Bethany

For Foggy Nelson's date, see Bethany

Bethany
Real Name	Bethany
Species	Human
Citizenship	American
Gender	Female
Title(s)	Doctor
Status	Alive
Appearances
TV Series	Iron Fist (6 episodes)
Actors/Actresses
Portrayed by	Natalie Smith

"Families are crazy. Relationships are hard. And life brings challenges, always. This is a flash point for you, this thing with Joy. Whatever the hell is going on between you, if you don't work it out, I'm afraid you won't be able to have a single successful human relationship. Now go away."

―Bethany to Ward Meachum^[src]

Bethany is a former addict who changed her way and became a leader of NA meetings to be able to help others. On top of this, she had medical experience as well. She was the sponsor of Ward Meachum, who was struggling. However, she fell into a sexual relationship with Meachum and they met often. Throughout their relationship, she still tried to help him.

She eventually found out she was pregnant, but held this from Meachum. She found Meachum drunk at a bar one day, which further pushed her to not want to tell him. She came clean at a meeting that Meachum did not attend; however, unbeknownst to her, he overheard in the hallway. Meachum proceeded to talk about his troubles at another meeting, trying to prove he was a responsible man who could take care of a child, but Bethany told him that she could not take care of more than two people, thus not allowing him in the relationship.

Biography

Struggling with Addiction

Bethany struggled heavily with addiction and was eventually able to quit. She wanted to help others do the same and became a sponsor in NA meetings.

NA Meetings

Sexual Relationship with Ward Meachum

"It started that first time. It was sudden. Neither of us expected it. One minute we were chatting about nothing, and then the next, we were together. And again the next night, and again. I liked it. I liked him. So I crossed lines."

―Bethany^[src]

Six years later, Bethany became Ward Meachum's sponsor at his NA meeting. She attempted to get him to open up and share his experiences, but he kept refusing despite being there for two months. The pair were in a sexual relationship and regularly had sex. Bethany soon found out that she was pregnant, but decided not to tell Meachum. During one of their encounters, Bethany commented that she was a terrible sponsor. Meachum told her it was ruining the moment to talk about NA things.

Days later, Ward went to the meeting and was very annoyed. He lashed out at everyone, wondering who told his sister that he was in NA meetings. Bethany witnessed this and got mad at Ward as he left. Later, she was approached by Ward once again, still mad at him. They talked and Bethany gave him advice. They slept together once again. When they woke up, Bethany told Ward that she called to have another sponsor take over for her. She explained it was not good for his well being for his sponsor to be his lover. Ward agreed and they kissed some more.

Administering First Aid to Danny Rand

"I'm an anesthesiologist. Your friend needs a hospital."
"He's Danny Rand, as in Rand Enterprises. We have to keep him out of the spotlight for a lot of reasons."

―Bethany and Ward Meachum^[src]

Bethany was called by Ward Meachum, saying his friend, Danny Rand, needed help. With her medical history, she was able to help. She told everyone to stay back as she worked. She warned Rand that it will hurt before stapling his wounds shut. She told everyone to call the ambulance if he showed signs of infection. She also said to have someone next to him for 24 hours. Before leaving, she warned Meachum not to call her again for medical emergencies. He followed her and apologized. Bethany told him that she understands, but she does not want to be involved.

Attempting to Help Ward

"Do you even hear yourself? Stop deflecting, Ward. Own this. For Christ's sake. You get to decide who you wanna be. So, who do you wanna be?"
"I don't know. But whoever that guy is, let's start with drunk."

―Bethany and Ward Meachum^[src]

Six weeks after she learned that she was pregnant, Bethany was having a really bad day. Despite being sober for over six years, she decided to go to the bar. She heard that Ward Meachum was there and found him sitting at the bar. She realized how drunk he was and self reflected on herself and wanting to break her streak of being sober. She told Meachum if he was there because of his sister, and if is, he should talk about it at their meeting in a few minutes.

Meachum told her it was because of Danny Rand, who almost died. Bethany reminded him that she knew that and was there. However, Meachum claimed that was just a scratch compared to what happened recently. Bethany tried to get him to talk about it at a meeting, but he refused even further. She decided that she should just leave, but Meachum grabbed her, wanting to have her stay. He was told by a man to let go and Bethany left.

Confessional Meeting

"I walked into a bar today. I wanted to help him. I thought I could handle him. That he'd be different with me. I lied to myself. Which wouldn't be so bad if he hadn't gotten me pregnant. I've been with child, his child, for six weeks, three days and fourteen hours. I'm barely keeping my head above water, but a baby... And its father is an addict, just like me."

―Bethany^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Bethany went to the NA meeting without Ward Meachum. She fidgeted with a token as she came clean, saying how long she had been sober for and that she almost broke that streak. She then admitted something even more major. She told the group that she was in a relationship with someone that she loved and it had been over six weeks since she found out she was pregnant, yet she has not told him since he was an addict too.

Severing Ties

"I hope you understand, I have to do this on my own."
"...You don't believe that I can be a better person."
"It's not me that has to believe. I have to take care of two people from now on. That's all I can handle, okay?"

―Bethany and Ward Meachum^[src]

At another NA meeting, Ward Meachum arrived and finally decided to share. He talked about how he was horrible with relationships and they always backfired, he had no mother or father and was a brother without a sister. However, he also realized he knew nothing about himself and wanted to start there in his rebuilding. Bethany thanked him for sharing.

Afterwards, she met him outside and asked who told him she was pregnant. He admitted to overhearing her share. He asked if it was his and Bethany confirmed it. He assured her that he would be there for her and become a better person. However, Bethany sadly refused. Meachum asked if she did not believe in him. Bethany explained that it was not that, but more that she had to take care of two people now. She could not afford to take care of a third. She kissed Meachum before saying goodbye.

Personality

"I believe in a higher power. But not one that is necessarily instructive. I have to deal with the here and now."

―Bethany to Ward Meachum^[src]

This section requires expansion

To be added

Abilities

This section requires expansion

• Physician: To be added

Relationships

Family

• Brothers
• Sister
• Unborn Child

Allies

• Ward Meachum - Former Sexual Partner
• Carlos
• Danny Rand
• Colleen Wing
• Misty Knight
• Katie

Appearances

In chronological order:

• Iron Fist | Episode 2.01: The Fury of Iron Fist
• Iron Fist | Episode 2.03: This Deadly Secret
• Iron Fist | Episode 2.04: Target: Iron Fist
• Iron Fist | Episode 2.05: Heart of the Dragon
• Iron Fist | Episode 2.07: Morning of the Mindstorm
• Iron Fist | Episode 2.10: A Duel of Iron

Gallery