Helena shut her eyes and shook her head slightly as she tried to erase that painful memory.

“ I’ll be happy for you if you pick Ashlee. I’ll be here if you need a shoulder to lean on or cry on. And that, I love you. “ Bette’s words replayed in her head.

Helena felt Bette’s sincerity and she believed everything that Bette had mentioned earlier in the day.

The problem was, Helena was too afraid, too afraid to fall for Bette again. Whatever happened many months bed was way too painful for her to forget.

Besides, she’s contented with the relationship that she has with Ashlee. She let her mind wander off to the days and nights she spent with Ashlee, the things that Ashlee had done for her and done with her. Ashlee would never hurt her in any way, what more could she ask for?

Just then, her phone vibrated against the desk. Speak of the devil, Ashlee’s name was flashing on the screen of her cellphone.

“ Hey love. “ Helena answered the call.

“ Hey babe. “ Ashlee chuckled then asked, “ You okay? You sound worn out. “  

“ I’m fine, just a little tired. “

“ Long day at work, huh? “

“ Yeah… I guess. How about you? “ Helena murmured as the conversation she had with Bette earlier flashed in her head again. All that crying was tiring.

“ I’m good. “ Ashlee paused, “ So anyways, I was wondering if you want to have dinner together? Like if you’re not too tired or something. “

Then, there was a long pause.

“ Helena? “

“ I’m sorry, what did you say? “ Helena asked, snapping out from her own thoughts.

“ I asked if you want to have dinner together."

"Are you sure you’re okay? “

“ Yeah, I’m fine, really. Dinner sounds lovely. “

“ Great, I’ll come pick you up since you sound worn out. “ Ashlee responded thoughtfully.

“ Thank you. “ Helena said, appreciating Ashlee’s effort and offer.

Helena walked out Shaolin to spot Ashlee in her car reading a book. She approached the car, putting everything that had happened between her and Bette at the back of her head.