Chapter 9

Tina was visibly shaken as her and Alice walked back into Bettes room. Bette smiled at Alice, but frowned when she saw Tinas tear streaked face and her shaking hands. Alice was trying to figure out a way to hug Bette, but decided that would be too difficult, so she gave her a kiss on the forehead.
Youre starting to look human again, girlie. Alice could sense Bettes reaction to Tina and was trying to sidetrack her. How you feeling?
Bette looked from Tina to Alice, allowing herself to contribute to the conversation.
I feel like I got hit by a truck. Bette settled her head back on the pillows and glanced at Tina. Alice began to speak again, but Bette cut her off.
Whats up, T? Tina was avoiding Bettes eyes. She knew that it would be selfish to bring up Candace here, but she could barely hold her words in her mouth. Tina turned and looked directly at Bette.
Alice and I ran into Candace downstairs in the lobby. Her stare was unwavering and cold.
Bette looked from Tina to Alice, with a look that said Youve got to be ***** kidding me? Alice just nodded her response. Bettes eyes filled with tears as she turned her head to Tina.
Tina, you are my life. I know I made a mistake and I dont deserve your forgiveness. But, I am begging you for it. I am so sorry tears were running down her face now and Tina began to cry also. If I could do anything to take it back or change the past I would. I would do anything to have the opportunity to show you how much I love you and how much you mean to me.
Tina came closer to the bed and took Bettes hand.
Im sorry, that was so ***** to spring on you now. I love you too, Bette, but you have to understand, the situation with Candace didnt go away because of this accident. It is on the back burner, because your health is whats most important. Seeing Candace just had a really bad affect on me.
Bette pulled Tinas hand to her lips and kissed it.
Please believe me when I say that I am sorry and that I love you. My life means nothing without you Tina.

Bette was allowed to leave the hospital a few days later. Tina had spent the whole night before at their home, getting things ready for Bettes arrival. It felt so weird to Tina to be home. Everything was familiar, yet strange. Tina couldnt decide what to with her stuff, she knew that she would be staying here to help Bette, but couldnt decide where she should sleep. Her heart screamed at her to put her stuff back in their room, so she headed to the back bedroom. Tina opened the door, staring at the bed. The last time she had been here, she had given Bette back her wedding band. Tina walked in the room slowly, taking everything in. The smell that surrounded her was so comforting, so normal, that she began to cry. She sat down on Bettes side of the bed and allowed herself the emotional release she had needed. What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been, she thought.

Tina composed herself and began the task of preparing the bedroom for Bette. She changed the sheets, brought out a TV tray and set it up near Bettes nightstand. Thats when Tina noticed it. There on the nightstand, were two wedding bands with a small piece of string tying them together. Tina scooped them up in her hand held them tightly. She guesses that Bette had taken off her band too and tied them together to keep them from being separated. How cute she thought. Tina walked to the bathroom and took a pair of scissors from the cabinet. She cut the string holding the rings together and looked inside at the engraving, trying to determine which was her ring.
My heart, I surrender to you was the inscription Bette had put in her ring. Tina looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled as she realized what she was about to do.

Bette was anxious to go home. She had to wait for all of the paperwork and then she waited for Tina. I wonder whats taking her so long she thought. Bette was finally dressed in a t-shirt and sweat pants and she felt great. Tina finally rushed into the room, looking exasperated.
Hey! Im parked in a loading zone. Are you ready? Tina smiled at Bette. God, she is so beautiful.
Bette looked around the room and settled her eyes back on Tina. Yeah, lets get out of here! Tina smiled and leaned down to kiss Bette tenderly on the lips before stepping behind her to push the wheelchair down the hall.
They got to the car and laughed at the awkward way they had to maneuver themselves to get Bette situated right. Once they were in the car and Tina got Bette buckled up, she looked at Bette who was resting her head on the headrest. Tina smiled to herself and pulled into traffic.

Once they arrived at the house, Bettes expression changed. Tina got out of the car and walked to Bettes door to open it for her. Tina knelt down in front of Bette who looked quizzically at her. What are you doing, T?
Tina pulled her hand out of her jacket pocket being careful to keep her hand balled in a fist. I need to do something before we go inside. Tina reached for Bettes left hand with her own left hand. And that is when Bette saw it. Her eyes immediately began to swell with tears. Oh, Tina you have your wedding ring on.
Tina looked into Bettes eyes. Bette, we have a lot of work to do on our relationship. But almost losing you showed me how much I love you, and that with love, anything is possible. Tina slipped the ring onto Bettes finger as she said this.
Bette hugged Tina tightly. I am so sorry Tina. Please forgive me?
Tina helped Bette to her feet and put her arm around her waist to steady her while they walked into the house.
Im working on it, Bette. Its just going to take time
Tina took her keys out and opened the door to their home. She kissed Bette deeply before closing the door, leaving the world behind.
END