MmmmmmT, she says opening her eyes with numerous blinks. T? Where am I? Her question is laced with panic.

Baby, youre in the hospital. Its a long story, but Ill explain everything. Right now theyre getting ready to take you for some tests. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?

T? Shes looking for me with her words. She opens her eyes and looks around the room. Tinawhere are you?

Im right here Babe, right in front of you. I dont understandshe looked straight at me. Bette, are you alright?

Her eyes are still frantically searching around the room. TinaI cant seeI cant see youI cant see anything. Everything is black.dark. Whats happening to me T? Her last statement escapes with a flood of tears. I dont understand whats happening. Thelp me. Her pleading tears at my heart more than not knowing if we had a future. I cant stand to know that shes hurting.

Babe, Im right here, I say the, returning my hand to her cheek. Wiping her warm tears away, I recall how cold she felt only a few minutes ago. Let me go get the doctor. ***** be able to tell us whats going on.

No, Tplease dont leave me, she pleads for me to stay. Ive never seen Bette so vulnerable, save once. That day in the showerbefore the Provocations opening was the lowest Ive seen her. Obviously I wasnt there enough for her then, but Ill be here for her now.

Okay Baby, Ill stay right here, I reassure her. Let me just find the call button. Locating the small box, I push the red button.

Is everything okay in here? I hear the doctors voice and turn to see him approach the foot of the bed. I was just walking by and the nurse told me you buzzed, he explained, looking from me to Bette. Ahhhh, I see our patient is awake. Well, Ms. Bette Porter, my name is Doctor Clarke. He steps around the bed to shake Bettes hand. Upon eliciting no reaction from her, he casts his eyes upon me for an explanation.