Helena was reminded of all the things she did for Winne, when she first met her. Winne was just a fledging actress then. In order for her to have more opportunities, Helena brought over the entire production house and convinced theatre directors to give Winnie more challenging roles so that she could gain recognition.

An act of love that she took with contempt, Helena thought sadly at how her ex-wife used this fact as an example of Helenas pillaging and conquering during the custody case. That investment lost the Peabody foundation hundred of millions, and led to frequent quarrels between herself and her board of directors. As a result, her mother barred her from interfering in any financial decisions relating to the arts, claiming that Helena was unable to differentiate true gems from trashy works. No one knew about the true sacrifice behind that case, and she never found the need to bring it up.

Helena drew references between what she did for Winne in the past, and what she was willing to give up for Bette now. She pondered over how much more she was prepared to do and was terrified. Had Bette crept into a sacred place of her own heart before Helena had realized it, a place that she never knew existed, and a place where no-one, not even Winne, had ever entered? How is she going to face her now? Helena wondered if she should just skip Jennys book launch that evening. After all, it meant spending over 4 hours in Bettes presence.

No, what am I thinking? Bettes just a normal friend! Helena thought decisively, as she turned over one last time. 

Yet, how much did she believe herself?