At Alices

Tina dropped the phone and rolled onto her back still straining to regulate her breathing. The dizziness was intensifying the nausea and before she could stop herself, she threw up on the bed and floor. She rolled off the bed slamming hard onto the floor within inches of the vomit; sending intense pain through her entire body. She forced herself to stand, but she couldnt maintain her own weight and fell toward the bed. She slid back to the floor and crawled to the bathroom, which seemed like it was miles away. Her vision was blurry and she tried not to bump into anything along the way. She fought to hold back the sick feeling brewing within her stomach again. Just barely making it, Tina threw up again and passed out on the floor.


On the road

Bette was breaking all speed laws to get to Alices apartment, while trying to call Tinas cell again, but there was no answer. She was panicking and feared for her safety. She feared that Tina may have overdosed, was drunk, although that would have been out of character for her, or that she was having a breakdown.

This is all my fault. God is making me pay for everything Ive done. Please let her be okay. Please. Bette said out loud to herself.

She cursed at the slow moving cars impeding her drive and swerved to get around them. As luck would have it, she got pulled over.

*****! She cursed tapping her hand on the steering wheel waiting for the officer to come over. What the ***** is taking him so long? She fumed.

Bette looked at her watch wondering what he was doing. She attempted to get out the car and he used a bullhorn to make her stay in the car. How embarrassing she thought to herself. She looked in the rearview mirror to see him finally walking toward the car.

May I see your credentials maam?

Yes, but I have an emergency and thats why Im speeding sir. She announced politely hoping hed be sympathetic.

Well, you could have caused an emergency with your driving.

I really dont give a ***** right now, she thought to herself. Im sorry. I didnt mean to. I really do have a dire situation requiring immediate attention sir. She informed again trying to get through to the officer.

And what might that emergency be?

My girlfriend is incapacitated and I need to get to her before it gets worse. Please sir. Im serious. Bette pleaded near tears.

Seeing the sincerity in her face and tears in her eyes, the office changed his attitude.

Okay, maam please give me her number and Ill call. Ill also send for an ambulance to meet us at her address once you give it to me. Leave your car parked here and Ill escort you. You should not be driving in such distress.

Bette handed him her cell telling him to dial the last outgoing number while she grabbed her purse and got out of the car. She walked toward his and waited for his response.

Theres no answer at the number. What is the address?

Bette paused to think of Alices address. Stress was taking hold of her mind and she couldnt think of the right order of numbers.

Uhm? Uhm? Oh, its 1760 W. Lafayette Street, apartment 160. Its Alice Pieszeckis apartment. My girlfriend is staying there.

Okay. Wait one. The officer called in the address and requested an ambulance be sent there. Get in maam.

Bette got in the back and closed her eyes to pray. Let her be okay, let her be okay. She whispered.

The car sped through traffic and arrived at the apartment building within seconds of the ambulance. Bette jumped out of the back and rushed to Alice’s front door pushing through the people who gathered around to see what was going on. The officer eased them back and led the way to the elevator with the EMS team in tow. They arrived at the floor and rushed to the door. They banged on it yelling Tinas name. No answer! They banged again, still no answer.

Stand back. Ill have to force entry unless you have a key?

Bette looked on her key chain. *****! No, I dont have it. Just get in there please. She begged moving out the way.

The officer banged into the door pushing it off its frame and entered. The EMS team was on his heels almost pushing Bette out of the way.

Tina? Tina? Its Bette. Where are you baby? Where are you?

The EMS team looked at each other visually questioning Bettes words. They shrugged and followed her around the apartment. Bette rushed to the bedroom looking for Tina while the officer went around the remaining rooms.

Shes in here! He yelled and Bette rushed to follow his voice.

Is she okay? Tina? She sobbed, bursting into hysterical tears. Oh, my God baby. Tina?

The EMS team pulled Bette from the doorway and opened their kits to take Tinas vitals. The officer stepped out of the bathroom, pulling out his notebook to make some notes.

I need to ask you some questions maam. He sympathetically informed Bette.

She shook her head yes, while trying to see into the bathroom.

Her name is Tina? Bette nodded again. Tina what maam?

Kennard. Tina Kennard, she sobbed. What are they doing to her?

Making sure shes okay maam. Whats your relationship to her?

ShesShes my girlfShes my partner. Bette stuttered.

The officer looked her up and down in disbelief. He was trying not to be offensive, but his expression failed him. Bette gave him a cold stare between her sobs.

Shes 34. Shes O positive and shesShes gonna be alright right?

Before the officer could answer, the EMS tech came out of the bathroom.

Shes fine. Her breathing is shallow and pulse is low, but she appears to be fine. Shes cold and shaking, which isnt out of the ordinary. Were not sure what caused this though. Does she suffer from seizures or anything like that?

She has anxiety attacks sometimes.

Has she ever been like this from an attack?, the tech asked.

Bette shook her head no.

Maybe shes had one. She shows no signs of fractures or internal bleeding. Shes been sick, has some bruising; however, everything else looks okay. We have to take her to the hospital for more observation, but it looks like shell be fine maam.

Bette sobbed again, thanking the EMS tech and raced over to the bathroom where they had her laid on the stretcher. Tina was coming around, but still seemed to be a little disoriented.

Whats going on? Tina asked, sounding groggy. Whatwha

Dont talk baby. Its Bette. Im here baby. Bette comforted her, kissing her all over her face. Youre gonna be okay, but they have to take you to the hospital to make sure. Okay?

Huh? Wha? Hosspiddal? Came Tinas slurred reply.

Shh! Its gonna be okay baby.

The officer motioned for Bette to come back to him so he could finish his notes. She told him everything he needed to know and rushed out the door to follow the EMS team back down to the ambulance. She got in the back and held Tinas hand all the way to the hospital. She smoothed her hair back and kissed her over and over again.

Tina, Im so sorry. I didnt mean any of this. I didnt. I love you baby.

Tinas breathing started getting erratic and the EMS tech pushed Bette away from Tina.

Whats happening?

The EMS tech ignored her.

What the ***** is happening? She screamed again. Tell me something dammit. What the *****? Bette screamed, curling into a ball.