She looked at Steph sorrowfully, seeing that the kind doctor was still talking, her lips were still moving, but for some reason Tina couldnt hear what she was saying. One predominant thought was racing through her mind, over and over, smothering any hopes of her sudden desire to listen, Oh my godIll never walk again! Ill never walk again!

Little did Tina know, that sadly the worst was yet to come..

Tbc


Chapter 34

Dr Hunter saw the inconsolable expression on Tinas face, sensingknowing that she had become lost in her thoughts, resulting undoubtedly in Tinas inability to hear what she was explaining.

Dr Hunter was relatively sure that it was the not sure if you will regain movement or feeling in your legs explanation that had Tina reacting this way, (speaking sternly, loudly) TinaTina!

Tina snapped out of her almost hypnotic state at the loud mention of her name, sombrely looking at the doctor.

Tina: (downcast) Im sorry, what were you saying SteDr Hunter? shaking her head, concentrating intently on the gorgeous doctor.

Dr Hunter: Ok Tina you need to understand the whole prognosis. What part did you zone out on me?

Tina: (sadly, tears welling in her eyes) Um. after you told me I mayI may never walk again.

Dr Hunter stood right in front of Tina, looking deep within her eyes, Ok, listen carefully Tina!

Tina looked at the deadly serious look on the doctors face and just nodded, her face a picture of concentration, her eyes a little hazy with unshed tears.

Dr Hunter: Ok, now Im going to explain one thing at a time Tina. You tell me if you want a break, or if you have any questions?

Tina nodded once more.

Dr Hunter: (sitting on the edge of Tinas bed, searching for and finding recognition in her emotion filled eyes) Tina, I didnt say you may never walk again, I said we are not sure if you will regain movement or feeling in your legs. Please promise me you will listen to everything Im saying before you panic and zone out on me again ok!

Tina: (quietly, lowering her head) Ok, sorry!

Dr Hunter: If you had let me finish, I was explaining to you that there is still hope of a full recovery. In relation to the feeling in your legs, it wasnt your spinal cord that was injured; you have minor swelling in your lower back but that is a result of your fractured pelvic bone. Your body should heal. The reason you may not regain movement in your legs will be your brains doing! You received significant head injuries Tina… Do you understand what Im telling you so far?

Tina looked at the doctor, a flicker of hope in her eyes, (simply) Yes.

Dr Hunter went to the end of the bed, picking up Tinas chart, Ok, now you have a broken right leg, as I previously informed you, a fractured pelvic bone, a few broken ribs, and a puncture lung that was repaired, as well as the obvious gashes and bruises that were treated and stitched. All those injuries will heal almost completely, in time, except for possibly some minor scaring.

Tina thought to herself, Jesus..no wonder I feel so sore and so weak. But thats ok, all those injuries will heal, just be patient Kennard reasoning in her mind, feeling slightly better about her predicament. for the moment.

Tina: (hesitantly, bracing for what was to come) Ok so thats good but??I figure the worst is still yet to come?. so, looking anxiously at the doctor.

Dr Hunter: Well we are unsure of the extent of your head injuries. It depends on how well your brain responds, and heals. You had a minor haemorrhage, that we surgically repaired but you lost a fair amount of blood and only time will tell the extent of damage. if anythat you obtained

Dr Hunter took a deep, calming breath and continued, Your injuries wereand still are, very serious; you are lucky to be alive, like I said before (smiling) you are a fighter Tina . The brain has amazing healing powers, but it also has a mind of its own so just be aware, there may not be any movement in your legs for quite some time, unfortunately if everbut lets just wait and see ok! winking at her.

Tina just nodded once again.

Dr Hunter: (looking carefully over Tinas chart) Now I also need to inform you of one last thing(coming across the unfortunate miscarriage information)oh, it says here you recently lost a child. Is that correct Tina? realizing that the information she was about to divulge was going to absolutely shatter her patient, far worse than anything else she had been told so far.

Tina sadly, regretfully looked at Dr Hunter, and without saying a word the doctor had her answer.

Dr Hunter: (hoping for a yes) Tina are you sure you dont want Bette, or your mom in here with you for this? I would really advise

Tina interrupted, (adamantly) NOplease just get it over with doc. (resignedly, sadly) I have a pretty good idea what youre going to tell me!

Dr Hunter: Ok then(hesitantly, sympathetically) due to your injuriesIm sorry to inform you that the odds are very slim, almost impossible really that your body will be able to carry a baby full term, there is just too much damage in there. Were you and Bette planning on having any more children Tina?

Tina was totally and utterly inconsolable; she kind of expected that news, but was still unprepared for it, tears were streaming down her cheeks saturating the pillow she was laying on.

Dr Hunter: Ok Ill take that as a yes! as she hesitantly walked over and lightly embraced the sobbing, broken woman tenderly in her arms.

Dr Hunter: (concernedly, softly) Hey. Listen to me Tina; there are alternatives you know. When youre up to it, Ill have the nurse bring you in the pamphlets ok, surrogacy, adoption etc, etc if you really want to have a child theres no reason you cant! Not in this day and age! trying to convince Tina compassionately, that it wasnt seemingly the end of her world.

Dr Hunter looked tentatively at her watch, (apologetically) DamnTina do you have any questions? releasing her from their comforting embrace, I am unfortunately running very late.

Tina was still shaken and upset but somewhat calmer. The embrace from Dr Hunter seemed to soothe her sobs, composing her just enough to speak, Um yes.. Just one, *sniff * how long will I have to stay here..I want to go home to my own bed doc! I need to get out of hereI need to escape from this ***** nightmare!

Dr Hunter: (melancholy) You will need to remain in hospital for at least a few weeks. We still have numerous tests to run and besides (smiling compassionately into Tinas softened, teary eyes) I want to make sure you get the best treatment available or else that wife of yours is going to throttle me!!

Tina let out a slight involuntary chuckle, that was her Bette alright, expecting only the best of care for her.

After the prognosis Dr Hunter felt an unusual need, an unusual want to protect Tina, to go beyond the call of duty and help her out. She wanted to try and encourage Tina to feel a bit better about her situation by touching on and remembering the positives in her life. By the way she looked at her wife, Dr Hunter was certain that she must be a positive, (sincerely) Hey Tina, before I go I just want to tell you, you are one very lucky woman you know!

Tina: (depression oozing from her eyes) I know Im lucky to make it, to be alive. Im just not really feeling that way right now doc!

Dr Hunter: (shyly) No. thats not what I meant. I meant your wife, Bette. (smiling) You are very lucky to have each other. She has been by your side the whole time that you have been in here; she must really adore you! I see the way you look at each other with such a deep love! I know it doesnt feel like it now but you WILL get through all this.. together, you will!!

Tina: (sombrely) Yeah well I will get through it doc. Ill see about the rest.

Dr Hunter: (politely smiling, confused with that comment) Anyway, Im sorry but I have to attend to my other patients Tina(taking her hand) I just want you to remember the positives ok; dont dwell on the negatives, not yet anyway. Youre alive, you have lots of people who love you, and you have every chance of a full and happy life! I will be back tomorrow to check on you. Would you like me to send in your mom and Bette?

Tina: (smiling thankfully at the doctor) Yes, thankyou Stedoc, but could I just have 5 minutes first. I need to process the information, and decide how much I want to divulge to them!

Dr Hunter: (surprised) Tina you should tell your family everything! You should NOT go through this alone! You are going to need a lot of support! Please think seriously about this.

Tina: (determinedly) No I cannot do that! I do not want anyones pity or sorrow!!!!

Dr Hunter was beginning to realize that there was more than meets the eye to Ms Tina Kennard and her Bette. She found it rather odd that Bette, her wife, who she obviously loved very much, and her mom as well, werent even wanted for support by Tina for the consult and prognosis?

She didnt want to further frustrate or confuse Tina so she kept her observations to herself and decided to leave it at that, after all it was none of her business, Ok well Tina, its ultimately your decision! The doctor still couldnt shake this strange need to want to help and protect Tina, hoping that she would change her mind.



Meanwhile out in the waiting room Bette and Nancy were sitting silently, with the gang in tow, both worriedly lost in their own thoughts, their own fears, daring to hopefor the most important woman in their lives.

Bette looked up meeting Nancys gaze, the worry and anxiety spewing from her eyes, before she bowed her head into her hands, returning her eyes to the floor.

Nancy was still angry with Bette for what she had done to her daughter, for the hurt she had thrust upon her little girl; but after seeing them together again, earlier, she could unquestionably see that her daughter still loved Bette.

Although Nancy was extremely worried about her daughter too, she couldnt help but feel a little sorry for her.

Deciding they should sort out their problem and help each other through this, to be strong and united if only for Tinas sake, Nancy began, softly speaking to Bette.

Nancy: (politely) Bette

Bette looked up momentarily startled at the noise, (hesitantly unaware of what to expect) Um, Yes..?

Nancy: (sternly) Bette. I can see that my little girl still loves you. I saw that look back in her eyes today, the look that was missing these last few months.and so I want us to sort out a few things before we get on with helping Tina get through this TOGETHER ok?

Bette was taken aback, (teary eyed) Okthats all I want, to help Tina through thisto face whatever this is together!

Nancy: Good(bluntly, staring Bette in the eyes) Now, do you still love my daughter Bette? I mean really and truly love her with everything that you are?

Bette: (staring back) Yes I do Nancydespite my actions I always have. A tear trickled down Bettes cheek, falling to the floor.

Nancy continued, Because Bette you need to be sure, if Tina wants to get back together with you, you both are going to have a long and hard road to travel, to recover from this!

Bette: (almost pleading for belief) I am prepared to do whatever it takesWHATEVER it takes Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am completely and utterly in love with your daughter

Nancy looked intently at Bette for a few long minutes, trying to read Bettes thoughts, to decide if she believed her or not. Bette started adamantly back, engaging in what felt like a staring competition, where the first person to blink looses

After the longest few minutes of her life Nancy finally spoke to Bette, (slightly smiling) Ok Bette, I believe you, I want you to promise me something though.that you going to treat Tina the way she deserves to be treated? Always!!

Bette: (sincerely) I promise

Nancy: If you ever hurt my girl again Bette, so help me, I will hunt you down and..you dont even want to know! genuinely smiling in semi jest at Bette.

Bette let out the breath that she didnt even know she was holding, smiling broadly back at Nancy, before standing and walking the short distance over, embracing her warmly, whispering in her ear, Thank youshe is my girl too you know! I wont ever let her downagain!

The girls just observed the talk between Nancy and Bette; not eavesdropping as such, (except maybe for Alice) but they couldnt help but overhear the majority of the conversation. Smiles graced every single face as Bette hugged Tinas mom and Alice was so moved she couldnt help herself, (yelling out) Aww..group hug All the girls arose and pounced on Bette and Nancy smothering the two extremely emotional women.

At that moment Dr Hunter walked out of Tinas room, into the waiting area, observing the women all falling over each other.

Dr Hunter: (laughing) So whats going on here then?.Bette and Nancy are you in there somewhere?

Bette wanted to get up right then, feeling the bile rising in her stomach, at hearing the doctors voice, Get off me Alice, come on guysGET THE ***** OFF! The gang hastily obliged Bettes request.

Nancy: Yes doctor, were here! both women standing in anticipation.

Dr Hunter: Give Tina 5 minutes and you can see herthe rest of you after that, if Tina is up to it ok!

Bette: (thankful) Ok thanks doctor

Bette and Nancy both looked at their watch, looking at each other, lightly smiling.



Tina was lying quietly, alone in her hospital room, pondering her decision. I cant tell mom and Bette that I may never walk againand the baby (tears started falling again) Bettes not even going to want me when she finds out that I cant give her children Tina reasoned sadly with herself, What am I going to do? she whispered to the empty room

Bette and Nancy came walking through the doors with a look of nervousness and anticipation on their faces.

Tina looked up just staring blankly back at them both, wanting.wishing for Bette to just run over and hold her, to feel the warmth and love that only Bettes touch could evoke, but she couldnt, not till she decided what she was going to do.

Tina didnt saying a word. not just yet, her emotions were playing havoc and she had to reign them in. Tina was doing her darnedest, and succeeding (for the moment) at masquerading her absolute sorrow. Her face was totally unreadable, she couldve been going to a celebration or a wake, and Bette and Nancy wouldnt have been able to tell the difference.

They both carefully, slowly, hesitantly wandered over, sitting on the side of Tinas bed, waiting for her to speak.

After minutes of silence, that felt like weeks, Bette couldnt stand it anymore, so she acceded the urge and spoke up, (almost shaking, nervous about the answers she was about to receive) So Tee, Umwhat did the doctor have to say?..

Tbc.