FOREVER I PROMISE: Chapter Twelve – part 12

Bette stood over the sink trying to wash the blood out of the cloth. It wasnt working. So she hid it in the clothes hamper until she could throw it away. Taking Kleenex holding her nose until the bleeding stopped. She flushed the toilet when she heard Tina knocking at the door. Checking herself in the mirror one last time before unlocking the door.

Tina: Bette whats wrong. Are you ok. I know youre upset about the mobile. I’m sorry it broke. But you owe Stacey and apology Bette. She was only worried about you. She is your doctor after all, as well as our friend now.

Bette: I know and I’m sorry. Youre right I was upset about the mobile. It meant a lot to me loving art the way I use too.

Tina: How about we go out and join our friends.

Bette: Can you come here first.

Tina walked into the bathroom and Bette pressed her body against Tinas backing her against the door. Bette started kissing Tina and biting her neck kinda hard and it hurt. OWIE! Bette, That hurts. What has gotten into you?

Bette: I guess I’m not good enough for you any more say?

Bette stormed off again out into the back yard leaving Tina standing there holding her neck. Looking in the mirror seeing a bruise forming already Tina just shook her head.

Carmen had the music thumping. Everybody was having a great time when Tina joined them bringing out the rest of the food. Time to eat everybody.

The gang all sat around different places eating and drinking having a blast. Talking, laughing and picking on the cop and the doc. Seems they had spent most of the day off to themselves in the pool after the babys room was finished. Even Jennifer who dearly loved her best friend and mother of her children. All three happen to be on call today so they were not able to drink. They were the DDs for anyone that got drunk and needed a ride.

Tina looked over and saw Bette talking to Shane with a drink in her hand. Praying it was non-alcoholic since she wasnt suppose to drink. Not on chemo. Tina caught Shanes attention and motioned for her to come over. Bette walked into the house so Shane waltz on over to Tina.

Tina: Shane what is Bette drinking?

Shane: I’m not sure Tina. Do you want me to find out?

Tina: Please if you would. Shes not suppose to be drinking taking chemo still. Plus she already hasnt been acting herself today.

Shane walked into the house to find Bette. She was in the bathroom again taking her pain medicine. Shane hollered out for Bette and she quickly came out of the bedroom.

Bette: Hey whats up?

Shane: Nothing much. How bout you? You having a good time?

Bette: Yea this is lots of fun. You guys really did a great job on the babys room. I really owe ya.

Shane: Hey we love you guys. Theres nothing we wouldnt do for our lil niece. So Bette whatcha drinkin Can I get you another?

Bette: Thanks, I’m good. I still have some left.

Shane felt awkward asking her friend if she was drinking alcohol. So she decided shed wait until Bette fixed another drink and then find out. She didnt have to worry long because as soon as Bette got back outside she had finished her drink and grabbed a beer.

Now Tina knew for sure that Bette was drinking. Telling Bette what to do and what not to do had been rough going lately and Tina did not want a scene in front of their friends. Tina walked over to Stacey to ask her opinion about Bettes drinking. As far as she knew Bette had only had a mixed drink and now a beer. What Tina didnt know what that Bette took some pain pills as well. Stacey was a little bit concerned but agreed with Tina. Lets just keep an eye on her. Stacey said.

Everyone except Tina had jumped in the pool for a volleyball game. Bette kept drinking, but Tina hoped this would slow her down.

The game started and went on until both teams were tied 5-5. In between playing and dunkin each other and drinking, everything was going great. Now they were getting serious. Game tied Tina yelled. Loser has to clean up the party Alice hollered

Jennifer was up to serve against Bettes team. Just as the ball was hit it went straight for Bettes head. She tried to throw her hands up to block it but it smacked her right on the side. Bette disappeared under the water. Everyone waited thinking she would came back up after ducking the ball.

Tina stood up having a better view of Bette from above. All of a sudden Tina screamed for Whit to grab Bette. Shes not coming back up Whit! Whit dived under and brought Bette back up swimming over to the side of the pool with her. Shane, Jennifer, Carmen and Dana had all jumped out to help lift Bette out of the water. Alice was holding Tina back to let Stacey check Bette over. Stacey turned to Whit. Whit, get my bag out of your police car please. Stacey made sure Bette was breathing with an open airway. She had swallowed some water so Stacey had turned Bette on her side. Whit came back with the Docs bag. Stacey opened it and pulled out a pin light. As she checked Bettes left eye she notice it looked blown. Just as she was about to check Bettes other eye Bette came to. She sat up pushing everyone away from her.

Bette: What is everybody staring at? So I missed the ***** BALL!!! So what.

Jennifer: Bette I am so sorry that hit you. Are you sure youre ok.

Bette swung around to face Jennifer. Yea well, if I wasnt I guess you could comfort my wife again! and walked off.