

     Carmen- Tina… Tasha and I, we’re going to your house and we’re staying with Angie, so don’t you worry about her, ok?

Understanding the state that Tina was in Carmen didn’t mind that Tina didn’t answer. She stood up, kissed the top of Tina’s head and walked with Tasha, leaving Tina, Kit, Shane and Alice to await news of Bette’s condition.

The 4 women sat in the waiting room without speaking to each other. Each lost in their own thoughts, each remembering the good and not so good moments they had spend with Bette and each wishing to be in those moments even the not so good ones than to be in the situation they were in right now.

After what to them seemed like days, but in reality were just 2 hours, they were shaken out of their thoughts by a voice asking:

     Doctor-  The family of Bette Porter? 

It took a few seconds for them to react; Tina was the first to stand up and addressed the doctor, the rest stood behind her:

     Tina- I’m Tina Kennard, Bette’s partner. How is she?

     Doctor- Well Ms. Porter is out of surgery. We had to remove the bullets because they both lodged in her left lung. We had to resuscitate her 2 times in the OR. Right now she’s hooked to a ventilator that’s breathing for her, she can’t on her own, and because of the trauma and the loss of air and blood…I’m sorry but Ms. Porter has slipped into a coma. (A loud gasp was heard from the 4 woman) We’re keeping her in the ICU and we’re monitoring her heart rate and oxygen levels. Right now is a waiting game, the first 48 hours are critical and after that all we can do is keep her comfortable until and if she wakes up. But I have to be honest with you; it will be a miracle if Ms. Porter makes it past the first 48 hours. As soon as I know more and as soon as you are allowed to see her a nurse will come and talk to you. I’m sorry Ms. Kennard. (Looking at Kit, Alice and Shane) I’m really sorry.

With that the doctor left, leaving Tina, Kit, Shane and Alice completely stunned and heartbroken.