It had taken Tina a few weeks of intense physical therapy for her to fully regain control of her body. Five years was a long time for her body to be lying still in bed, and even though the nurses would massage and exercise her muscles and limbs regularly, it didnt have anywhere near the same effect, as actually using them yourself did.

Tina and the good Dr Stephanie had made a lot of progress with Tinas recovery and in the process had become good friends. For some reason Tina felt like she could confide in Stephanie. Tina felt like she was the one person who could relate to what Tina was trying to deal with.

The day had finally arrived for Tina to leave the safe confines of St Christophers, to make her way back into the big wide world, that she still felt like she had left only a few weeks ago.

Tina was finally going home?. What is left of it anyway? Tina thought to herself, as she gave Stephanie a goodbye hug, thanking her for her help, giving the good doctor an open invitation to look her up if she were ever in L.A.

It was a drizzly Monday morning when Tina walked out of St Christophers; she was incredibly excited and nervous at the same time.

Over the last few weeks she had lost count how many times she had picked up the phone to call Alice, or Shane or Dana, even on occasion Bette, but always hung up, knowing the best thing to do, was to see them face to face, to explain face to face, theyre my friends right? They got to forgive me once they know the truth? Tina was hoping, trying to convince herself!!

Nancy had made flight reservations, as per Tinas instructions. That Monday at noon, Tina was flying home flying back to L.A. Nancy had also booked a rental car in L.A for when Tina arrived.

Nancy desperately wanted to go with her daughter, but Tina insisted this was something she had to do on her own..

Tina had no idea where she was going to stay when she arrived back in L.A. She decided it was easy enough to find a hotel if she needed to, Tina was just eager to get back home.. But she was scared shitless at the same time about what she would find when she got there!!

Nancy took Tina back to her place to grab her belongings and then dropped Tina off at the airport. After a tearful goodbye, in which Tina had promised shed call her mum with regular updates, Tina boarded her flight home.

Tina arrived in L.A about 1:30 pm. She retrieved her luggage and picked up her hire car, ironically a silver SAAB convertible. Tinas brain went into overdrive just from the memory of the similar blue SAAB that Bette drove. God, if Im like this over a car what am I going to be like seeing them all face to face Tina thought while starting the ignition.

It was Monday Afternoon and Tina decided her first stop would be the Planet. She didnt expect anyone to be there really; surely theyd all be at work, she just felt a need for familiarity.

Tina drove out of the airport terminal and headed for her once favourite drinking spot.

She arrived a short time later, parked the car and wandered into the Planet. Tina was so lost in her own thoughtsthoughts of the past that seemed so recent to her, that until she got inside she didnt notice that The Planet looked nothing like she remembered it.

Tina ordered her latte and began to scan the room, looking for any familiar faces. Thats when she noticed the changes. It wasnt The Planet anymore, it had become another Starbucks. Yep one of many changes no doubt. Tina thought sadly.

Tina received her coffee and sat down at a table in the corner, gazing around the room at all the new faces. There were an enormous amount of people in the now commercially owned cafe; the place was buzzing.

While scanning the room Tinas eyes became transfixed upon the figure of a woman, a familiar figure. She could only see the side of her face but was quite sure who it was Shane! Tina whispered to herself.

Shane was dressed in a pair of tight black jeans with a body hugging white shirt. Her hair was shorter and the messy look was gone, it was more styled now, with blonde tips through it. Tina could still tell it was Shane though. The slouched body, the shot of caffeine in front of her, the cool demeanor. Yeah it was Shane all right!!!

Tina wasnt expecting to come face to face with any of her friends just yet and was unsure what to do.

Shane appeared to be deep in conversation with a young, attractive blonde sitting across from her.

She decided 5 years was long enough to lose. It was time to get her life back!

Tina was feeling the nervousness in the pit of her stomach, she couldnt keep her hands from shaking, but still she was determined to go and talk to Shane.

Tina got up from her table and slowly walked over to where Shane was sitting. She stopped directly behind Shane, trying to still her wobbly hands, and was spotted by Shanes companion.

Shanes companion saw Tinas obvious nervousness; thinking to herself that Tina was one fine looking woman. Hello there, can we help you? the woman blurted out.

With that sentence Shane turned around and her eyes met Tinas. Shane just stared at Tina in absolute shock. An uncomfortable silence ensued, for what seemed like forever, until Shanes companion broke both women out of their trance like states.

Companion: So Shaney. How do you know this gorgeous woman we see before us? It was obvious to her companion that Shane knew this woman.

Shane: (still looking at Tina, dismissively) She used to be one of my closest friends. turning away.

Tina felt a sharp pain right through her heart at Shanes use of the past tense, used to be.

Tina timidly spoke to Shane, Shane, do you think you could give me 5 minutes. I really would like a chance to explain?

Shane was still angry with Tina. Even after all these years. Too many people had deserted Shane in her life and she never thought Tina would be one off those people. But as far as Shane was concerned Tina did desert her, taking off with no contact for 5 whole years, not even a phone call to say Hi and that hurt like *****!!

Shane got up to walk away, I really dont think anything you say will change anything Tina.

Tina grabbed hold of Shanes wrist, almost whispering, sadly, Why didnt you try and find me Shane?

Shane spun around with a look of mock horror on her face; her anger was beginning to surface.

Shane: (sternly) TinaI did, we all didone of us tried every day for months after you left. Your mother kept telling us you didnt want to speak to anyone! Then Bette got your letter, and told us to wait until YOU contacted us, you needed time to sort things out. What more could we ***** do Tina??? Hey, Tell me goddamn it!!!I never thought you of all people would desert me! Do you have any idea how much that hurt??!!

Shane was making quite a scene but she didnt care. These feelings had been bottled up inside her for the last 5 years and if she had her way shed never have to lay her eyes on Tina Kennard again!

Tina was inconsolable after Shanes outburst. She slumped in the nearest chair quietly sobbing.

Tina gathered all her strength and composure, looking up at Shane, Please Shane, can you just hear me out?

Shane could see the absolute sorrow in Tinas eyes and her anger began to dissipate.

Shane: (still cold) Ok Tina, Ive got 5 minutes. Make it quick.What is it you want to tell me?

Tina: Can we just go and sit by ourselves?

Shane nodded and walked outside sitting at a vacant table. Tina followed and sat across from her.

Once they were seated Tina took a big breath and tried to compose herself, (bravely she began) Shane, I dont know really where to begin? Im so sorry.I never wouldve purposely hurt any of you. I loved I love you all like youre my family.

Shane: (bluntly) Thats just words Tina. Why leave all of us, Bette was the one who betrayed you NOT US!! It was like our parents got divorced and we had to go live with our Mumwe had no input into the situationno say in what we wanted. You took that away Tina!

Tina: (placidly) Those first few months Shane. I needed perspectiveI had to cut ties with everything to do with Bette. I didnt want you all to have to choose, and I thought Bette would need you all more than I did. but I was wrongI realized that back then!!

Shane: (having heard enough, wanting to leave) So why wait so longWhats changed now?.Jesus Tina 5 years is nearly a lifetimeI cant even remember 5 years ago, so much has happened to me in that time?

Tina: Shane I remember it like it was yesterday

Shane looked at Tina confused, Yeahso?

Tina: Shane I dont want you to feel sorry for me or anything ok(Tina thought to herself, ***** it, Just tell her) Look this is the thing Shane, the big reason I have been awol for 5 yearsI was involved in an accident just over 5 years ago. (Shane just looked and was now listening intently to Tina, somehow sensing the importance of the ensuing conversation)A hit and run, near my mums house and I was hurt

Shanes eyes began to soften, Tina continued, I have been in a coma for 5 years Shane, I only woke up 2 weeks ago. Tina burst into tears

Shane just sat there for a split second as Tinas words sunk in. After her initial shock Shane went over and comforted Tina, encasing her in a big hug!

Shane: (stunned) Oh my god Tina. Why didnt your mum tell us? Did Bette know about this? . (Shanes thought drifted to Bette) No Bette didnt know either did she and now.. Shane just realized what she was saying and didnt finish her sentence.

Tina picked up on it, And now what Shane? What is going on with Bette? Tina asked not really knowing what she wanted to hear.

Shane: Nothing. Nothing. Its not my place. Tina, I think you may need to talk to Bette.

tbc.