The nurse came in and looked at Tina and Kit gesturing at her watch.
Im sorry. The nurse statedShe needs her rest
Tina and Kithugged Bette and left.

Kit urges Tina to go home and get some rest.Alana and Dominic encourage
Kit to do the same..Look no one is going to be any good to Maria if they dont get any restbesides.I will stay here. Dominic said kindly

But Alana states.
No but about ityou are no good to your daughters if you are exhausted. Dominic states.

Everyone gets up and leaves.Dominic sneaks back into the room.he sees Bette has fallen asleep in the chair from pure exhaustion.He carries her and places her on a cot in the roomHe places a blanket over her..He sleeps in the chair next to Marias bed.

The next morning

Bette wakes up.She looks over at Dominic who is asleep.
Maria is not awake either.
She gets up and heads out to the vending machine to get some coffee.
While she is in the lobby. She sits there and watching people coming in and out..
She sees two little girlabout three years apartThe little one is crying and the older one has her arm around her saying Its going to be ok.
Bette just sat there and daydreamed what it would have been like to have Maria around when they were kids.
Hey Bette Kit says.as her, Geno, and Joseph come in carrying bagels and coffee.
Hi Kit Bette says as she stretches to yawn..
Why dont you go home and get some rest? Kit asks her.
I cant leave until I know Maria is out of the woods. Bette stated harshly.

Bette and Kit go back into Marias room.
Dominic is sitting there staring at his daughter and trying not to cry.
Do you see that? Kit announced with excitement..
What are you talking about ? Bette asked
She just opened her eyes. Kit announced.
I saw it too. Dominic said.Hey baby girl.are you awake.
Maria is trying to wake up so she can respond to themShe opens her eyes..
Da.. Maria tries to say Dad.
Maria baby .Im hereDominic jumps up and goes to her side.
Maria tries to say Bette. Bette..I am so thirsty.
Bette couldnt believe itShe ran for a nurse.
Maria dont try to talk honeyyou need to save her energy for your fight.
Bette said.

The nurse comes in.MariaIm one of your nurses my name is Terri
Maria tries to focus her eyes on the nurse.
Maria you are going to be very groggy because of the pain medicine. Terri told her.
Mariayou were shot twiceyou are now in the hospital. Terri explains.
Bette. Maria whispersThe baby
Bette goes over to Maria and holds her hand.Maria Anna Bella is fine and so is mom..You were a hero yesterday.You took two bulletsthat were meant for mom and the baby
Maria squeezed Bettes and gave her a faint smile.
Hi baby Dominic says to his daughter.
Hi Dad..Maria whispers.Im sorry..
Hushyou need to save your energyBesides we all want to be here with you. Dominic replies.

Kit comes in with Joseph and GenoHey baby girl
Kit reaches down and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
You are one brave person. Kit states.
Geno adds I think you might be tougher than me.
Joseph is choked up..He just pads her arm

The nurses come and try to get Maria to sit up.
Why are you making her do that? Isnt she in pain? Bette asks in a protective voice.
Bettewe just need to get her up so she doesnt develop fluid in the lungs. The nurse states.Besides we are just trying to get her to sit up.

The nurses also say.We are going to have to only have two people in the room at a time. Plus she needs her rest
Everyone leaves the room.So that Tina, Alana, and the baby can go into see her.
Good morning sunshine Tina jokes as she gives Maria a smile.Look Anna Bella there is your Auntie Maria.. Tina places Anna Bella on the bed next to Maria.
A huge smile come over Marias face.Anna Bella is all Maria can say.
Alana goes to her opposite side and reaches down and gives her a kiss.
Maria I am so proud of you Alana says.
Yessome thing terrible could have happened to your mom and the baby. Tina says
Did they get here? Maria whispers to Tina..
Yes honey they didthe police have her in custody right nowShe cant harm any of us for a long time. Tina says as she rubs Marias arm.

Dr.Casey enters the room looking at Marias chart..
Maria.good morning.I am Dr. Casey. He says to her.
I am very impressed at your progress.You are a helluva fighter.
He looks at Alana and Tina.She is now out of the woods.She will be groggy and sore.but the worst is behind herWe should really let her rest.

TBC.