Tina had sat silently letting Bette talk she was afraid if she interrupted her she would shut down. As she was making notes she made sure her hair covered her face as the tears ran from her eyes as she listened to Bette’s recall of events.

When Bette stopped talking Tina noticed how she looked exhausted.

“Bette I think we have covered enough for now. I look forward to our next session later today. Oh Bette…be sure and eat something between now and then because you are due for meds again in 3 hours and we can’t give them to you on an empty stomach.”

Bette only nodded her head in response and closed the office door on her way out. Tina took longer than usual to collect herself before seeing her next patient as she thought to herself at least she is talking…it’s the first step Tina…slow and steady.

Tina continued to see Bette at her scheduled times and she was slowly withdrawn from the daily medications during the detox stage of her recovery. Tina had slowly moved Bette into the avoidance of situations in which one would use drugs or alcohol. The private sessions between her and Bette were reduced and Bette was moved into group therapy sessions. Tina filed monthly reports to the court on Bette’s progress while at Mountain Lake. Dr. Black reviewed all of Tina’s recommendations regarding Bette’s treatment and concurred with her professional opinion.

Bette’s physical wounds had long since healed and along with not using and regular meals she had began to pick up weight. Tina knew from their first session when Bette had opened up to her that her leaving Bette was what crushed her. She knew that if leaving her caused this kind of destruction then for Bette to discover she had a child would certainly send her back out into a drug filled reality. One so deep she may never return.

After realizing this Tina made the decision not to tell Bette of Angelica’s existence. But since Kit already knew she would have to convince Kit somehow not to ever tell Bette her secret.

Arriving home late that night Tina picked up the phone and dialed.

“Hello Kit.”