Bette pressed play, her first thought was, it was only the message she left Tina, but there was more than one message. Bette kept listening as Tinas sweet voice came over the speaker

Chapter 31

Bette Ive gone to San Francisco *sniff, sniff. * My dads had a massive heart attack and my mum.well she sounded a mess. I tried to let you knowI dont know how long Ill be *sniff *..anyway Ill call you when I can. I love you Bette *beep *

Bettes heart sank. She could hear the worry in Tinas voice. She was so caught up in her own stubborn little world that she didnt even look at Tina when she came to the gallery; one look Porter and you wouldve known Bette thought. One look and you wouldve realized that Tina was hurting.

Tina was going through this alone, because Bette wouldnt listen. Bette wasnt going to let her. Bette quickly packed a bag and jumped in her car. She was driving to San Francisco to find Tina..

Bette was not going to let Tina down. Tina needed her and she was going to be there for her, even if it was just to yell at her. Bette wasnt taking any chances where Tina was concerned. Although their relationship was different now, last time Tina was in San Francisco, Tina ended up in hospital. Bette couldnt be there for Tina then, and that nearly killed her, she sure as ***** was going to be there now!!!!!!!!!

Bette hopped in her car and was on her way to San Francisco. On the way she took out her cell, firstly trying to reach Tina, surmising that Tina actually answering was a long shot, but she had to try.
Bette was right; Tinas cell went straight through to message service.

Bette then, called Kit. She needed to let someone know where she was and she had no idea how long shed be out of town, As long as Tina needs me Bette thought.

RING, RING, RING.

Kit was tucked up in bed. Shed had a great night at the opening but it had been a long week and she was exhausted. Kit groggily answered the phone thinking to herself, this better damn well be important. Hello.

Bette: (panicky) KitIts Bette.

Kit sat up in her bed. She knew it was important if Bette was calling her this late. What is it baby girl. Are you ok? Is Tina ok?

Bette: Kit, Im on my way to San Francisco. Tinas dad is sick. I dont know how badly. I needI need you to let everyone knowum..The station, the gallery, the girls, the

Kit cut Bette off, Its Ok, dont worry yourself baby sis, Ill take care of it. You just look after your woman. How is she doin.

Bette: (tears were forming in her eyes) Kit, I dont even know. She left earlier. I only found out when I got home

Kit: Ok, you go find her baby girl, and if theres anything I can do call me. Ill let everyone know, dont worry about anything back here. Ill take care of it.

Bette: Thanks Kit. I dont know how long well be gone.. Ill call you later when I know more.

Kit: Bette, be careful and drive safely. I know youre upset, and you want to get to your woman as soon as possible, but it wont help Tina if you get hurt baby sis!!!!

Bette: Ok, Ok, Bye Kit..Thanks.

Bette kept driving for the next hour or two; she had lost all track of time. Bette was getting more anxious, the closer she got to San Francisco. When she was about an hour away, Bette pulled out her cell again and called every hospital in the San Francisco area to ascertain the whereabouts of Tinas dad Stephen Kennard. Bette figured that is where she would find Tina.

Bette finally found out that Stephen Kennard had been admitted at Laguna Honda Hospital. The woman on the phone could not tell Bette about his condition or even if Tina was there, but at least she had a destination to head to.

Bette arrived at the hospital about an hour later. She spotted Tinas car in the car park, as she was parking. At least I know shes here. Thought Bette.

Bette walked into the hospital not knowing what to expect. She asked at the front desk for Stephen Kennards room number.

Admitting Nurse: He is in intensive care maam. That patient is allowed family only!

Bette was getting worried that she would be unable to go up and find Tina.

Bette flashed the nurse her million-dollar smile and put on the charm, I just need to see his daughter Miss. I will not go into see him if Im not allowed. I just need to know how he is? Please??!!!??

It worked.

Admitting Nurse: (smiling) Ok, 6th floor. Take the lift on your left and follow the signs.

Bette: Thank you so much.

Bette made her way to the lift and up to the 6th floor. Bette was thinking to herself on the way up, Stephen must not be to good to be in intensive care. poor Tee, she must be beside herself.


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Bette followed the signs and arrived at intensive care a few minutes later. She spotted Tina and she felt like her heart stopped.

Tina was with her mum, Nancy. They were sitting on the chairs outside one of the rooms, what Bette assumed to be Stephens room. Nancy was sobbing uncontrollably and Tina was trying to console her mum.

Tina had a steeled look on her face and was just staring off into space. Tina was being strong for her mum, even though she felt like dying on the inside.

Bette stayed at a distance. She didnt know what to do. Bette knew her mum didnt approve of her and Tina, and she didnt want to make Nancy more upset, having to deal with that right now. But Bette desperately wanted to hold Tina, the love of her life, comfort her, tell her that she loved her, that she would always be there and that everything would be Ok!!!

Bette just sat and watched Tina and Nancy for a while. Bette was in tears seeing the effect this was having on her Tee. She was trying to work out a way to let Tina know she was there.

Bette didnt have to wait all that long. About 10 minutes later Tina broke her embrace with her mum, Ill be right back OkIm just going to the bathroomStay here mum until I get back! Tina squeezed her mums hand, letting go, as she walked away.

Tina hurried to the bathroom just outside the ward doors. Bette immediately got up and followed Tina. She entered the bathroom not long after Tina. Bette could hear weeping coming from one of the stalls. It appeared that Tina and Bette were the only two in the bathroom. Bettes heart broke, hearing Tina in such pain; she needed Tina in her arms NOW!

Bette knocked lightly on the stall door. Ill be out in a minute. Came the saddened reply.

Tina tried to regain her compose and then opened the stall door. She had her eyes to the floor and saw a womans shoes standing in front of her.

Tina slowly bought her teary eyes up and her eyes met Bettes. She lost all her composure immediately, looking into Bettes loving gaze. Tina was so overwhelmed she just fell into Bettes strong, comforting embrace.

Tina: (almost whispering) Oh my god, Bette is it really you??? Tina started sobbing uncontrollably into Bettes shoulder. Bette didnt say a word. She just held onto Tina, and let her cry. There would be plenty of time for words later; Tina just needed to feel Bettes love right now.

Tina kept sobbing until she had run out of tears. Bette took her out of the bathroom and sat her on the seats just outside the bathroom door. Bette held onto Tina and waited for her to talk.

Tina: (huskily) OMG Bette, youre here. Thank god youre here.I love you so much baby. Tina broke down again.

Bette: Its Ok baby, I love you too, Im here. Im not going anywhere ever; Ok TeeIts going to be Ok.

Tina felt loved in Bettes arms and wanted to tell Bette what happened with her dad, (inconsolably) My dads dying Bette.* sob * His heart is not beating properly. The doctors believe he will have another heart attack * sob * any time and his heart wont be able to take it. Tina looked up blurry eyed at Bette, I dont know if mum will be able to handle it? She is a mess baby. I dont know what to do?? Tina begins crying again and Bette pulls her in close, Ill help you Tee, I do what ever you want me to baby.

Tina realized she had got caught up in the moment and acknowledged she had better get back to her mum, Babe. I really need to get back to mum.(hesitantly) Do you think you could come with me? Please Bette? Dont listen to my mum if she says something derogatory .Do you think you could do that babe?I really need you with me, and I know unfortunately what my mums like.. and well, shes so upset and she will say something without thinking. You know how we feel and it doesnt matter what my mum says?

Bette looked into Tinas eyes, reassuringly, Tina, if you want me there I dont care how much ***** and bigotry I have to put up with. I will do anything for you; and I understand the situation your mums in. Dont worry Tee, Im there, and absolutely nothing anyone says will change that.

Bette took Tina in a loving embrace. I love you baby. Bette whispered in Tinas ear.

Tina: I love you too babe..Thank you.

No sooner had they broken the embrace and arose to walk back to Nancy, when Nancy came bursting through the ward doors weeping. Tina, sweetheart, *sob * dads gone. Nancy stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Bette. She just stared at Tina in Bettes armsshe just stood there, she couldnt move………………………..