Chapter 9

At the hospital:
Tina is sitting out in the waiting room, while Bette in taking tests and x-rays. She has gotten weaker everyday and it has been 5 weeks since she started the treatment. The waiting is driving Tina crazy, so she starts walk around. After shes been pacing the floors for about 10 minutes, the gang arrives at the hospital. They had heard from Kit that Bette was to take big tests today, so they wanted to be there for Bette and Tina, to show their support. They are family.
Tina is surprised but happy to see them.
Shes still in there? Shane asks.
Yes, shes been in there almost 90 minutes, its driving me crazy not to be there with her. Tina says. Come on, lets sit down. Alice suggests. They all take a seat.
How are you doing Tina? Shane asks concerned.
Im scared to death. Shes gotten weaker everyday, shes not responding to the chemo. Her eyes are filling up with tears. I dont know what Ill do without her. Tina continues.
Tina, dont talk like that, shell be okay, Im sure of it. Alice says. Yeah. Dana agrees. Shane puts her arm around Tina to comfort her. Just then Bette comes walking out of the restricted area. She has a sad look on her face, she has also gotten a pair of crutches to help her walking. Tina rushes over to her and stops right in front of her. The gang also stands up.
Baby, what did they say? Tinas eyes are wet and Bette sees the sadness in her eyes, and she wished she could make them happier, but she couldnt.
The chemo kept the cancer in place the first couple of weeks, and then it didnt respond to it anymore. It has started to spread, fast. So they have decided to operate. They say that radiation couldve been an option, but it has started to spread to fast. Bette say looking into Tinas eyes, she leans in for a hug. Tina throws her arms around Bette.
Im going to be okay, Bette whisper into Tinas ear.
The gang is also getting very emotional. Bette put on a brave smile. They walk over to the others. Shane is the first to give Bette a hug.
Youre going to be fine, Im sure of it. Im Yoda remember, I know everything. Shane says as it makes the whole group burst into a nervous laughter. Thank you for that. Bette says to Shane and smiles.
They leave the waiting room, as they walk outside, Bette makes an offer.
So, how about a poker night tonight? They all look at her surprised. Sure youre up for it? Dane asks.
I could need the distraction, besides, its been a long time since our last poker night. Bette says. She looks at Tina and smiles, she leans in for a soft little kiss, as does Tina.
Okay, well come by around 7. Any food wishes? Alice asks.
I would really love a pizza with ham, cheese and pineapple. Bette says suddenly all dreamy.
Okay, well take care of that, see you around 7. The gang leaves.
Baby wait here, Ill go an get the car. Tina says as she starts to leave.
No, Ill come with you, its not that far away. Bette says and follows Tina. They drive straight home.
I think Ill take a shower, before they arrive, get the hospital smell off of me. Bette says and walks into the bathroom. Okay Tina says and goes into the kitchen. She checks the fridge and finds out that she has to go to the store. She walks over to the bathroom door and knocks.
Yeah? Bette answers from the inside. I need to go down to the store and get some groceries. Will you be okay while Im gone? Tina asks.
Yes, Ill be fine, go. Bette replies. Okay, Ill be back in 15 minutes or so. Tina says and leaves.
Bette has undressed herself and walked into the shower, while she was talking to Tina. She turns on the water. She stands still while she let the water run down her body. She then starts washing her hair.
After a few minutes, she grabs the shower door and screams out, Tina! Theres no answer. The pain is back, big time. Shes able to get out of the shower, but falls to the floor right outside, she screams again. The pain doesnt seem to go away this time as fast as it has before. She cries and calls out Tinas name again. This time Tina is on her way through the front door. She hear the scream, she drops everything she is holding.
Bette? She says as she runs into the bathroom. She sits down n the floor, and just holds Bette.
Its not going away Tee. Bette is able to say. Ill go and call an ambulance. Tina says. No, wait give me a few more minutes.