Alexa winced, she hated this, she hated the lying.  She knew now should be the time, that she should have come out to Rachel a long time ago.  Hearing Rachel talk reminded her of their co-dependency, how they’d somehow morphed into a couple minus the sex over the years.  But Rachel always visited her boyfriend in London once a month and left Alexa alone, she wasn’t used to the roles being reversed.

‘Rachel don’t be like this….’ Alexa tried

‘Alexa you’re just not being like you, running off tomorrow with Fiona and the rest of the freaks because some big dykey researcher tells Pax she wants you on the team.  I mean what are the arrangments, do you know anything about this at all?’

 ‘Rachel it’s just a two week trip, what’s the big deal?’

‘I don’t know Alexa, you tell me,’ she said and stormed out of the room.

Alexa sat tiredly next to Fiona on the 747 wondering if she’d done the right thing.  She hadn’t seen Helena since the previous night as she had to travel with the other students to maintain their cover.  She felt isolated and alone around these students she had absolutely nothing in common with.  She didn’t really know where she’d be staying, what she’d be doing, or if she’d brought enough money.  She hadn’t managed to speak with Rachel properly since last night but what use would it have been anyway?  Her behaviour was odd and evasive and she couldn’t explain it, Rachel had a right to be pissed.  She resolved to find a way to tell her the truth sooner rather than later.

The air hostess walked over to them.  ‘Alexa Carrington?’

‘Yes,’ said Alexa, taking off her headphones.

‘Miss Peabody has asked that you join her in first class to discuss the arrangements for your group tomorrow.’

Alexa fought the smile that sprang to her face.

‘Shouldn’t I be doing that, I’m the team leader,’ protested Fiona.  ‘You’re just a newcomer Alexa!’

‘All I know is Miss Peabody specifically asked for Miss Carrington,’

‘It’s fine, I’ll go,’ insisted Alexa.  ‘Thanks for the message.  Get over it Fiona,’ she grumbled.

Alexa grabbed her bag and headed up the plane followed the hostess to the front of the plane.  She led her to the seat beside Helena who looked up at her and winked.  ‘Miss Carrington,’ she said formerly.