“Alice stop right there. You have no idea what you are talking about and please don’t presume to know Bette since it has been years since you have been in her company…ever again Alice.”

Tina could feel her temper rising and she realized that Bette had been right to fear her friends might not see the changes that had taken place in her. She feared they would assume she was the same old Bette who had left LA years ago and treat her as such.

“God Tina somebody certainly woke up on the wrong side of the bed…what’s the matter Porter didn’t make sure you were well loved this morning before starting your day.”

“Alice… I am going to hang up now before I say something I might be sorry for later.” With that being said she pushed the end button on her phone disconnecting the call.

Five hours later Tina felt a hand on her shoulder. Ms. Kennard, Bette came through the surgery just fine however, it took a little longer than planned in surgery. We ran into a complication, due to Ms. Porter’s slim frame the skin on her back would not stretch as far as we had hoped therefore, to close the areas on her back where the scars were cut out we had to remove some skin from her thighs and do a graft. The recovery time will be extended as a precaution to ensure the growth of the new tissue but otherwise she is fine. Once the skin graft heals the skin will have the same smooth appearance as it originally did. The redness of the surgical cuts will dissipate and blend in with the other skin over time.

They will be moving her into a room in a couple of hours. Once she is comfortably situated in recovery you will be allowed to see her. Do you have any questions?

“No thank you for everything Dr. Casper. I will go and see her as soon as I am allowed too.”

After talking to Dr. Casper, Tina got up, picked up her overnight bag, and headed for the cafeteria. She had eaten a light breakfast this morning and her stomach was telling her it was time for lunch. She knew it was going to be a long day and night. As she sat down at a table with her lunch she pulled out her cell phone and called Kit to check on Angie and relay the news of Bette’s success in surgery and her current condition to Kit. Kit had made her promise to call, if she needed anything and to keep her updated. She assured her that Angie was fine and enjoying their time together.