Bette dropped her voice and let her fingers graze Helena’s cheek ‘on the other hand, you want the chance to speak your mind, tell everyone to take a risk, jump in head-long into projects you’re passionate about’ Let them see how amazing you really are..

Peggy, who’d been walking around the room, unknowingly interrupted the quiet moment between the two women ‘and we all know that you’ve never had it in you to be cut-throat and ruthless’

‘and that is not a bad thing’ Bette came to the rescue once again. Shut up Peggy! She smiled disarmingly at both mother and daughter ‘with this arrangement, I can be the ruthless half of you, Helena, and you can be what you like. I’ll be the one to constantly remind the board about the company’s interest. It’s a thankless job, nobody likes that person. But lucky for me,’ Bette grinned wickedly ‘I don’t need to be liked. I have nothing attached to the company, I have no vested interest here’ Except one, and she’s standing right in front of me

‘Then why are you doing this?’ asked Helena, her voice sounding hopeful. She was overjoyed that she’d get to see Bette much more often and was already looking forward to late-nights at the office. Tell me you’re here because of me

‘Well, the amount Peggy’s offering me…frankly I’m not about to come close to earning that much from these passion projects I’m doing’ Bette saw Helena’s face fall Dammit, I might as well give this up now. NO. Steady on, Bette. Just say it ‘but what clinched the deal was when I saw what you were going through today’

Helena cringed at the mention of that ordeal, and looked away

‘Helena,’ Bette gently took Helena’s hands in hers ‘hey.. its not that I feel sorry for you, I know you can handle it. I mean, had I waited 2 more seconds I’m sure you would have blown the woman’s face off,’ and would have looked hot doing it too.

Bette paused as Helena cracked a smile ‘but its something I don’t like seeing you go through. You need an ally…Helena, I’m your ally..’ Bette’s voice dropped low, making Helena throb and shiver in places unseen

Peggy looked at the events unfolding in front of her eyes. Well well…who would’ve thought. My little girl is taking the plunge. Peggy smiled to herself. I may have taken things away from you, dear heart, and I may have not given you enough. But one thing I do know, is when to leave. After all, that’s what I’ve been doing to you all your life. Wondering if she would ever be able to make it up to her daughter, Peggy left the room quietly.

The two women stood so engrossed in each other, they didn’t notice Peggy’s departure.

Helena stood mesmerised, wondering how one woman’s gaze and her slightest touch can leave her so breathless.

Bette still held Helena’s hand, and revelled in the beauty before her. ‘If my being here makes your life a little easier..’

A little easier? You make my life so much better, Bette Helena ached to say this out loud.

‘..then here is where I want to be’ finished Bette. With you. By your side

(end?)