please read previous chapters in order for this to make sense




chapter 18

Bette had realized that Tina did not say a word since they parked the car. She needed
some sort of reaction from her. Even though she felt the shiver that ran through Tina’s
body when she touched her, she wasn’t sure if it was Tina’s body trembling to her
touch or her own body and her shaky hand that was trembling.
She needed to know…she needed an answer. Was it just her or was Tina responding
to her touch the same way she hoped she would?”

Bette: “Is there anything you want to say to me, T?”

Tina put her hand over Bette’s hand who was still caressing her belly. The storm of
emotions she was in was too much for her to handle.
Her body exploded in a warm sensation, not willing to let go of the familiar hand touching it.
She squeezed Bette’s hand and let out a moan. Letting out her first words since they parked.

Tina: “Bette,” she whispered. “My water just broke…”



Bette took one quick look at Tina, she took her hand off of Tinas body and did the one thing she knew how to do best. She took control.

The next 10 minutes flew by like lightening. Bette had managed to drive them back to the highway, call Alice, and call Dr. Wilson. All that and hold Tinas hand, telling her that everything is going to be alright. Giving Tina the confidence and support she needed since she was scared to death.

Everything is going to be fine, baby, she whispered. Youre doing great, I am here baby, Im right here. Bettes words didnt seem to calm Tina.
Tina was terrified. Her first experience in labor was much more scarier than actually painful. She breathed heavily and try to remember the Lamaze classes she took with Oscar.
Im scared she cried. Im so scared Bette. She whispered and squeezed Bettes hand.

Bette was driving 90 miles per hour. She glanced over and over to Tinas direction. Trying her best to calm her.
Dont be scared baby, we are almost there, she said in the most loving tone. Its going to be alright she repeated over and over again.

They arrived at the hospital minutes later. The contractions were not as frequent yet and Tina thought it may not be so bad after all.
Bette helped her out of the car and into the emergency room.

Her water just broke, Bette said to the nurse that was dealing with paperwork at the front desk.
The nurse hardly looked up. She took some forms and put them on top of the counter.
Fill out these forms, she said in a bored voice. Someone will be with you shortly.
Bette was ready for war. She had no patience dealing with bureaucracy now. Especially when it involves Tinas labor pains.
I SAID, HER WATER JUST BROKE! she repeated slowly in a tone so calm and confident, the nurse had to look up.
When she met Bettes eyes she realized it was better not to mess with this woman. The look on Bettes face was the same look Moses had when he demanded the King of Egypt to release the people of israel from slavery. She recognized that look. She saw the movie!.

The lady turned her face towards Tina. The look on Tinas face on the other hand was much different than Bettes. She looked more like the Hebrew slave, terrified and tired. Wanting nothing but salvation.
Ill be right back, she said and made a quick exit to notify the doctor.

As soon as she disappeared in the hallway, Alice, Dana and Shane walked in, rushing, their eyes searching for Tina. When they saw her they all ran towards her.
Holding Tinas shaking body. All talking at the same time.
Are you okay? Is this it? Where were you?

Bette hushed them all with a quick hush. She gave her best smile and put her hand around Tinas waist.
Everything is fine. Tina why dont you sit here. She pointed to a nearby wheelchair and brought it close for Tina to sit on it.

Alice, did you call Oscar? Bette asked.
Yes, he is not picking up, Alice replied.
Tina lowered her eyes in embarrassment. Alice started moving uncomfortably. Moving her weight from side to side.
Why, what happened, why is he not picking up the phone? said Bette.
She knew their was something fishy here. Inside she was hoping that maybe Oscar was no longer in the picture.
Well, Alice was explaining. Tina was driving him a little crazy tonight with all the phone calls. I think he shut his phone off.
Tina was turning green. Bette smiled. It was so much like Tina to call a person a hundred times a day when she was nervous.
The only bad thing was that she was wishing it was herself going crazy over all those calls.
Okay then Bette concluded. Still calm and in control.
Dana go get him. Track him down wherever he is and tell him were here. He is the father. He needs to be here.

Tina could not believe Bette was being so calm and protective of her. She was feeling less and less scared with every passing minute. She couldnt believe that Bette would be so decent to insist that Oscar should be there. She knew exactly how much it broke her heart to hear that they were having a baby together.
She gave Bette a look that said thank you with all her heart.

The nurse came back and held the wheelchair from behind. She told them she had to take Tina into the examination room and for them to stay there in the waiting room.

Bette looked over to Shane. Shane, she said. Do me a favor, take care of this paperwork for us.
Sure, no problem, Shane replied.

Bette looked over to Tina one last time. Tina, baby, dont worry, go with her, you will be fine. She touched Tinas hair and pushed it behind her ear. The nurse took Tina in the wheelchair and led her into the examination room.

Fifteen minutes later the nurse came back. The contractions are much more frequent now. You can go in with her, but only one person is allowed.

Bette was facing Alice. The thought of Tina going through this without her was killing her.
She held Alices shirt by the collar, bringing her closer to her. Only inches away from her face.
Alice, she yelled and pleaded at the same time. You have to let me in. I have to be with her. I have to be there for her.
Alice mumbled something. She could hardly breath with Bette holding her neck so tightly.
I dont know, she managed to say.

Bettes eyes became watery. She knew she could not force her presence over Tina. It was not her decision to make. Tina was the only person who could agree to her being there in the moment of the babys birth. She knew she had no right. She loosened her grip over Alice, slowly building up the defeat and helplessness she felt. Knowing she has no right of going inside to be with Tina.
Alice was hurting for her best friend. She knew how hard it was for Bette to let go.
Go, go there and take care of her, said Bette, her voice breaking. Ill wait here, she said and hugged Alice.
Alice walked away.

Bette sat on one of the chairs in the waiting room holding her head in her hands. Please God, please let her be okay. Please let this baby be healthy, she prayed.

Five minutes later Bette heard the waiting room door open. She lifted her head and saw Alice. Alice was wearing a white robe and a white mask hung around her neck. Walking towards Bette with a half terrified smile on her face. This was her first baby too.
Alice stood in front of Bette and said, shes asking for you.

TBC