It was the day before the wedding and the serenity of their West Side home was shattered.  The dance floor was completed two days ago.  The food tent pitched earlier in the day.  Trucks of every kind rumbled into the drive unloaded and took off again.  It was a rush of activity and Helena stood serene in the center.  She was truly in her element. 

While her mother had restored her position of the heir apparent her love of food and its attendant hospitality brought out a side of Helena that was rarely seen.  Planning this wedding brought her immeasurable pleasure.  It still rankled on some level that Tina had chosen Bette over her all those years ago.  The only salve for her ego was that no one could come between the love of those two women. Perhaps she let herself be comforted with the fantasy that if she had met Tina first the outcome would be different.

Alice and Kit words echoed in her mind… ‘Those two’ she turned to see who Tasha referenced ‘they belong together’ Alice said conclusively.  ‘They always have.’ Kit confirmed.  In that moment Helena understood that she never had a chance.  Her eyes narrowed as she saw Shane and Jodi approach. 

Jodi was trouble with a capital T.  Helena was uncomfortable with the way Jodi had insinuated herself back into the fold.  If she still felt twinges of jealousy over Tina after all the time that had passed how could Jodi be so cool and accepting of Bette so soon?  She was surprised that Shane was so taken in.  Shane was the tipping point for the group when it came to Jodi. 

Helena found that Alice had not forgiven her the Hammer debacle, Kit was uneasy and Tina she noted watched her carefully whenever she was around.  Even Bette seemed wary but went out of her way to be cordial.  She lifted her left hand and stroked her hair back three times.  Susan her security chief casually appeared by her side in answer to the silent signal. 

“I want Ms. Lerner under close surveillance for the next two days.” Helena stated without preamble.

“What should we be looking for?”