Im fine, Really. Alice didnt look very convinced.

No, I mean it. Barfing really helped. Alice hit the on ramp to the freeway.

I just need a strong cup of coffee. Dana sighed, stretching her legs.

Alice kept one eye on the road, and the other on Dana. You and me both.

***

Bette, I need you to step back, the doctor instructed her. Things were happening so fast, her head swam in a whirlpool of images and emotions. Sorry. Tina, are you alright? Can I get you anything?

Tina was in and out, the drugs just beginning to work their mojo. How about another epidural? She clenched her teeth and ground down, absorbing her pain. Bette tried to get the doctors attention, Can she have more drugs? Shes in pain. The doctor continued with her routine, seeming to ignore her. Doctor! Bette lost her patience and her nerve. She was supposed to be strong for Tina, but the truth was she felt so much fear that she wasnt quite sure how she could still be standing. Bette, you need to sit down and relax. Tina is going to be just fine.

***

Taylor, Tinas in labordo you want to go to the hospital with me? Jenny yelled from the living room. Taylor was just stepping out of the shower, buck naked and still dripping from the hot water. Yeah, okay! Ill be ready in ten minutes. Jenny slipped on a pair of shoes and folded the blanket she had slept with the night before. She found a small black hip – pack sitting in the corner of her bedroom when she went in to put the blanket away. What is this? She had never seen it before, and thought that it possibly was Carmens or Shanes. She unzipped the pack, finding a strange looking case hidden within. The case snapped open, and she almost dropped it from the shock of what she saw. It was Taylors stash. Why would she just leave this hanging around her bedroom? Jenny, are you ready to go? Taylor was heading out of the bathroom and nearing her bedroom, I just need to comb my hair. Jenny stuffed the case back into its black holder, then pushed it under the bed. Shed decide what to do with it later, when there was more time to think. Yeah, Im ready.