“I don’t know about 100 grand,” Helena says, almost casually. Suddenly, Helena’s phone starts to ring. She feverously digs through her purse and drags out her cell phone. Looking down at the screen of her cell phone, her eyes widened with shock and horror. Catherine was calling.

            “Alice, what do I say to her??” Helena asked in a panic.

            “Don’t panic! Helena, just answer the phone and see what she wants and if she ask you where is the money just tell her you took it what belongs to you. Then tell her you don’t want to bet her and you are not interested in being her servant and sex slave. Simple.”

            Helena still looked uneasy. How could Alice be so casual about this and be so sure? Slowly, as if she was creeping into battle, she flipped open the phone and spoke into it. It was time to put on a smile and be an actress.

“Hello Catherine, what’s up?” She answered, cheerfully.

            “Helena! I came home to find out that you have left. Where are you?”

            “I am staying with Alice for awhile.” Helena exhaled in relief. She felt in control of the conversation and the situation, finally.

“Helena I need to talk with you can you come over here?” Catherine asked.

 There is silence on the other end of the phone. The control had left her as fast as she felt it. Quickly, she whispered ‘hold on’ into the phone and covered it with her hand.

            “What do I say?” She asked Alice, in a hushed whisper.

            “Tell her you will meet her at The Planet.” Alice whispered back. Hesitating, Helena uncovered the phone and entered back into conversation with Catherine.

            “Catherine? Can I meet you at The Planet in an hour?”

“That’s fine. See you in an hour then.” Click. Catherine hung up and the conversation was over. Helena’s heart began to race again. The situation was spiraling out of control and she couldn’t take it any longer. Alice held her close like a good friend would.

            “Do you want me to go with you?” Alice asked.

“You are a good friend,” Helena said back while planting a soft, friendly kiss on Alice’s cheek,” But no. I don’t want us both getting into trouble.”