Chapter 15

Tina goes with the nurse into one of the examine room, where a doctor waits for her. He looks at the hand and feels it. He sees that its broken, and orders an x-ray of the hand.
It is broken, so we have to take an x-ray to see how serious it is. And then well put on a cast. Dr. Johnson says.
Okay. Tina replies.
After X-ray Tina is back with Dr. Johnson who is now looking at the pictures. Its a clean fracture, so it doesnt need any surgery, so well just put on a cast. Dr. Johnson says. They move into another room to put on the cast. Dr. Johnson leaves and let the nurses do it.
So how did this happen? One off the nurses asks.
I slipped out of the shower. Tina answers
That happened to me too 4 years ago. The nurse laugh, Tina smiles.
So how long will I have to wear this thing? Tina asks. Since it was a clean fracture I would say 4-5 weeks. The nurse says.
Some minutes later they were done. She also got a sling to lay the arm in, so it would get the rest it needed to heal properly.
Tina comes out to the waiting area where Bette is. Bette stands up and meets Tina by the door. She gently rubs the arm. So howd it go? Bette asks. 4-5 weeks I have to wear this thing How could I be so stupid? Tina says. You were lucky. You couldve injured yourself a lot worse. Bette says seriously. Yeah, I know. Okay, lets get to work. Tina says.
Are you sure youre up to it? Bette asks. I broke my arm, I didnt die. Tina says with a smile on her face. Okay, lets go. Bette says as they walk outside to their car. Bette drops Tina off at the Centre. And drive on to the CAC, where Franklin is waiting. She walks through the doors and is greeted by James. Hes in his office. You can go in, hrs waiting. He says. Do you know what its about? Bette asks. No, Franklin and I dont talk that much. James replies.
Bette continues into Franklins office.
Hey, Bette, please take a seat. He says. How is Tina? He asks.
Shell live, just a broken arm. Bette replies. So what did you want to talk to me about? She continues.
Well, this is not easy. The board has decided to bye out your contract. He begins. Are you firing me Franklin? Bette asks.
The board has come to the conclusion that we want to take the CAC into another direction than these last few years. You will get a nice settlement, as of a pay check for two whole years, starting today. Franklin finishes, he has problem with looking into Bettes eyes. Who is taken by surprise, she just stares at him. Well, then I guess I better get out of here, Ill just clean out my office first. Bette says and stands up, turn around and walk out of his office and straight into her own.
James follows closely. So, what did he say? He asks curiously.
Well, he fired me actually. Bette says and smiles at James.
He fired you? How could he do that? The CAC has been nothing but a success since you started here. He adds.
Well, apparently the board thought otherwise. But Relax James, I was planning on leaving anyway. I got in here yesterday and didnt want to be here, the job hasnt been fulfilling to me for quite some time now. She says.
Wow, Im going to miss you around here. James says and moves in for a hug. Yeah, Im going to miss you too. Bette says with a smile on her face, and her eyes are starting to fill up with tears.
Look, if you ever open up your own gallery later, and need an assistant, please let me know. He says and smiles. Yes, I will call you then. Bette replies.
He helps her clean out her stuff and carries it to her car. Then out by the car they hug each other one last time.
Take care, and watch out for Franklin. Bette says as she gets into her car and drive off. She drives in the direction of the Centre, and stops right outside the door. She sits in the car for a moment, suddenly starting to laugh to herself. She then proceeds to go inside, where she walks straight into Tinas office. Tina is talking to Oscar down the hall, but she saw Bette enter. Excuse me, I just saw Bette come in, Ill be right back. Tina says to Oscar and walk over to her office.

Baby, you okay? Tina asks as she closes the door.
Well, actually yeah I am okay. Bette says and starts laughing.
Baby, what are you laughing about? Tina says smiling at this laughing Bette. I just got fired. Bette says, laughing even harder.
You got fired? How? Why? Tina asks seriously.
They wish to go in another direction with the CAC, but the good part is that I have salary for two years, they are buying me out. Bette says and laughs. You got fired with a two year salary? Wow! Tina says. I need to sit down. Tina continues. Bette relaxes a bit and takes a seat nest to Tina. How is your arm? She asks. Its fine, I took a painkiller earlier, its still working. Tina says and smiles at Bette. Are you finished here or do you still have work to do? Bette asks.
I didnt get to finish the talk with Oscar, but it wasnt that important. Tina says. Tina? I was just thinking that this would be the perfect time to start our family. Bette shares with Tina. Tina turns her head and looks into Bettes eyes. Are you sure? Tina asks. Yes, baby, Im sure. This time I want to be there with you every step of he way. Bette says and grabs a hold of Tinas hand and squeezes it gently.