Chapter 11.

Tina awoke the next morning feeling mildly refreshed. She had managed a decent nights sleep and although she had a nagging feeling that her dreams were again full of her past, she couldnt actually remember them when she woke, so that was definitely a plus

It was 7 am and Tina needed to attend her doctors appointment with Dr Phelps at 9am. Tina got up and grabbed a change of clothes, wandering into the bathroom.

She had a shower and after getting ready made her way into the kitchen to make a coffee before she left…

Tina walked into the kitchen and momentarily wondered where Shane was. There appeared to be no sign of life, anywhere in the whole place, and Tina knew Shane had to be at the salon at 9.

Tina wandered over to the fridge for the milk when she saw the note Shane had scribbled, obviously the night before,

T,

Didnt want to wake you. Staying at Tonis tonight. If you need me call my cell.

Later
Shane
*****

GeeI mustve been really out to it, to not even hear Shane come and go? Tina thought as she drank her coffee, contemplating her day.

After she finished, Tina put the mug in the sink, and grabbing her keys and handbag; she headed out the door to her car.

Tina drove into the hospital parking lot at to 9, and while finding a spot, her cell rang. She grabbed the phone out of her bag knowing there was only one person who would be calling her at that time of the morning.

Tina answered her phone with a smile, Morning Al, how are you?

Alice: (excitedly) Where are you Tina? I got some exciting news.

Tina: (laughing at Alices enthusiasm, this early in the morning) Im at the hospital Al, for my appointment at 9. Whats the news, beginning to share Alices excited mood.

Alice: (rambling quickly) Danas going to meet us.well technically me, at The Cup at 12 noon. Can you make it? Of course you canI didnt tell her you were back..this is going to be soooooo exciting

Tina: (grinning) Yeah I can make it!!Thatd actually be great.Id love to catch up with Dana. I will meet you there at noon AlI should be well and truly done here by then!

Alice: (half talking to Tina, half talking to herself) Ok, this is goodthis is goodIll see you there Tina.

Tina: (laughing) Ok Al breathe!!!

Alice: Funny. Kennard!! Noon ok!

Tina: Yes Alice, bye!

Tina hung up, still grinning at Alices enthusiasm.

It amazed Tina how, no matter how many things had changed since she had been gone, some things stayed exactly the same

Tina parked the car and walked into the consultation rooms, approaching the desk, HiMs KennardMs Tina Kennard. I have a 9am appointment with Dr Phelps. handing the referral letter to the receptionist.

Receptionist: Good morning Ms Kennard, please take a seatDr Phelps should be here shortly, you are her first patient for the day.

Tina: Great, Thanks. Tina went and took a seat in the waiting area.

No sooner had Tina sat down, when Dr Phelps came barging through the doors, Sorry Kate(speaking to the receptionist) Im late I have

Before she could finish her sentence she spotted Tina sitting staring at her. Kristie stopped dead in her tracks, both women just glared, totally transfixed on each other; neither woman wanting to give the other an inch, oblivious to the world around them.

A realization crossed Kristies mind (deep in thought) Tina Kennard. Tina Kennard, you were transferred by Dr Stephanie Hunter from San Francisco. . YeahNow I remember(whispering so Tina couldnt hear) Fuckhow could I forget?

Tina just slowly nodded still staring at the woman who had captured Bettes heart. She momentarily lost the ability to speak.

Kristie thought, I could use this to my advantage maybe, think Kris, think, how????

Both women shot back to reality when Kate, cleared her throat, interrupting, Dr Phelps, you have an urgent phone call. Line 2.

Kristie: (professionally) OkThanks Kate, I will just take this call and then I will see you Ms Kennard.

Again Tina just nodded; she still hadnt regained her ability to speak

Tina couldnt believe it, God, what do I do??Trust Bette to have a girlfriend that is the best doctor in L.A Tina thought frustratingly, I just cant win!!!!

Kristie came back out to the waiting area about 10 minutes later, slightly nervous, but maintaining her professionalism.

Kristie was glad of the timing of the phone call. It had given her the chance to compose herself before she had to face, and examine, one Ms Tina Kennard.

Kristie: (void of emotion) Ok I will see you now Ms Kennard!

Tina decided she had better keep the appointment, or else Steph would throttle her. She walked into the consultation room and took a seat.

Tina had also relatively composed herself in the last 10 minutes and had at least regained her ability to speak.

Dr Phelps looked over Tinas file. Tina just sat across from the doctor in silence. Both women could feel the extreme awkwardness of the situation and wanted to complete the appointment as swiftly as possible.

Dr Phelps finished her review and looked up at Tina, (steely eyed, determined to maintain her composure) Ok.Ms Kennard. I believe we need to monitor your brain waves, keeping an eye on swelling, and check how your injuries have healed?. Have you had any headaches, nausea or vomiting, since you woke up?

Tina: (shyly) Um. Well yes doctor2 nights ago I had a migraine, but that was the first one and errI was under enormous emotional distress. Tina thought she had better be honest with her doctor.

Dr Phelps got out of her chair and approached Tina examining around her scull, feeling around Tinas head with her fingers. She did it purely out of habit, not even realizing the tense look on Tinas face, or the uncomfortable feeling the two women had when they realized they were in such close proximity to each other.

Tina couldnt help but think that the fingers that were now touching, feeling around her head were the same ones touching, feeling Bette. intimately, and she started to tear up.

Tina pulled her head away, and determinedly composed herself, not letting a single tear fall.

Dr Phelps went and sat back down, Ok. I understand. but Ms Kennard, if you have any reoccurrences I will need to do a CT scan to check that all is ok in there! (half smiling) .I will need to you go down to x-ray, so I can review your healed injuries for myself and. I also see that Kate arranged for your physiotherapy here, at the hospital after were finished .are you ok with that?

Tina: (uncomfortably, she just wanted to get out of there) Sure!

Dr Phelps: (Still maintaining her professionalism) Ok Ms Kennardthats all we need at this stage. You will need to see me once a week, but please dont hesitate to call if you experience anything irregular, like headaches, nausea or such.

Tina smiled internally at Dr Phelps, thinking to herself, Isnt it ironicthe reason for the nausea, headaches and such is partly you!

Dr Phelps got up out of her chair, Ok well Ms Kennard if you will go out and see Kate she will direct you to physiotherapy and x-ray. I will see you again next week!

Tina quickly got up and walked out of the room, OkayThankyou doctor.

Unbeknown to either woman, Kristie and Tina were thinking exactly the same thought. Thank god thats over!!

Tina was directed to Physiotherapy and x-ray where she went and completed the necessary tests and her physio. session.

She finished up at the hospital about an hour later, feeling like it had been the longest hour of her entire existence. Tina was impressed that Dr Phelps had maintained her level of professionalism throughout the whole appointment, and there was no doubt in Tinas mind that Kristie was good at what she did; but both women still found their doctor/ patient relationship extremely uncomfortable.

Tina decided to go for a walk. She had plenty of time before she had to meet Alice at noon, and it was a beautiful day out.

Tina got to thinking; she could see the endearing qualities that Kristie possessed. Even as a person that Kristie would obviously be a little unsure of, the doctor still came across caring and considerate to Tina. She actually thought her to be a really nice woman, who under different circumstances would probably be a good friend.

Kristie on the other hand had thanked the heavens that she was able to maintain her level of professionalism, while her insides were churning. She too found Tina very likeable and as much as she tried, she just couldnt bring herself to hate the woman who seemed to have a profound effect on her Bette!

Before Tina knew it, time had slipped away and it was time for her to meet Alice and Dana at The Cup.

Tina arrived at the caf at to noon. She walked through the doors and immediately spotted Alice who waved her over.

Tina ordered her latte and went over sitting, conversing with Alice.

Tina: (casually) Alice, you will never believe who my specialist doctor is here in L.A.?.

Alice had no idea; she looked intently at Tina, Who?

Tina: (rolling her eyes) Dr. PhelpsDr Kristie Phelps.

Alice: (raising her voice) Oh my god, TinaAre you serious. All the doctors in L.A. and you had to be transferred to Kristie?

Tina: She is supposed to be the best.

Alice: Yeah well she isbut still Alice shrugged her shoulders

Tina: (dejectedly) I know Al.

Alice: So howd it go? The appointment and all?

Tina: (contemplating her response) Well, Al, it was extremely uncomfortable..but I can see why Bette loves her, she seemed to be a really nice woman

Alice looked at Tina in disbelief, Wow, I expected a different response than that.

Tina: (sadly) Well I dont know what else to sat really, she is a great doctor. I just think Ill have to transfer because I cant get the imagery of her and Bette out of my head.I cant stand her touching me.

Alice looked up and saw Dana walk in holding hands with a cute red head. (excitedly) Ok Tina, well finish this later. Its timeDana just walked in!!!

Dana spotted Alice and walked over, signing a number of autographs for adoring fans along the way. Seemed Dana, once dubbed the ***** Anna Kournikova was a now a big star in her own right!!

Tinas back was facing Dana, and as Dana approached their table, Tina turned around smiling shyly at Dana

Danas legs came to a complete stop, as her eyes came into contact with Tinas. She gave Tina a derogatory look and turned around walking out…

Tbc.