After Dr. Casper, agreed the next hurdle Tina, had to over come was getting Bette, to agree to go to LA for the initial evaluation. That evening Bette and Tina had their first real fight. Bette was adamant about not going to LA. Tina on the other hand was insistent that Dr. Casper was the best choice and since LA was where he practiced it would be necessary for Bette to go because the positive benefits of the surgery would certainly outweigh the negative impact of going back to LA.

From all the information Tina, had gained through calling various medical personnel she surmised they would have to stay in LA at least three months. Due to the extent of the scaring on Bette’s body it would require multiple surgeries plus, recuperation time between each operation.

The only option was to schedule it for this summer. Angelica could go with them because she would be on summer break. Tina could take off an extended amount of time for a family medical leave, if she had another colleague to fill in for her while she was gone. Bette could take a medical leave from work for three months. This would secure both their jobs for when they returned to Denver.

Then there was housing while they were in LA. Well renting would solve that problem and she was sure Kit would help find them a place to live that was close to Dr. Casper’s practice. Between Bette’s medical insurance from her work and money they had in savings, paying the medical bills and living expenses while there was not a foreseeable problem.

Tina had long suspected that Bette’s hesitancy to return to LA was due to her broken contact with the gang. She was sure the damage incurred to Bette and Kit’s relationship during their time apart had finally been healed. These days they were getting along better than ever. Kit shared freely with Bette her struggles to stay sober and continually encouraged Bette to “fight the good fight.” She was confident in Bette’s ability to continue on her positive journey and reminded Bette the merits of repairing broken friendships…using her own life as an example.

While Tina herself had insecurities over these same broken relationships she was strong enough to face the consequences by returning to LA for Bette’s benefit.

One night some weeks later, after a heated evening of love making where Tina had made certain to kiss and touch every scar on Bette’s body Bette quietly whispered, “I’ll do it…I will go to LA. I love you Tina and with you by my side there is nothing I can’t face. I will call Kit in the morning and begin making the arrangements. Thank you Tina, for every thing you have done and for coming back into my life. My wife…I love you with everything that I am and all I hope to be.”