Bette started laughing and said, ‘Actually that ain’t such a bad idea ask her what she said to get Al to be silent.’ Alice glared at Bette causing Bette to raise her arms in defense and smile back at her friend, ‘Hey you never know when that information may come in handy.’

Deciding to take the tension out of the room she asked, ‘Maybe we should invite Helena to breakfast tomorrow, get her back in touch with the world again…’

Alice drifted back to her earlier conversation with the Brit, ‘You wish i was that easy.’ resulting in a blush creeping over her face.

‘Ok! That there what where you thinking about?’ Bette enquired causing the colour of Alices face to intensify.

Tina and Bette got up and headed into the kitchen for more drinks giving Shane the opurtunity to talk to Alice. ‘So how long have you liked Helena then?’

Alice spluttered her drink before she added, ‘What do you mean liked? We’re friends thats it! Nothing else.’

Shane smiled at her friend, ‘Really? Oh ok so why do you keep blushing everytime someone mentions her name?’

‘I DO NOT!’ Alice shouted causing Shane to laugh again.

‘Al i know you better than you even know yourself and i know when you like someone.’

‘I like everyone.’ Alice stated dramatically.

‘OK if you say so you like everyone and not one person in particular.’

‘THANK YOU! Now can we change the subject please!’ Alice pleaded.

‘More drinks anyone?’ Bette asked as she walked back into the room.

‘I thought you’d never ask!’ Alice said reaching for her drink.

The next morning Helena arrived at The Planet and saw Alice sitting with Shane, Bette, Tina, Lara and Jenny. Helena thought back to her phone conversation and wondered why Alice ahd acted so weird and well silent, Alice was never silent. Maybe they would talk about it later or just forget about it altogether. She took a deep breath and walked over to the table. Tina noticed her approach and smiled broadly, ‘Her stranger where have you been?’

After all the hugs and greetings, Helena seated herself next to Alice who was still acting weird with her. ‘Alice is everything ok?’

‘Er… yeah… sorry just a few things on my mind.’