"Why didn’t you take a direct flight?"

"They were sold out." Helena said coldly. "If not for the storm outside, I would have asked mummy to send the jet. Damn."

Bette was concerned. She asked. "Couldn’t you get a hotel?"

"The deluxe rooms are fully booked. Plus I can’t really afford to spend like a fiend right now." Helena muttered.

"You feeling okay?"

Helena was nonchalant. "Why do you ask the obvious?"

"Look. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, ok?" Bette replied angrily. "So, stop acting like a spoilt brat."

"Speak for yourself. You’re not the bloody one stuck in the middle of a cold, damp airport with a fat, hairy man jabbing his elbow on your belly." Helena shouted, oblivious to the stares she was getting.

The guy sitting next to Helena stood up and glared at her. "Hey! I’m not fat ok. I’m just big-boned. You could have just told me."

"Mind your own business." Helena snapped. "Fuck you, Bette."

Click. An ominous dial tone ensued. Bette had hung up on her.

Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Helena started to cry. How bad can it get? She thought. What do you do when everything that you ever wanted goes wrong? Life is indeed unfair, but somehow all that you do manages to tire you a whole damn lot. Challenge.

My name is Helena Peabody. She said firmly to herself.  I have to be strong. For them. Wilson and Jun Ying. I must hang in there in spite of all difficulties.

But, they’ll be so disappointed. I haven’t seen them in a while, and I promised to take them out.

Helena sighed and rubbed her forehead. She suddenly had a pounding headache.

***************************************************************************************************************

Just as she started wallowing in self-misery, a cheerful ring tone sounded.

"Pumpkin?" An overtly cheerful voice came from the other side.

Helena said accusingly. "You hung up on me just now."

A silly grin covered Bette’s face as she thought about how much she enjoyed helping Helena. "I got you a room at the Marriott. Presidential suite. Don’t worry about the charges. It’s on corporate rate. My treat." Bette replied happily.