I was struggling with Dylan, trying to walk her to my car. She didn’t have much control over her body, so I was doing most of the work. She was almost at the passing out stage of her intoxicated state. As we approached my car I could hear Alice yelling behind me.

Alice: “What the hell are you doing Helena? Just call her a cab and let Ray take care of it. That’s what you pay him for. Helena?”

Helena: “If you’re not going to help me get her into my car, then leave me alone.”

Shane: Running to catch up with Helena. “Back off Alice. Helena, wait I’ll help you.” Putting Dylan’s arm over her shoulder. “I’ll take her, you get the car door.”

Alice: “Shane, what the fuck? Fine, you know what Helena. Go ahead, fall for her again. It’s your life and your mistake, right Shane. And, this is a mistake Helena. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to help you pick up the pieces of your heart when she breaks it again.”

Kit: “ALICE, I told you Helena’s got it under control.” Grabbing Alice by the arm. “And you better knock that shit off or you’re gonna lose yourself a friend.”

Finally, after getting her buckled into my car, I get in the driver’s seat. Shane leaned in the passengers side window and asked me if I needed her help to get Dylan settled anywhere. She didn’t ask where I was taking her, but I could tell she knew the only place I could or would take her was my house.

Helena: eyes watering “Thank you, Shane. I can handle it from here.”

Shane: “I know you can.” Tapping the hood of Helena’s car. “Take her home.”

Present

Shaking off the thoughts of last night I realize she’ll keep calling if I don’t pick up. I might as well deal with it now. I take a deep breath and remind myself to be nice to my best friend before I answer.

Helena: “Hi Alice.”

Alice: “Well, did you drop her drunk ass off on her doorstep? I hope you did.”

Helena: “Good morning, Alice.”

Alice: “What? Oh yeah, hi and good morning. Well, did ya?”

Helena: “Quite frankly Alice, it’s known of your business. But, if you must know and you always have to know, don’t you? Well, here it is.  I did NOT drop her drunken ass off on her doorstep. I could NOT and would NOT do that to her, not in the condition she was in.”

Alice: “Oh My God! She’s there isn’t she, you brought her to your place. I knew it. Helena, how many times are you going to make the same mistake?”

Helena: “YOU KNOW WHAT ALICE……”

Just then the toast pops up in the toaster.

Helena: You just got saved by my breakfast. “Alice, my breakfast is ready. I just woke up and I’m hungry and need some coffee. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to let you go now. Good bye, Alice.” Slamming my cell phone down on the counter.  She makes me so angry sometimes.

I take a mug from my cupboard, slamming the door closed, and start pouring myself some coffee.

Dylan: “Thanks for not dropping my drunk ass off on my doorstep.”