She cant see anything, I tell him. I was hoping that you could tell us whats wrong.

Let me take a look, he says, fishing a penlight from his pocket. Shining the light in her eyes, he mumbles a few things. Well, her pupils react fine and everything else looks healthy. The blindness is probably cause by the swelling. Well have a better idea about whats going on after the tests. He places the penlight back in his pocket and continues, why dont I go check to see if an orderly is on the way? You stay here with hershe doesnt need to be alone right now.

As the doctor turns to leave Bette finally speaks up, I just love it when people talk about me like Im not even here. I cant see doctor, but I can sure as ***** still hear.

Bette! Hes just trying to do his job, I tell her.

Yeah, well, HIS job is affecting MY life, she says as she tightens her grip on my hand. Shes growing angry at what I perceived as an innocent mistake. I guess it wasnt so innocent to her.

Please allow me to apologize, Bette. I didnt mean anything by it. I guess Im just used to speaking to a patients family, since theyre usually unconscious while under my care, his voice is calming, but doesnt seem to have an affect on Bette; her grip is just as tight around my hand.

Baby, youre hurting my hand, I tell her prying my hand from hers. I look up at the doctor to see a contemplative look on his face. Something deeper is going on with Betteand hes trying to figure out what it is.

Lets get these tests run and Ill be able to give you a clearer idea of your condition, he says, finally stepping out of the room.

I turn to see Bette seething. Her breathing is ragged and erratic. Her teeth are clenched as her jaw muscles ripple under her cheeks. Her chest is heaving with every quick, audible breath she takes. Baby, you need to calm down, I begin to plead myself.

I will not calm down, she fumes through clenched teeth. This is MY life were talking aboutnot hisand certainly not yours. Her final utterance stings, penetrating through my chest. I feel my heart drop into my stomach and can only stand here in stunned silence.

Finally regaining my senses, I swallow hard and turn to leave. I dont know whats gotten into her. She just went from being scared, asking me for help, toto that at the drop of a hat. Ive never seen Bette change that quickly beforeeven when provoked. I have to find the doctor. Something deeper is going on here.

To Be Continued