But Alexa didn’t believe her, she couldn’t let herself, she had to start preparing herself for the serious, inevitable conversation that was to come.  Perhaps Helena had realised she was falling in love with her and that was why she wanted to talk later to set things straight between them.  Alexa didn’t blame Helena for what she thought she was about to say; someone had to keep there feet on the ground in all of this.  Life wasn’t a fairytale.  She forced a smile for Alice.  ‘Maybe you’re right,’ she said.

Some time later Alexa walked back over to Helena.  It was no use, reality had finally hit.  Everything Helena did and said made her heart break more and she couldn’t hold a party face any longer.  ‘Helena I’m not feeling so well, I think I’m going to cut the evening short and get a cab back to your place,’ she told her.

Helena shook her head concerned.  She stood up and placed a hand over Alexa’s forehead.  ‘Hmm..you do look a little queasy.  It’s fine we’ll go home together.  Did you really think I’d let you leave on your own?’

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

‘Feeling any better darling?’ asked Helena.

‘A little,’ she lied, heart pounding in her chest.

Helena got out of the car and got Alexa’s door for her.  ‘Come on sweetheart, let’s get you into bed.  You might be the doctor but I make a good nurse, tylenol and an early night should sort you out.’

Alexa stopped her as Helena led them to the bedroom.  ‘Wait Helena I thought you wanted to talk to me about something important.’

‘I did, but it can wait until tomorrow if you’re ill.’

Alexa couldn’t stand to wait until morning.  If this fantasy was going to end, it needed to end tonight.  ‘No I want to hear what you have to say Helena.’

Helena was surprised but pleased by Alexa’s insistence, she needed to take the leap whilst she still had the nerve.  ‘Come on then, let’s take a walk on the beach,’ she said nervously.

They strode outside in the dim light of the tiki lights and took off their shoes, leaving them by the pool.  As had become their custom they strode hand in hand to the water’s edge, letting the water swell around their ankles, staring out at the blackness of the sea.  ‘Isn’t this about the normal point where you remind me that a night feeder could grab my ankles?’ asked Helena with a wry smile.