Tina took Bette’s hand in her own and began talking to her “Bette, its Tina. I am here with you. Bette you are going to be ok. You are on your way to the hospital. Bette you are OK”.  Tina just kept repeating the same things over again. She leaned in close to Bette’s ear and whispered “Bette, I love you. I love you. I love you.”  Tina wasn’t sure how long she was in the ambulance and the sirens were drowned out by her own repetitions to Bette.  The back doors of the ambulance snapped open and Bette was pulled out and wheeled into the ER. The paramedics were giving a medical run down to an attending triage physician and Tina only caught some key words like broken something and in shock something and the rest of it just sort of ran together. Bette was whisked off and Tina was being ushered to the ER Triage part of the waiting room.  Tina was told to have a seat in the waiting area and then the gang all arrived. They gathered around her and a triage coordinator asked who was related to Bette. Everyone looked at each other and Kit said “oh hell girl, I am her sister, I will go deal with the paperwork”.

As Kit was walking over to a cubicle to fill out paperwork, a nurse entered the waiting area and announced loudly “Tina Kennard? Is there a Tina Kennard here for Elizabeth Porter?”   Uneasy glances were exchanged and Jodie was burning a glaring hole through Tina at this point. Tina began to walk toward the nurse and stated “I am Tina Kennard, how do you know my name?”  The nurse, who was carrying a small leather bound folder, said “Tina, are you Elizabeth Porter’s partner?  Elizabeth has an advanced medical directive right here that states you as her partner and appoints you her durable medical power of attorney”.  Tina looked dumbfounded and said “Oh, ok.”  Tom was within earshot and signing something to Jodie. Jodie moved forward towards Tina and said “this is ridiculous – I am here partner!”  The nurse looked very confused and “Tina Kennard? Are you Bette’s partner?”  Tina answered “It is very complicated”.  The nurse said “Legally it is not complicated at all. Elizabeth has given you power of attorney and so you are the one that I need to come back with me right now”.  Tina looked at Jodie and said “Jodie, I am sorry.  I am really sorry.  I don’t know what to do right now. I will have you come back as soon as I can and I will make sure Bette knows you are here for her.”