Alexa was extremely touched by Peggy’s gesture and she promised herself that she would never let her down, that she would always strive to be the kind of daughter-in-law she could be proud of. But no matter how hard Peggy and Helena tried, no matter how much Alexa tried to wipe out her past and throw herself into her new life she would always miss her family.  She remembered the day she told her father she was a doctor, how she’d known she’d finally fulfilled the dreams they had for her.  She remembered how she used to talk on the phone with her mother every night. 

‘I think I’m going to get another drink,’ said Alexa and headed off to the kitchen.  Helena and Peggy watched her with concern.  ‘Well go on Helena,’ said Peggy.  ‘The girl’s upset.’

Helena found Alexa standing facing the french doors, staring out to the blackness of the ocean intently.  ‘Okay darling?’ she asked.

‘I’m fine baby, I’ll be out in a second,’ she said wiping a few stray tears from her face.

‘Lexi look at me,’ said Helena, turning her in her arms.  ‘It’s ok that it hurts, and it’s ok to miss them.’

Alexa finally looked into Helena’s eyes, letting her see the tears that threatened to fall.  ‘I’m glad I moved here Helena.  I would never regret being with you even though it meant leaving them but sometimes when I least expect it, like tonight it cuts so deep……’

Helena kissed Alexa so softly as if she feared she would break before pulling her into a warm hug.  ‘They’ll come around sweetheart, it’s just a matter of time.’

She didn’t know if it were true having met neither of the people on question but she hoped to make it that way for Alexa, she hoped together they could somehow rebuild the bridges Alexa had burned to be with her.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Later still that night Alexa’s mood had lifted, Peggy had retired for the evening and almost everyone was well and truly drunk.  Having both slowed on the champagne since their intimate moment Helena and Alexa had a little buzz but weren’t destined to wake up vowing to never drink again the way their friends were.