Helena sighed but nodded in agreement as Alice watched. Helena had always been proud and headstrong but Alice noticed that Alexa had a way of dealing with her, sort of patient but with an air of knowing she wouldn’t put up with any bullshit.

Helena gingerly stepped off the bed and Alexa stood close by, anxious that she didn’t fall but she made her way to the chair easily and positioned herself so she was comfortable.

‘You coming Alice?’ asked Alexa, not wanted to interrupt her visit but ready to wheel Helena out.

‘Nah, I should get back.  Congratulations on the job, I’ll see you guys tomorrow k?’

‘Yeah see ya,’ they both told her as she left.

‘Right hold on sweetheart, let’s see how fast this thing can go,’ said Alexa and took hold of the chair pushing it quickly out the door and down the corridor to the entrance before slowly down abruptly.

Helena laughed and shrieked all the way.  ‘You are nuts, you know that?’ she said as they moved out into the sun.

‘Of course I do, I’m dating you aren’t I?’

‘Are you picking on the girl in the wheelchair?’ Helena deadpanned.

‘Two seconds in it and already she’s playing the disability discrimination card,’ Alexa said rolling her eyes.

‘Yes I am and I think I’d like a car sticker too, get the best parking spots.’

‘Oh please you get your driver to drop you at the door anyway.’

‘Smart ass,’

‘I thought you liked my ass,’ Alexa displayed that ass a little more as she leant over to pick Helena a bluebell from the flowerbed, looking around to check she hadn’t been caught.  ‘Here beautiful,’ she said it and handed it to her.

Helena smiled at her crouched beside her.  ‘If the gardener catches you picking his flowers for me you’ll be in trouble.’

‘Ahh..but he won’t, if I see him coming I’ll start running and they’ll just be you sitting there with the evidence in your pretty little hands,’ she said with a wicked smile.

It was one of those moments when Helena was reminded forcefully again how lucky she was to have Alexa in her life.  She’d been so miserable today; negative and frustrated but Alexa had come along and made her laugh again.  They challenged and charmed and soothed each other with a level of comfort and intimacy that seemed to blossom the more time they spent together.

‘You make me so happy Alexa,’ she blurted out suddenly, changing the mood.

Alexa twirled a strand of Helena’s hair in her hand.  ‘Well good because in case you hadn’t noticed I kind of love you.’

‘Kind of?’ she frowned.

Alexa shrugged.  ‘Well..more like totally completely and utterly adore you really.’

They kissed and both women wished they weren’t out in public and they could show each other just how much they meant those words.

When they pulled back, Helena put her forehead to Alexa’s showing the passion in her eyes.  ‘I can’t wait to touch you again,’ said Helena.

Alexa kissed her again briefly but fiercely.

‘Come on you tease let’s get you back inside before we frighten any more ageing Republicans,’ she whispered, gesturing to the elderly women sitting on the bench close by giving them very disapproving looks.

NEXT TIME: Helena comes home, Alexa is afraid and we learn more about Tibette