‘This whole thing is crazy, because we’ve only known each other such a short time but everything feels different when I’m with her, everything sort of makes sense.  When she looks at me I feel like she really sees me, really just gets me. So yes I think, no I know that I love her but it scares the hell out of me.  Every time I’m with her I want to talk about how we can make it work but I can’t because what if she doesn’t feel the same and then the short time we have left together will be ruined.’

Bette put an arm around Helena.  ‘You’ve got to take the risk Hel.  I’ve seen the way she looks at you.  You know as well as I do that what you two seem to have sometimes only comes around once.’

Bette led Helena back outside and they saw Alexa playing pat-a-cake with Angelica.  Alexa smiled up at Helena and winked.  ‘Aunt Ella play?’ called out Angelica and Helena went to join them.

‘Ok sweetie?’ asked Alexa as Helena took the baby and kissed her quickly.

‘Yeah I was just talking to Bette and she said some things that made me think.  Can we have a talk when we get home?’ she asked seriously.

Alexa nodded.  ‘Of course, shall I get us some more drinks?’

‘Sure’ agreed Helena.

Alexa stood by the drinks table deep in thought as Alice joined her.

‘What’s the matter? Can’t decide between the 1974 or the 75 Pinot Grigio, Bette is such a wine snob, mind you Helena is almost as bad…’

Alice noticed Alexa looked saddened and called her on it.  ‘Ok talk.  You’ve seen me snivelling over Dana.  Has Helena done something to upset you?’

‘No,’ answered Alexa.  She looked back over at Helena and Tina and couldn’t believe this was probably all going to be over by the end next week.

‘It’s nothing dramatic Alice.  I was just thinking that I’ll be on a plane this time next week.’

‘But you’ll come back soon, right?’

‘I don’t know Alice,’ admitted Alexa as Helena and Angelica waved at her.  ‘I want to but I just don’t know.’

‘It will work out Alexa, trust me,’ implored Alice.