All that could be heard was the hasty click-clack of heels along the pavement. The advert described the neighborhood as “Up and coming” – somewhat of a fabrication the blonde thought. As the bus turned a corner she stared out of the window, passing numerous boarded up houses and observing some graffiti artist had effectively used the whole street as one big canvas. As the bus slowed to a halt, she had to question whether it was in her best interest to view this property or to stay on and let the bus head back to “safeville”. Thinking back to her current situation of sofa surfing she felt staying on the bus wasn’t really an option. Besides this apartment looked pretty stunning considering her price range – though she was now beginning to question the integrity of the ad.

Just a month ago Tina was living a somewhat happy existence. She had moved to LA with her boyfriend 6 months previous when he was offered a job. She had wanted to pursue a career in film so the decision to relocate was an easy one. After waitressing for a few months she had finally been offered an intern job at one of the studios – great opportunity – measly pay. But with her and Mark’s shared income they were able to live comfortably. Unfortunately this all came to an abrupt end when Tina discovered Mark had taken up extra curricular activities of the “adult” variety with one of his slutty colleagues.

So now here she was 3 weeks later power walking down this unfamiliar street, clutching her bag in one hand, map in the other. If she hadn’t been inspecting the map so intensely she may have noticed the dark form that had stepped out into the path just ahead of her.

Meanwhile a few blocks away…

“Fuck, fuckity fuck, fucking artists!” The brunette bashed her steering wheel as she pulled out on to the street, hooting the car in front. “Move, speed up, or move out of the fucking way! Calm down, calm down, calm down Bette.” The brunette looked to the stereo, switching on some relaxing music, letting out a deep breath.

The day had started off bad and had gotten progressively worse. Four years ago Bette had successfully opened her own gallery. Since then she could swear she’d spent half her time massaging the egos of diva artists. Today was just another episode in a long line. Except this time she didn’t play ball. The artist was talented, there was no denying that, but his demands were ludicrous. Bette had hoped visiting him at home would help with negotiations – unfortunately it just seemed to fuel his sense of self worth – needless to say Bette was having none of it. So two weeks before the show – and the Bette Porter gallery was one artist down.

“Now if I could just find my way out of this god forsaken neighbourhood”. All the gallery owner could think about was getting home and having a big glass of wine, before working into the early hours no doubt. Just as Bette was thinking this she noticed a blonde in the distance, lit up by the streetlights. The blonde looked out of place; even from across the road she sensed a naivety, an innocence that felt out of place in this disheveled backwater of a place.

“Shit!”Bette slammed on the breaks as the lights ahead turned red. Bette instinctively leant across and pressed the central locking button. “Taking no chances here”. As Bette sat at the lights she saw the blonde walk past, she clearly had no idea where she was going. She suddenly felt a sense of responsibility. Should she offer some assistance? No, she would probably just scare the girl. As Bette was pondering this thought she noticed a figure in the distance step out. He seemed to be watching the girl approach, while having a quick glance around. Bette suddenly felt uneasy, sitting forward in her seat, her fingers pressing into the steering wheel.

Tina was glancing at the map while muttering to herself, “5 minute walk my arse.” Just as she sensed the man ahead of her it was too late. All she saw was a hand as it pressed over her mouth, the other arm hooking around her waste lifting her clean off of the floor.

“Fuck, fuck fuckity fuck!!” Bette launched the car into drive, her mind went blank only focusing on the girl and her attacker as she sped across the silent intersection. All she could think to do was hoot and drive at the man menacingly. Luckily this had the desired affect. The man who’d been carrying the terrified woman towards the alleyway dropped her as he saw the lights approaching. Bette slammed her breaks on, driving up on to the curb. Thankfully the attacker was now half way down the street.

Bette swung the door open, “Are you OK”? There was no answer. The brunette jumped out of the car and in a few large strides was beside her. With ease she pulled the smaller woman to her feet. “Are you OK?” The woman nodded but appeared to be in shock. Without further hesitation the brunette walked her to the passenger door helping her in, before quickly returning to the driver’s side, jumping in and locking the doors.

“What the hell are you doing out here on your own?”

“I’m sorry” The blonde sat there clutching her bag with both hands, her chest rising and falling furiously.

“Are you stupid or just asking for trouble?” The brunette scolded her, immediately regretting it. She was still reeling from visiting the artist and now she had the addition of adrenaline pumping through her body.

The blonde’s lip started to quiver as she began to process what had happened. Oh shit, Bette thought, now I’ve made things worse. She realized the girl was probably in a bad state of shock, and now here she was in a stranger’s car being shouted at. She felt maybe a softer approach would be better.

“Hey, sorry, look you’re safe, that’s what matters. Now where do you live? Can I drop you somewhere? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Tina shook her head, looking up for the first time to the woman that had saved her, immediately calming when she glanced into the caring eyes looking back at her. “Thank you”. She looked down at her bag. “He… he didn’t even take anything”. Tina managed a weak smile.

Oh hun, Bette thought. You think it’s your bag he wanted? How can she be so naïve? “You’re not from around here are you?” Bette asked.

Tina shook her head. Bette looked over at the girl, she had a strange urge to hold the girl, to comfort her. That would just be weird, and would definitely scare her she thought, so instead she opted for another approach, “I’m Bette by the way”.

“Bette, nice to meet you. I’m Tina”. Tina reached out her hand, Bette took the smaller hand in hers, releasing it after a few seconds. Thinking how she would have stood no chance against her larger attacker.

“I think it’s time we get ourselves out of here.” Tina nodded back in agreement. Bette reversed off of the curb and pulled away thinking it’s probably best to keep her talking. “Firstly you should probably tell me where it is I am dropping you, and secondly if you feel up to it, enlighten me as to why a girl such as yourself is wandering around these parts at such an hour?”