“Hey—is everything all right?”

Helena smiled. “Yeah—everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Shane—I’m sure.” She laughed softly. “I’m just having a great good time.” She got up from the table. “Excuse me.” Helena walked away from the table, and Sonja watched Helena walk away.

“Can you excuse me for a second?”

“Yeah baby,” Sonja smiled and got up from the table. She walked behind Helena to see where she was going.

“All right everyone—lets take our seats and start this lovely night.” Bernadette smiled as everyone became quiet. Dana and Alice went back to the table and sat down.

“Hey—where are Helena and Sonja?” Dana looked around the table.

“They walked off somewhere,” said Tina. 

“Welcome ladies to the Olivia Cruise.” Everyone cheered and clapped. “My name is Bernadette Simms, and I’m the hostess of this beautiful cruise. I hope that you all have a wonderful night and also a wonderful trip. You’re here to relax, make new friends and have fun! For the first night of our cruise, we’re honoring someone special tonight…”

****

“Hey—where are you running off to?”

“Why do you care?” Helena continued to walk.

“Well—because we’re friends, and you’re the only one I’m close to out of that bunch. I just wanted to know if everything was okay.”

Helena stopped and turned around. “NO—everything is not okay.” Sonja took a step back. “I’m not okay. I had to get away from that table.”

“Why?”

Helena chuckled. “Did you even have to ask?” She shook her head. “It’s you and Papi. I can’t sit there and watch you two together, because it hurts.”

“Helena, we were just talking. Can’t we do that? What’s so guilty about us talking to each other?”

“Ohh—it’s what she wants from you. Do you see that? She just wants to sleep with you.”

“Why would you say that? Papi is really sweet and a great woman. I can’t believe you would say that about her.”

“It’s the truth Sonja—are you that blind to see that?”

“I’m done talking to you Helena—, let’s just go back to the table before we miss Dana’s speech.” Sonja turned around and walked away. Helena sighed heavily and walked behind Sonja.