Chapter 6

The transplant was taking longer than they expected. Alice and Tina were on pins and needles in the waiting room. They had sent Shane and Kit home to get some rest. They could all use some rest. Alice made Tina promise that when they had the news from the doctor, they would go home for a few hours and try to get some rest.

Dr. Crane appeared an hour later, looking extremely tired from surgery. Tina and Alice jumped the there feet and rushed to meet her. “How are they?”
Dr. Crane stopped and smiled. “The transplant was a success. Both women are in recovery, and everything looks fine.” Tina and Alice hugged each other and then shook the doctors hand. “Please, go home and get some rest. If their conditions change, I will call you, but please, do yourself a favor and get some rest. You will need your strength to help them later.” Tina and Alice nodded and turned to go. Tina looked back and smiled. “Thank you doctor.”

Tina and Alice each took a hot shower and lay down together on Alice’s bed. They set the alarm clock for 6 a.m. and fell fast asleep.

Tina was awake an hour before Alice. She lay in the dark thinking about Bette. Tina loved Bette since the first time they met. She loved everything about her. In the past seven years, Tina and Bette had shared so many things. Tina never thought that she would live her life without her. Until Candace. Candace changed everything. Tinas heart broke the night she caught them together. Tinas heart broke for a second time the day she took off her wedding ring and gave it back to Bette. Yesterday, seeing Bette in the hospital, Tina’s heart broke for a third time. With everything that had taken place in the last six months, Tina was wondering how much more she could take.

Tina sighed and got up from the bed. She walked into the kitchen, put on a pot of coffee, and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. Alice was fixing herself a cup of joe when Tina came out. Hey T, how you feeling this morning?
Anxious, I really want to get back to the hospital. You gonna shower? Alice murmured yeah as Tina went to get dressed. While Alice was in the shower; Tina packed an overnight bag, and made some sandwiches for them. She knew it was going to be a long day and she wanted to be prepared. She also didnt wasnt to leave Bette and Dana again.

Shane was at the hospital when they arrived. Hey guys, I couldnt sleep. She said as she gave them both a hug. Shane took the sight of Tina in as they walked along the corridors. She really looked like she was keeping it together. Shane decided not to interfere, she would just let Tina know she was here is she needed her. The girls headed to Danas room first to check on her. A nurse was in the room, giving Dana an injection through her IV. Alice cringed. I HATE needles! she proclaimed. Dana was groggy, but awake. How did it go?
Tina smiled through her tears. You did great Dana, it was a success. I cant begin to thank you Tina was overtaken with emotion and sat down. Alice, being her normal self said Hey Dana you can get one of those humanitarian awards now…like your mom! Dana wrinkled her nose at Alice, who leaned over to kiss her friends forehead. No, seriously, what you did was incredible. Dana smiled a goofier smile than normal, which told the girls that her pain meds were kicking in. They told Dana they would be back in a bit after they checked on Bette.

Tina was still the only one allowed in Bettes room while she was in ICU. Shane and Alice sat in the waiting room while she went in. Tina was surprised when she saw Kit sitting in a chair in the corner of Bettes room. Hey! she whispered, have you been here long? Kit rubbed her eyes and looked at her watch. About an hour. I told them I would sit over here if they just let me be here. Tina smiled and hugged Kit. Alice is in the waiting room with coffee, go have some.
Kit looked lovingly at her sister before answering. The doctors said that if her vitals keep improving the way they are, that she could be in a regular room by tomorrow. She always was so strong. Tina smiled. Dont you mean, stubborn?
Kit hugged Tina and left her alone with Bette.

Bette really did look a little better. She was considerably less yellow and puffy. Tina pulled a chair next to the bed and rested her head in Bettes hand, listening to the shallow sounds of her breath.
*END* Chapter 6