The drive to the hospital was quiet. Both women lost in their own thoughts but given Alice’s ability to drive one handed, they drove in silence but united by holding each other’s hands, comforting each other.

They arrived at the hospital

“You ready baby?”

Dana took a deep breath and kissed Alice’s hand.

“As I’ll ever be”

With that they got out of the car, Alice collected Dana’s bag from the back of the car and they made their way to the waiting room.  It wasn’t long till Dana’s name was read and they found themselves in a small cubicle with a bed and a curtain.  Dana got changed into a theatre gown and got into the bed.

“You know I’ll be by your side as soon as you wake up.”

“I know. My parents said they’d be here for around late afternoon when it’s all over.”

“Ok” Alice gave Dana a long lingering kiss and smiled at her when she broke away.

“That’s to keep us both going till you wake up.”

Dana smiled as Dr Shapiro entered through the curtain.

“Morning Dana, Alice. How is the patient feeling?”

“Set to go doc.” Dana tried to sound convincing once again

“Ok good, they’ll be in a few minutes to give you your premed and you might start to feel a bit woozy but that’s normal.  Alice I’ll need to ask you to stay here as we wheel Dana off to the theatre.”

“Sure.”

“Righto I’ll see you down there Dana, try and relax as much as you can.”  With that the Dr left them both alone once more.

Alice just sat while holding Dana’s hand her hers gently stroking the back of her hand the way she knew that made Dana feel safe and comforted.  Shortly after another Doctor arrived with the medicine and the porter arrived to take Dana down.

“I’ll be right here when you wake up ok? I love you.”

“I love you too Al, so much.”

One last salty, watery kiss and Dana was away, leaving Alice beside herself as to how to make the next few hours pass as quickly as possible.