Chapter 4:  One week later, Helena’s POV

I’m sitting outside on the balcony with Alice.  She’s talking about Tasha.  Tasha this, Tasha that.  I do like Tasha, she’s as good and honorable a person as they come.  After Dana died, I didn’t think Alice would ever recover.  Thankfully, Tasha came into her life.  She’s so good for Alice.  The last time I saw Alice this happy is when she was with Dana.

I know she means well, it’s Alice after all and she stopped by to visit just to get my mind off of Dylan.  But, honestly, Alice.  How is talking about how happy you are with Tasha supposed to get my mind off her?  My god, I wish she would stop talking about her girlfriend.  I wanted to scream:  Alice, talking about how happy you are with Tasha is not making me feel any better.

Alice: “She’s taking her test as we speak. I’ve been helping her. We sit every night and I quiz her from the online study guide. I know she’s going to pass. She’s going to pass with flying colors. She’s been studying every night. She’s given up everything and I when I say everything, I mean everything. No sex for three weeks. THREE WEEKS. She better damn well pass this test. Anyway, tonight we are going to celebrate. I’m taking her out for a romantic dinner. Then hopefully home for some more celebration.”

The more she talks about Tasha the more I think about Dylan. Talking to Dylan.  Dinner with Dylan.  Sex with Dylan.  Alright, that’s it, I can’t take it anymore.  I don’t want to be rude but I need to excuse myself from this incessant girlfriend talk.

Helena: “Alice, I’m sorry but I have to get ready to go to work. I have to be there in an hour and I still need to shower first.”

Alice: “Oh okay, hey can I use your phone before I go. My batteries dying and I want to call Tash and leave her a message. Just to let her know how much I’m looking for forward to celebrating tonight. If ya know what I mean.”

Helena: “Oh god Alice, on my phone.”

Alice: “What, I’m not going get all hot and heavy. Jeez, Helena. Just a simple can’t wait to see you tonight and I love you.  That’s all.”

Helena: “Alright, just lock up before you leave.”

I turn to walk inside and I hear Alice say under her breath…

Alice: “No hot and heavy, unless she answers.”

Helena: “No phone sex Alice, I mean it.”

Alice: “Alright, jeez.”

The shower wasn’t as quick as I intended.  Thoughts of Dylan kept creeping into my head.  She stopped by here twice this week.  I couldn’t bring myself to answer the door.  I knew if I did it would happen all over again.  I would let her in.  More than into my house but into my heart again.  I couldn’t do that.

She’s called 16 times and left me 12 messages.  I’ve listened to everyone.  They are full of statements like: I’m sorry, please talk to me, you can trust me, and I love you.  That’s how she’s ended each one, all 12 of them.  “I love you Helena.”  God, I miss her.

Oh, stop already. Stop dwelling on what could have been.  She’s a liar and a user.  I need to get on with my life.  She was never any good for me.

I have to get ready to go to hit.  I haven’t been to work all week.  Kit’s been running herself ragged and it’s not fair. Sunny’s off tonight and Kit wants to spend some well deserved time with him.  She deserves it.  I’ve neglected my duties at work for long enough.

SLAM!

What the hell was that?