They walked through the corridor where there were several booths and tables with samples of the chef’s latest foods, and the recipes next to them in case anybody was interested in knowing more. Helena’s favorite was the baked salmon, “I’m definitely going to have to cook this one night!” she said happily as she picked up the pamphlet that had the recipe on it.

With her mouth full, Dylan responded, “Here, try this one, its filleted Red Salmon. I dont know what they did, but its so tasty!”

Helena chuckled, “Tasty huh?” so she tried the bite Dylan had prepared for her, and picked up that pamphlet to take home as well. She wasnt sure which recipe she liked better! There were many seminars being taken place so they decided to stop sampling and watch one of the cooking shows that were just beginning to start.

As they sat in the audience, Helena reached over and held Dylan’s hand. She always justified the act as “thats what best friends do.” and Dylan always let her.

After the show, the two seemed to wander slowly towards the jeep, not wanting the evening to end.

Dylan drove Helena home, and as she pulled into the driveway, she asked, “So I’ll see you at Hit in a few days?” she smiled.

“You know it” Helena said as she tried not to smile, leaning in for a hug.

Once Helena walked into the house, she was met by an irritated looking Sam who had her arms crossed, “Why didnt you tell me you were going out with Dylan?”

Helena’s mouth dropped open, but since she had such a wonderful night, she didn’t want to ruin it by arguing, so she said “First, I didnt think it would matter, and two, Dylan and I are just friends so just drop it. I’m going to bed.”

It was as if Sam was looking to get into an argument as she followed Helena, attempting to interrogate, but when she noticed it wasnt working, tried a different tactic, “So I had a good night.” she began, “you know, I was on the phone all night canceling the plans I had set up for us that you so inconsiderately refused to participate in.”
“I’m inconsiderate?!” Helena repeated, sounding shocked, “you’re the inconsiderate one, Sam!” she took a deep breath to calm herself. When she calmed down she continued, “Sam, I dont want to be with you anymore. You treat me like I’m 12, you never ask how my day is, you go behind my back making plans without even asking what my thoughts are. I dont feel supported. Ever! And I’m not happy anymore.”

“What are you saying?” Sam snapped as she scratched her temple, seemingly getting a little more irritated as the discussion went on.

“I have never hit another human being in my life, but seriously Sam, you make me feel homicidal at times! You dont ever listen to me and I always feel like I have to defend anything and everything I’m doing! We’re OVER, Sam!”

“You’re clearly upset, Helena. Why dont we just go to bed and talk about this like rational adults in the morning.”

Helena grabbed her pillow and went into the spare bedroom. As she was making the bed, it occurred to her that Sam has always been argumentative and controlling and that she was just figuring it all out now.

While she was laying in bed, she couldn’t get to sleep, and all she thought about was how often Sam argued. If Helena wasnt happy, Sam surely couldnt be. What is Sam’s motive? She’s always away on business, and when she’s home its like she’s never actually here because she’s too busy with other things. How could she be happy when all she seemed to be doing was micro-managing and nit-picking Helena’s every move. Where’d the fun go? They used to have fun together even though Helena never loved her, and they used to be happy. But now it just seems like Sam’s in this relationship to finish a business deal or something.

Throughout the night, it was all Helena could do to keep herself from crying as she tossed and turned, thinking about how life could have been if she only stood up to her mother, or how life can be now if she only had the strength to leave Sam behind instead of just saying that she would. But, before she drifted off to sleep, there was a slight smile on her face as she realized that she has friends who will help her move out. She has support on the outside! Why didnt she think of this before?!