The unexpected turn of events sent Helen’s heart into a downward spiral. Very soon, she would have to say “goodbye” to her friends and Marcus alike. She hoped that the problem between her parents was minor and that she would return to Los Angeles as quickly as possible, but Helen couldn’t deny to herself that resolving it could likely require a lot of time. There was a good chance that she would not be able to join her friends again, at least not until Michelle’s tour was over. Nevertheless, even if Helen decided to ignore her mother’s words, she could not enjoy herself, knowing that there was a problem back in Shandaken. Despite the fact that the everyday routine in the small town had tired her, she loved her parents fiercely and she wanted to stand by them in this dark hour.

Helen and Olivia found Michelle and James in the living room of their suite, laughing and obviously having a good time.

“There you are!” Michelle cheered, pointing up at Olivia. “Where have you guys been?”

“Santa Monica.” Olivia said with a sigh. “How was the rehearsal?”

“Awesome!” Michelle winked at her. “I think we’re ready for tomorrow night. Helen, can I talk to you for a second? In private?”

“Oh, God…” Helen let out a huff of exasperation, crossing her arms over her chest, as she sauntered towards the glass French doors. “What is it, Michelle?”

“Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you two in his apartment?” The whispering voice in her ear brought a bitter smile to her face.

“Now’s not the time.” Helen said softly as she stared down at her feet.

“But, it’s never the time!” Michelle complained in her squeaky voice. “Come on! You’ve been dodging this conversation since yesterday!”

“Damn it, Michelle!” Helen cried, whipping her head left to glare at her. “Feel the tone! I can’t talk about this kind of stuff when I’m…” Her voice broke, as she bit her lower lip. She tore her gaze away from her friend’s startled face and looked out the glass doors, struggling to fight back her tears.

“I’m sorry.” Michelle whispered, reaching up to put her arm around Helen’s shoulders. “I just wanted to gossip. What’s the matter?”

“I...” Helen croaked, as a tear streamed down her cheek. “I have to leave L.A. Something’s going on back home.”

“Oh, no,” Michelle whispered in despair, tightening her hold around her. “You’re going back?”

Helen murmured assent, before her friend leaned over, stroking her shoulder as she laid a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Is there anything I can do to change your mind?” Michelle asked in a mellow voice.

“I’m really sorry.” Helen said on a hard exhale. “They’re my family, Michelle. They need me there.”

“We need you here, too.” Michelle whispered. “What am I going to do without my personal assistant? Who’s going to lift my spirits if you leave?”

“Come on…” Helen admonished with a small smile on her face, as she turned her head to the left to face her. “You don’t need me, girl. Besides, Liv is here.”

“I’m not as good at giving pep talks as you.” Olivia interjected mildly as she walked up to them. “I hate to say it, but…” she paused, “I respect your decision. Family comes first.”

“Thanks a lot, Olivia.” Helen muttered.

“Why don’t you turn around, blondie?” The sweetness in Olivia’s tone was too hard for Helen to resist. She obliged, but she would not raise her eyes to Olivia’s. Before she knew it though, Olivia had circled her arms around her back. “Don’t cry. You will come back. Have you told Marcus yet?”

“No.” Helen sniffled, easing out of her embrace. “I still haven’t figured out a way to tell him.”

“I’m afraid we’ve just saved you from the trouble.” James’s stentorian voice forced her gaze to the left, as he emerged from the kitchen. “He called me. He overheard Olivia saying ‘Helen’s leaving’. He asked me; I couldn’t lie to him. I’m sorry. We messed up.”

“I can’t get mad at you, James.” Helen told him. “Or you, Olivia. You’ve been amazing to me. I’m kind of relieved he knows, really. What did he say?”

“Well, not much.” James smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “He just said he’d come over tonight.”

“When?” Helen asked in a high-pitched voice. “He gets off from work pretty late.”

“That’s what he said.” James continued. “Have you booked a flight yet?”

“Not really.” Helen replied, wiping her tears off her face. “Damn it. I need to start packing.”

“Aren’t you going to miss this sweet little face?” Michelle teased her, hugging her from behind. “All the squeaky little noises she makes when she’s upset are just adorable.”

“I am.” James confessed with a firm nod. “But, I agree with Olivia. Family’s the most important thing in the world. Helen, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Now, excuse me. I need to go over my sheet music.”

“This is so weird.” Michelle spoke in a low voice, as James made his way to the bedroom. “I’ve never seen him so calm. He doesn’t even yell when I make mistakes at the rehearsals. Mr. Grumpy has lost his will to bitch about things.”

“Actually, I call that the ‘Olivia’ effect.” Helen smiled, looking down at her over her right shoulder. “He’s been a lot different since they got back together.”

“Thank you.” Olivia bowed before them. “Finally, someone noticed.”

“Let’s give her a hand with packing.” Michelle suggested, dropping her arms. Helen looked around her, in the hope that this would not be the last time she would be in that luxurious suite. However, even if she couldn’t manage to return to the city of angels, the young blonde would take many happy memories with her. The few days she had spent there had been full of fun, music, emotion and passion. Helen had been blessed with the good friends that she had made and, although she would be separated from them for a while, she would always remember this vacation.

Keep your chin up. Ok, it’s awful that I have to leave, but it’s not the end of the world. You’ll see them again. Who cares if it’s in New York, Shandaken or anywhere else? I am dying to know what in the world is going on back home. Patience, Helen. You’ll soon find out.