“I had just met her so I didn’t know much about her but I could tell that she has a kind heart. She’s just lost and searching but not sure what it is she is searching for. Anyway we’re at the Planet drinking and dancing and within a couple of hours I see that she’s moved from girl to girl to girl and not just dancing but making out. She would disappear for a while and come back reeking of smoke and her eyes were glassy you know.

It was obvious what she was doing and the girls I saw her with didn’t look like they paid too much attention to hygiene. Towards the end of the evening she had the nerve to tell me that she wanted to take me home that night. I know she was drunk and high but regardless the thought of being with her sexually grossed me out. I basically told her that if I were even receptive to such a proposition it would require a full booty check and she would have to pass muster.”

“Ouch. That was harsh.”

“Maybe but can you imagine how at risk she is for sexually transmitted diseases? Putting herself out there; having random unprotected sex with multiple partners. I don’t even think she washes her hands before or after. I’m sorry that just isn’t my scene.”

“But the next day at the pool you were talking about becoming housemates and you’ve been hanging out with her. If you don’t approve of her lifestyle why are you spending so much time with her? Why would you even consider living together?” Bette wasn’t being judgmental just curious about Leigh’s contradictions.

“I guess it’s a maternal instinct or maybe I’m just trying to pay it forward to help someone else, like you and James have helped me. I see something in her Bette. I think maybe I can reach it and pull her back before it’s too late. She is on a self-destructive course Bette. She hides it well or maybe it’s just that everyone around her has gotten used to it. Maybe it’s not as obvious to you as it is to me since I am a relative stranger. I am not judging her. She and I have had a lot of conversations. I know she hasn’t had the easiest life. She’s come a long way from living on the streets but she can do so much more. She told me she is really interested in photography. I’ve seen some of her photos and she definitely has an eye. I told her she should enroll in some courses at CU or one of the other fine arts colleges and maybe with some direction she can develop that raw talent into something.”