Episode 49 - Awkward MomentsHelen finally got out of bed. She could hear Lee rummaging around in the kitchen. She was dreading facing her, not knowing what her reaction would be. She couldn’t understand why she had changed so rapidly last night.All night she had tossed and turned. She wanted to go back into Lee’s room and hold her and tell her everything would be alright and that they could work it out. The fear of being abandoned in this strange country and hurting Jules restrained her. Lee had been standing in the kitchen rattling pots and pans, trying to wake Helen. She was nervous about facing her. Lee desperately wanted to rush to Helen’s side and hold her close but her pride and defensive nature stopped her. She was also dreading picking Jules up from the hospital. She had rung and they told her to come collect her after her 11am assessment. Helen emerged from Jules’ room. Their eyes connected for a moment. It was Lee who broke the gaze and busied herself with wiping down formica. ‘You better have a shower. We’ve got to go pick up Jules soon.’ ‘Yeah, ok,’ Helen said tentatively. Shoulders slumped, she went to the bathroom. The drive to the hospital was even more awkward. Helen was extremely tall and she didn’t have a great deal of leg room in Lee’s small car. Everytime Lee went to change gears she would accidently brush Helen’s knee with the back of her hand. She spent most of the drive appologising and blushing. Helen looked out the window and watched the telephone poles pass by. Jules was sitting on her bed with her stuff packed. She wore a pair of sunglasses to protect her eyes from bright light and dust until they had completely healed. Lee commented that she looked like an albino Stevie Wonder. Jules made as if she was going to punch her and Lee ducked. They laughed. Helen smiled politely as the two old friends exchanged good natured insults. ‘So, Stevie, you got you’re seeing eye dog?’ Lee quipped. ‘Who needs a dog when I got a bitch like you?’ Jules shot back. This time Lee made out she was going to hit her. Jules ducked behind Helen,’Down, Fido. Down!’ Jules wrapped her arms around Helen’s waist, ‘So, did the bitch from hell take good care of you, babe?’ Helen’s cheeks went crimson, ‘Yes, she was the perfect hostess.’ Lee shuffled on her feet. ‘C’mon you two. Let’s get out of here,’ she grunted. ‘Hey, have you been to the Princy yet, Helen?’ Jules asked as she picked up her bag. ‘No, I’ve just been...sleeping since I arrived.’ ‘Great, lets go to the pub for a celebratory drink.’ Helen’s brow furrowed, ‘Shouldn’t you get some rest?’ she said, worriedly. ‘Nahh, I’ve been flat on my back for a week. I feel like partying with my grrl. Besides,’ she added, ‘I asked Doctor Laura if she wanted to meet us there for a drink.’ Lee glared at her friend. She knew what she was up to. Jules fancied the doctor. Lee hated the way she dropped people and projects when someone or something more interesting came along. Jules was extremely fickle in an immature way that annoyed Lee to no end. She didn’t want to see Helen get hurt by Jules. But, she thought to herself, that would leave room for her to pursue Helen guilt free. to be continued... |