Ashlee took a step closer and pulled Helena in an embrace. She rubbed Helena’s back softly and asked again, “ What’s wrong? "

Helena didn’t respond. She just shut her eyes and rested her forehead against Ashlee’s shoulder. Her head was still hurting, her mind was in a state of perplexing fear and doubt.

She couldn’t just tell Ashlee about the I-kissed-Bette-Porter issue. Not when she herself couldn’t figure out what that kiss meant, whether it meant that she still had a tiny bit of feelings for Bette or because she was feeling disconnected from Ashlee.

Helena just needed some time to clear her head, to think about what happened. What the bloody hell have I done? That kiss was… It was a mistake. I think…

Ashlee continued to hold unto Helena, giving Helena the time and space she needed, although she was very keen to know what made Helena so upset.

Was it because she blew her off for Sarah? Whatever the reason was, Ashlee felt bad. She felt like a lousy girlfriend, as she wasn’t there for Helena when she was upset.

Taking a deep breath, Helena pulled away slightly to look at Ashlee.

“ Hey there. “ Ashlee murmured. “ You okay? “

Helena nodded meekly, “ Yeah. I… I just don’t feel so well. “ She lied as she decided not to mention anything about the kiss.

Ashlee looked at Helena quizzically. She wasn’t exactly convinced.

 “ I’m having a terrible headache. “ Helena added quickly, gently rubbing her temples, hoping that it would make her excuse sound more convincing.

After listening to Helena’s brief explanation, Ashlee removed her jacket and draped it onto Helena’s shoulder. “ It’s cold out here. Let’s go into the house okay? “

“ Okay. “ Helena mumbled in response as the two of them walked into the house. She felt so guilty about lying to Ashlee but she just couldn’t bring herself to tell Ashlee about the kiss.

Ashlee brought Helena a glass of warm water and some medication for headache relief. She sat them down on the side table and sat on the bed waiting for Helena to be done with her quick shower.