Chapter 2: The Bestower of Universal Friendship – continued

When Bette moved from NY to LA 18 months ago, she and Helena frequently saw each other at the gym and slowiy became friends. They painfully navigated through days, weeks and months on auto-pilot, rarely escaping the thick fog of grief that individually and collectively surrounded them.  They openly spoke to each other with egos and false pretense left behind.  Their defenses slowly abandoned them while in each other’s company.  They met briefly at first, exchanging pleasantries after class often ending in hour long conversations.  Together, they repeatedly pondered the question “Why?” As their meetings became more frequent after classes and workouts, their conversations deepened, exposing heartfelt words and gut-wrenching emotions.  Each comforted by the other as the earth continued spinning on it’s axis as it had always done, unaffected by two beautiful hurting women on the west coast.  Not knowing where else to turn, Helena & Bette forged a meaningful friendship which to this day, had not failed either of them.  They found solace and unrelenting comfort in each other.  Their entire relationship was unexplainable to either of them.   Bette never would have imagined the spoiled little rich girl would have such a big and caring heart.  Helena never would have imagined the popular, arrogant gallery owner would be so vulnerable and sensitive.   Both of their hearts had been broken beyond belief and neither knew this kind of hurt existed until they encountered it.

The yoga session did help Bette relax and for that she was grateful.  Her eyes started to well as she thought how Helena was so caring and protective of her.  It was so ironic that a few years ago, the only word that she could use to describe Helena Peabody was ‘*****’.  That word still applied but it wasn’t the sum of all things relating to Hel.

“See, don’t you feel better now sweetums?” Helena asked caringly.  Her strong British accent leaving no syllable untouched.

“I do indeed.  Thank you Hel for dragging my ***** away from my pity party.  Although, in case you’re interested, it resumes again in a little while.” Bette smiled.

“Hey, that’s what I’m here for darling.  Um, may I just state an observation Bette?  I really don’t care if you get huffy with me because I think you need to hear this.”