Previously...

"I know this has been a very emotional time for you, Richard. Losing Faye. And now we have Cora." Bette put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. A smile he gratefully returned. She quickly brought her knee up to his groin. "But I don’t give a damn. Pull yourself together." The quickness of her movements delivered the desired affect. Her primary goal was to shock him. The pain was just a bonus. He doubled over in agony, coughing harshly. He slumped helplessly to the floor as Bette walked away. Leaving him to his shock and pain and regret.

Chapter 36.

Bette lay in bed alone. Missing the touch of Tina. Tina, who was attending to the brokenhearted Cora. Bette considered allowing herself to fall asleep. To say that she was emotionally wiped out would have been an understatement for the ages. She was worried for Cora. She missed home. She missed her friends. She even missed Faye . But more than anything she missed Angie. She rolled to her side and silently wept. Wept for everything and everyone she missed. Wept out of pure exhaustion. Both emotional and physical. And the weeping soon brought her sweet relief. Sleep.

A short time later Tina crept into the room. She quietly undressed and slid easily under the covers next to her lover. "How’s Cora?", Bette whispered sleepily. "Jesus", Tina said with a start. "I thought you were asleep. I’m sorry. Did I wake you?" Bette turned and smiled in the dark. "It’s ok, T. I wanted to stay awake for you. But I’m so...fucking exhausted."