“No “ Tina said “he forfeited that right to know what was happening with her when he stole her college fund and didn’t tell her that you had a trust fund for her and most of all – he gave up all rights to Bette when he lied to her about you. He hurt a little girl and kept that lie up for years – he must have been able to see what it did to her but he didn’t give a fig  – – he just wanted to be in the right – he can go to hell. He is not getting close to my future wife “

Elizabeth opened her mouth but closed it again. Tina exhaled – that had come out a lot harsher than she had intended it to be

“Sorry – I just feel incredibly protective towards her. No one has ever really been there for her – she’s always been a loner. She is not alone any more and no one is going to hurt her or be given the chance to  “

Elizabeth went silent –  Tina thought that she had probably thought that Tina’s last remark had been a dig at her. Well it hadn’t been but Tina wasn’t in the mood to entertain anything that would upset Bette and that most certainly would be her father. 

Tina kissed Bette’s hand and closed her eyes. She was close to dropping off to sleep when the sound of the door opening brought her back to fully conscious again. It was Helena

“Hello “

“Helena “

Tina got up and hurried to her best friend – Helena hugged her

“How is she ?”

“She is off the mask “

“That’s great  – that is real progress Tina – has she woken up ?”

“Yes –she was awake for a few minutes “

“That’s good – how are you ?”

“Tired and grubby “

“I got your spare key from James and I have got you a change of clothes “

“Oh thanks  –  are you okay sitting with her while I go and have a wash ?”

“Of course “ Elizabeth sounded hurt. Tina sighed and walked back to the older woman

“Look  – I am sorry that I sounded so harsh earlier on. But I know Bette  – I know how she feel about him and she wouldn’t want him here. “

“You know her better than I do “

“We need to work together to take care of her –  please lets not fall out “

“I am okay – just being silly “

“We are both tired “ Tina said “ I am sorry Elizabeth “

Elizabeth stood up “ So am I – sorry for suggesting it “

Tina and Elizabeth hugged

“Would you bring me a cup of tea back ?”

“I will – thanks “

Tina walked out of the hospital room with Helena.

“What’s got into her ?” Helena asked

“She thought I should get hold of Melvin “

“Oh – no no no “

“That was what I said – except I was more forceful “

“She likes her own way “ Helena remarked as  they walked down the corridor “Do you think that warning was enough – will she get hold of him regardless of what you said ?”

“She better not or she will find out that out of Bette and I – I am the hard bitch “