Peggy cursed under her breath, why did it always have to be this way between them, the constant sparing, the brick wall Helena put up preventing them from ever forming any kind of real bond.  ‘Are you alright Peggy?’ asked Alexa tentatively.

Peggy turned surprised, seeing the genuine concern of the young woman sat beside her.  ‘Yes I’m fine,’ she said.  ‘Just the usual exchange of ideas with Helena, I’m sure my daughter has shared with you how much she adores me before now,’ she said sarcastically.

‘I know the two of you have a complex relationship,’ Alexa replied diplomatically.

‘Complex?  Well that’s one way of putting it.  Helena has a way of taking absolutely everything I say in the wrong way. I would venture to say that she can’t stand me for the majority of the time,’ she said her anger fading into sadness. 

‘Would you like to be closer to Helena?’ asked Alexa curiously.

‘I had thought we could mend some bridges but its seeming rather an impossible task.  The more time I attempt to spend with her the more she seems to resent me.  If she doesn’t care to build a better relationship and prefers this constant mutual antagonism there’s little I can do to change things,’ said Peggy defeated.

Alexa paused.  ‘Well I think you should keep trying because she does care,’ she told Peggy firmly.

‘How do you know that?’

‘Because it’s very easy to hold a polite conversation with someone you don’t care about.’

‘So you’re saying I should embrace the animosity, take is at affection?’  Peggy laughed but in truth was considering Alexa’s point.

‘No, but I wouldn’t give up on her.  I don’t know exactly what’s gone on between the two of you in the past but I know Helena now and she’s more than worth the effort.’

Peggy eyed Alexa curiously, she simply wasn’t like the others, the handful of Helena’s girl’s she’d met over the years.  She was polite but not simpering, honest but not offensive.  Most of all it was obvious she cared deeply for Helena.  Peggy liked having her around, speaking to Alexa like this made her feel closer to Helena, if she could establish a rapport with young Alexa, show Helena that she was supportive of her relationship, perhaps she would be the common link to draw them together.