Bette took Alice’s hand as they both hid their own tears at the scene.  They watched as Helena shut her eyes and smiled.  ‘What shall we name her?’ she asked Alexa softly as she released her hand.

‘Anything you like baby, you can tell me when you wake up,’ replied Alexa and turned away as they wheeled Helena away down the hall.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The 4 hour wait was the longest of Alexa’s life, she paced the halls and drank copious cups of coffee.  She thought about what they were doing to Helena and she prayed to gods she didn’t believe in hoping that she’d be ok but mostly she thought about what a fool she’d been, putting off making the break, clinging to her old life instead of reaching out and grabbing her new one.

An hour after Helena was out of surgery it was agreed that one of them could see her and they agreed Alexa should go in first.

‘Hey beautiful,’ said Alexa, tears springing to her eyes again at the relief of seeing Helena awake.

‘And there was me thinking I looked like crap,’ she said groggily.

Alexa laughed. ‘Believe me you’ve never looked better to me than you look right now.’

‘Can I tell you that I love you now?’ asked Helena.

‘Yes you can,’ smiled Alexa.  ‘Permission to say I love you is reinstated.’

‘You were so amazing before,’ said Helena honestly.  ‘I felt so safe hearing your voice.’

Alexa took her hand.  ‘I’ll always be here for you Helena, as long as you want me.’

‘Don’t you have to go back soon?’ she asked.  ‘I know this visit was unplanned.  You should be in Mallorca.  I’m so sorry I got impatient and jealous baby.’

‘Hush sweetheart.  I told Rachel about us, she’s going to tell my other friends.  I sent an email resigning from my job….’

‘So you’re going to stay?’

‘Pretty much, I’ll have to take a few trips when your better to get my stuff but Rachel can help out.’

‘I’ll hire someone to sort all that out for you.  This news makes the whole car thing almost worth it,’ she said trying to laugh but winced.

Alexa shook her head and took Helena’s hand.  ‘I know you’re trying to be funny but don’t you ever say that to me.  Seeing you like that today, not knowing if you’d be ok was the worse moment of my life.  I don’t ever want to experience that again.’