Helena and Alice continued to bicker as Shane, Dana and Bette took Alexa through to Helena’s kitchen to get her a drink.

Alexa felt uncomfortable to say the least.  Helena’s friends seemed nice enough, she just wasn’t prepared that’s all.  After a ten hour flight and surrounded by new company she felt out of her comfort zone.  But she needed to make an effort, these women were a big part of Helena’s life and she had come to get to know Helena.  She remembered a small detail.

‘Helena told me about your tennis career Dana.  She says you’re a real rising star.’

Dana shrugged shyly.  ‘Yeah, still working my way through the ranks.  Do you follow the game?’

‘Yes, well the slams at least.  I usually try to get down to Wimbledon.’

‘Hopefully I’ll get to play there next year.  I love the tradition of that tournament, so much better than the US Open.’

‘But hardcourt sometimes creates a more attractive game,’ added Alexa.  Dana grinned, finally someone who had a clue about her game.

‘Ok enough sports talk,’ said Bette.  ‘What do you do Alexa?’

‘Oh I’m a final year med student, I have a couple of months left on my course.  Helena came to give some lectures at our university and set up her research branch.’

‘And you’re involved in the research?’

Alexa shook her head.  ‘Not so much, I mean I’m interested but I’m not really on the programme although we’ve had to pretend I am so that I could come over here for a few weeks.  There are other students on this trip who are actually involved in the work.’

Shane shook her head.  ‘Looks like Helena’s developed a wild side, dating her students and helping them cut classes.  After all the crap she’s given me about women over the years……..’

Helena strode in catching the last part of the conversation.  ‘As a matter of fact Alexa is a student but not my student so you can take that disapproving look of your face Bette, this is nothing like you and Nadia!  Alexa let me show you around, you girls can try making yourselves useful and order us something to eat.’

‘I am so sorry about them,’ said Helena as soon as they were out of earshot.