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The concert was a huge hit, and though Helena’s tardiness made her miss Alice’s first oboe solo, she did get to see her clarinet solo, and Tina’s violin duet. At the end of it all, Bette and Tina invited them out to celebrate, but Helena wanted to celebrate alone.

Parting ways, Alice and Helena walked down the sidewalk. Alice had an excited post-performance grin on her face as she held her dandelions. Her nose was red and runny and her eyes with full of tears.

"I’m so sorry for being late sweetheart, I hope you can forgive me," Helena said.

"It’s alright baby, you know I can’t stay mad at you," Alice said grabbing Helena’s hand.

"And I’m sorry for not bringing your favorite flowers, red roses," Helena said.

Alice sighed. "Pink roses, but it’s okay, these dandelions are pretty."

Helena offered her a weak smile. "Why are you crying baby?" Helena said noticing the red eyes and blotchy nose.

"Eh, well," Alice said, "I’m allergic to dandelions."

"Oh bloody hell!" Helena cried.

Alice sighed sadly. "Where are we gonna go eat Helena?"

"How about ‘Gold Regent’?" Helena said.

"Uhh, no, that’s a high society pompous restaurant," Alice said, "most everyone went to ‘Cosmos’ I would like to go there."

"But we wanna celebrate alone, so ‘Gold Regent’ it is."

"Helena," Alice said, "I don’t wanna celebrate alone. I didn’t perform alone and I want to celebrate all our mutual success."

"No you don’t honey, come on let’s…"

"No!" Alice cried yanking her arm away. "No, YOU don’t! This is my performance and my decision and I hate when you talk for me!"

"Oh Alice honey, I wasn’t…"

"Don’t fucking patronize me Helena," Alice growled. "All you think about is yourself. You don’t remember anything that is concerning me even though you’ve been told over and fucking over again. Then when I explicitly tell you what I want you say no and choose your own damn place!"

"I’m sorry honey, I just want what’s best for you."

"You’re my girlfriend not my mother, let me make my own damn decisions."

"Alice, I adore you."

Alice sighed. Even after four years together, Helena couldn’t bring herself to say the L word. "I don’t want to be adored Helena, I want to be loved."