London Institute for Gifted Youth, 15 months ago…

“We’ll catch up later alright? I don’t want to be tardy for my appointment with Professor Vizzini.” Ted said hastily, stuffing his books into his backpack “Sorry Lena.”

“It’s alright,” Helena shrugged as she began to help Ted clear the sandwich bags and trash, “I’ll clear them for you, you better get running.”

Ted smiled as he got up from the grass, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Actually, thank you for lunch.”

 “My pleasure, Miss Peabody,” Ted grins and does a short gentleman’s bow. “Alright, see you later then. Bye.”

After Ted had left, Helena picked up her belongings and bag of trash, getting ready to head for the next lecture.  Just as she dropped her bag of trash into the trashcan, “Excuse me.”

Helena spun around to find a gorgeous brunette, with mesmerizing big brown eyes. The brunette looked slightly lost.

“May I ask you for a favour?” She asked politely, bringing Helena out from her trance.

“Ohh… Yeah, sure,” Helena smiled. “How can I help you?”

“Uhm… I’m kinda lost,” The gorgeous brunette mumbled, sounding slight embarrassed.

American accent? Helena thought to herself.

“I’m trying to find my way to the Paul Haydon lecture hall,” Gorgeous brunette continued, “Do you think you can give me directions to where it is?”

Helena thought for a second, realising that her next lecture was located at the same building, she said, “Yeah. Actually, I can walk you there if you want. I’m heading for the same building.”

“Wow that would be great.”She beamed.

“Alright then, let’s get going,” Helena chuckled. “I’m Helena, by the way.”

Gorgeous brunette smiled brightly, “Hello Helena, I’m Elizabeth, but most people call me Bette.”

“Nice to meet you Bette.”

“Nice to meet  you too, Helena.”

As they made their way to the lecture hall, the two were talking animatedly.

“I assume that you’re an American?” Helena inquired.

Bette looks at Helena with an eyebrow raised, “Wow, you’re really good with the accent thing.”

Helena laughed, “It could be because of the fact that my mum’s American.”

“Really? That’s pretty interesting.”

“Mmmhmm.” Helena shrugged casually. “How about yourself? You don’t look completely Caucasian to me. I hope that didn’t sound too rude.”

“Nah.” Bette shrugged, “My mom’s white, my dad’s black. So I guess it makes me biracial.”

“Now, that sounds interesting,” Helena laughs.

“You think so?”

Helena nods. Just then, they arrived at the lecture hall, causing Helena to feel slightly disappointed. Bette seemed like someone nice to talk to.

“Here we are.” Helena puts on a small smile.

“Right…” Bette responded in a tone which sounded like as if she was disappointed. Or maybe Helena was just reading too much into it.

“Well, uhm. Thank you so much for your help Helena. I really appreciate it. “Bette smiled. Her smile looked tight. Then again, Helena thought that she was reading too much into it.

“You’re welcome.” Helena nods, “I’ll see you around then.”

“Yeah. See you.”

After which, Helena headed for her own class. She arrived to find students gathered outside the hall. She spotted her friend in the crowd.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Professor Lanyon had changed the venue of today’s lecture. It’s at the Paul Haydon lecture hall.”

Present time…

Helena walked briskly out of The Planet and towards the black Mercedes Benz parked along the sidewalk.

“Good afternoon Ms Peabody.” Arthur greeted, holding the door for her.

“Good afternoon, Arthur. Sorry to have kept you waiting.” She responded politely before getting into the car.

“Hello Daddy.” Helena greeted her father, “Sorry to have kept you waiting too. I happened to run into a friend.”

“No worries darling.”

“So, how was today’s physio session?”

“It was fine. Samantha mentioned that I was making great progress.” Augusten smiled broadly.

“That’s great to hear.” She chuckled at her father’s enthusiasm.

Augusten nods, “I heard from your mother that you’ve been accepted to the University of Fine Arts Southern California.”

“Yeah,” Helena grins. “She even made arrangements for me to take a look at this room located in an apartment near the campus.”

“Oh really? Your mother seems rather thrilled about you studying here.” He laughed.