And love ensues...
S1 Ep9 – Alternative ‘after kiss’.

Helen had been racking her brain in her office after her kiss with Nikki in the cell. It was now almost lock up. Helen called Lorna in.

H: Lorna, before you go could you bring Nikki to my office?
L: (looking at watch) Ma'am, it’s almost seven…
H: Yes, I’m aware of that Lorna…could you fetch her please? I’ll make sure she gets back to her cell.
L: Yes Ma'am.

Lorna disappeared to get Nikki. Helen took a deep breath before returning to her desk.

Lorna was outside Nikki’s cell. Nikki started to get out of bed when Lorna opened the door. Nikki wearily rubbed her neck.

N: What’s up?
L; The governor wants to see you.
N: (With stunned look, and answering as if she didn’t know) What now? What’ve I done?
L: Well you’ll know that when you get there won’t you my love. Come on, it’s late already.
N: Mumbling as she walked out the door) I know…

Lorna knocked on Helen’s door. Helen opened it, and for a second she looked at Nikki, who had her eye’s firmly set on her.
H: Thankyou Lorna, you can go now. Have a good night.
L: You too miss, night Nikki.
N: (not paying much attention) Yeah, and you.

As Lorna walked out, the two shared a prolonged look. Helen stepped backwards and held her arm out.

H: Come in

Nikki silently walked in.

H: Take a seat.

As Nikki sat down she breathed a long sigh. Helen smiled slightly at this, but soon recovered her ‘governor’ expression and sat at the other side of the desk. She noticed Nikki was dressed for bed, wearing her pyjama bottoms and a small blue T-shirt.

H: Don’t worry I won’t keep you, from…
N: (after a pause from Helen) my bed?

Helen was somewhat embarrassed by the remark, as the subject matter was becoming somewhat of sensitive matter, especially after what happened between them earlier.

H: Yes…
N: What is it Helen? Or are we back on formal terms now, Miss?
H: Oh stop it Nikki and just listen to what I have to say.
N: (as she crossed her arms and gave her trademark eye rolling.) Fine…what is it?
H: About earlier, in your cell…
N: Oh is that where we were?

Helen fought the wave of annoyance that came over her.

H: What you did wasn’t right.

Helen paused, as though she were uncomfortable with what she was saying.

H: You saw that I was upset and you took advantage of me.
N: Took advantage that’ll be right.
H: And what’s that supposed to mean?
N: Oh come off it Helen, you’re not seriously telling me you’ve been doing all this stuff for me for no reason.
H: Nikki, I’m the prison governor. It’s my duty to look after the welfare of the prisoners…

Nikki tutted and looked away. At an impulse Helen stood up and raised her voice.

H: I like you Nikki!

Nikki’s expression lightened, and the two women looked at each other a few moments.

N: You like me…right.
H: Yes, I like you.
N: Then why does it feel like its more than that?

Helen didn’t know what to say. She sat back down behind her desk.

H: How do you mean?

Nikki took a moment, then looked slyly up at Helen. She got up from her chair and walked behind Helen and lent of the corner of the desk. Helen just looked down uneasily. Nikki backed off and walked back around the desk.

N: I mean, when I kissed you…you kissed me back.

It was clear to Nikki that Helen was upset. Nikki’s hard expression changed, and her eyes drifted to the floor as though she were ashamed.

N: I’m sorry
H: No…

Nikki looked back at Helen, who was now focused on her. You could cut the tension with a knife, but although on edge, they both strangely felt at ease.

H: You shouldn’t be the one apologising.

Nikki walked back to Helen's side of the desk, and lowered her head to Helens level.

N: What?
H: Nikki…the last few days have been great. I thought that…I hoped at first, that you were beginning to trust me…
N: I have, Helen…
H: Yes, and in the process I’ve begun to trust you…
N: (almost sympathetically) And is that a bad thing?
H: Yes…Nikki. I don’t know what to think.
N: of what?

Nikki went to put her hand on Helen’s cheek, but Helen quickly got up and walked towards the door. Nikki soon folowed her.

H: Of this, this…I can’t be alone with you Nikki.
N: Oh what, because I might come on to you is that it?
H: (frustrated) No because I don’t think I can stop myself from letting you!

Helen looked as though she would pass out. She was full of emotion but didn’t start crying. She just looked up to Nikki and stared at her.

H: and I don’t think its going to go away unless I stop seeing you.
N: You’re not seeing me.
H: Nikki…
N: (referring back to what Helen actually meant) and it’s that important for you to make it stop?
H: Yes! It has to be.

Nikki stepped closer.

N: But you don’t want it to?
H: (after thought) yes…
N: Do you though…really?

Nikki was now a foot in front of Helen, and even in that proximity Helen seemed to be over powered by her. Helen didn’t respond, and just stood looking around at anything other than Nikki. She was clearly distressed. Nikki could now see that she had to back off.

N: Are you going to ship me out?
H: No…no, I’ll just have to stop coming to see you…or, I’ll resign as Governor.
N: Oh no Helen you can’t leave, you’re the best thing that’s happened to us…the girls in here for a long time. If this is too much I’ll go, I’d rather that than you leave.

Helen brought her hand to her forehead. She looked tired.

N: (defeated by the first suggestion) Or…you could just stop coming to see me.

Helen made eye contact with Nikki and smiled slightly.

H: Thankyou Nikki.
N: But you can’t stop me seeing you. Every night you go home to Sean and forget about me, stuck in this shit hole…but I can’t switch you off Helen. I’ve tried to get you out of my head but I can’t.

Nikki started to cry. Helen was suprised, she didn’t think Nikki would act like this, she always seemed to be so strong. She lifted her hand and put it on Nikki’s shoulder. Nikki looked at Helen, and Helen smiled.

H: I don’t forget you.

Nikki whipped her tears from her eyes.

N: (in almost disbelief) you don’t?
H: No…(shyly yet very sexily) like you said you can’t stop me seeing you…even when you’re not there it seems.

Nikki smiled, and was surprised to receive a smile back.

N: So what are we going to do?
H: I honestly don’t know.

Nikki sighed and rubbed her neck again as she turned around. The two had now become co-workers, trying to figure out a solution to a problem. Nikki walked back and forth as Helen stood holding a pencil for whatever reason. Suddenly Helen laughed.

N: What?
H: This is just strange…us, racking our brains over this. We shouldn’t even need to think about it.
N: What do you mean?

Helen walked to the somewhat puzzled Nikki.

H: Nikki, I’m the governor of this prison, you’re a prisoner. Apart from anything else its against the law for us to have a relationship.
N: I didn’t think we were having one.

Helen couldn’t respond. Nikki knew Helen was in a predicament with the whole thing, but although she liked Helen, she couldn’t help but make things difficult for her.
N: Ok, I’ll stop…

With that, she put her hands on Helen’s neck and kissed her on the lips. Helen tried to resist at first, put Nikki had a hold on her. As Nikki moved away, Helen gasped as though a breeze had washed over her.

N:...If that ment nothing to you.

Helen just stood staring into Nikki’s eyes. Though she was shocked and embarrassed, she couldn’t help but finally react to Nikki.

She moved closer, and softly kissed Nikki back.
All of the feelings that had built up inside the two of them was being released. Their kiss was passionate, yet gentle, as though they didn’t want to hurt each other.
The two separated from their embrace after a few moments, and Nikki gently skimmed her thumb over Helen’s ear. The two breathed in slowly, shacking as though they were cold. Nikki smiled at Helen.

N: I need you Helen...
H: (as though she were almost about to cry) I need you...

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Mind over matter - Part one
(pretty much leads on from 'and love ensues')

Helen was walking across the grounds of Larkhall, when she noticed the door to Nikki's shed was open. She looked down at her watch, and smiled at the hands that read 11.20. She didn't have to meet with Stubberfield for another 10 minutes.
She looked around, the casually walked over to the potting shed. As she stepped in, it was clear she was alone. Helen looked alittle upset by this, and didn't notice the figure coming in behind her. The door silently closed, and Helen suddenly felt a hand touch her waist.

"Jesus!" she exclaimed.
"Sorry" said a voice, sounding amused by the outburst.

As Helen looked round, she was greeted with a smile.

N: Hiya.
H: (in provocative, yet unintensional governor voice) Hello Nikki.
N: What you doin' here?
H: To go over your case of course.
N: Oh yeah?...any perticular thing you want to go over?

Helen tilted her head and smiled slightly, aware of Nikki's indications.

H: Maybe...can I see you later?
N: Sure...

After a pause, they leant in closer and were just about to kiss, when Babs came in the door.

H: Shhhhhi...
B: Oh God I'm so sorry, I'll leave...
H: Ah no Barbara, you can stay I have to go...
N: Helen...
H: I have a meeting with Stubberfield

N: (Frowning) oh right...see you later?

Helen smiled slightly but didn't answer, and walked out the shed, giving Barbara an absent look as she past her.

Barbara re-entered the shed.

B: Oh I'm so sorry Nikki
N: Its ok...(now smiling) God that woman's doing things to me.

Barbara gave Nikki a slightly freaked out look.

N: (smiling and fidgetting) Well not literally Babs, I mean mentally.
B: Ohh...
N: I tell you Barbara...I think, I'm in love with her.
B: (Smiling) Oh Nikki, I'm so happy for you.
N: (sounding chuffed) yeah, me too...

Part two

Helen opened the door to her office and stood with a look of surprise.

H: Simon...I was just coming to meet you…
S: Ah yes, well I had to talk to Jim so I thought I’d come to you

Helen raised her eyebrow at the mention of Jim Fenner, and nodded as she closed the door.
Simon sat down and got out a cigarette.

H: Why don’t you sit down.
S: (without noticing Helen’s annoyance) Thank you.

Helen sat down at her desk and placed an inmates file into one of the desk draws. Obviously Simon managed to catch a glimpse of the person on the cover.

S: (with a sense of unnecessary grandeur) Ah Nikki Wade, still having problems with her Helen?
H: (Frankly) no, actually on the contrary she’s been a big help to me.
S: (Intrigued, and annoying smug) Oh? How so Helen?

Helen suddenly felt herself in a corner, but did extremely well to remove herself from it, and place another in...

H: Oh you know Simon, as Governors we aren’t just looking out for the welfare of the inmates at Larkhall, we have to take the officers into account too. And as we all know, not all of our officers are fans of going by the book…
S: You mean Jim Fenner...
H: (So’s not to imply) I mean everyone. We can’t be too careful Simon, not after recent events.
S: Right…so what’s Nikki Wade got to do with it?
H: She’s my eyes and ears on G – Wing. She tells me what’s going on with our ‘problematic’ inmates.

Simon smiled to himself, and Helen felt her lips curl at the sight of him.

H: What’s there to smile about?
S: Well how can you be sure she isn’t telling you fib’s Helen? We all know she has it in for Jim…
H: (cutting in bluntly) No actually Simon, Jim has it in for her. And I trust Nikki…she’s a damn sight more reliable than the other officer’s I have to work with.

Simon feeling rather shot down by Helen’s remarks (or if you’d prefer, awesome comebacks ) cleared his throat and made moves to go.

H: Somewhere to be?
S: Ah yes actually, I have a board meeting soon…I, I’ll catch up with you later Helen and we can go over things.
H: (smiling smugly) Looking forward to it.

Simon closed the door, and Helen lent back in her chair, feeling as though she’d just won a battle. She started smiling to herself.

H: That told you...you bastard.

Part three

It was lunch time on G – Wing, and everyone was lining up to get their serving of gruel.
Nikki was next in line, when Jim Fenner walked over to her.

J: (Smugly) “No Barbara with you Nikki? That’s a shame I thought you two were joint at the hip, as it were”.
N: Piss off Fenner.
J: Oh, managed to press a button have I Wade? You lessies are a little touchy.

Nikki sniggered at him.

N: You’re just jealous I can get a woman into bed without threatening her first.
J: (lunging forward) You little bi…

Just then Helen came to Nikki’s rescue.

H: (in a raised voice) Jim! What do you think you’re doing?
J: Nothing Ma’am, (hardly) Ms. Wade here was just giving me lip.
N: (smiling at the irony) In your dreams Fenner.

Helen smiled slightly at Nikki’s obvious comment, but soon regained her bossy expression, and sent Jim on his way.
As Jim turned, he whispered a typical Fenner remark.

J: Girlfriend to the rescue…

Helen, with her amazing hearing power, heard every word.

H: Excuse me Jim?
J: (Flustered) Yes Ma’am?
H: Don’t yes Ma’am me, what did you just say?
J: I didn’t say anything…

Just then, Crystal Gorgan came to the rescue of Miss Stewart.

C: (with smug hilarity) ‘E said girlfriend to the rescue Miss.
H: Right…Jim, in my office now.

Nikki stood behind Helen and smiled widely.

J: but Ma’am…
H: Now!

All the women around started whistling and laughing, as Miss Stewart escorted him out of G – Wing.

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Helen slammed the door to her office, which startled Jim, but she cooly walked around her desk and sat down on her chair. She lent forward and rested her arms on the desk.

H: Jim...is it your intention to get fired? Or are you just plain stupid?
J: Now Helen I...
H: Don't you DARE now Helen me! You made a personal remark about me and an inmate in front of the whole of G - Wing. A remark, I might add, that is completely false!
J: (annoyingly) Oh I don't know Helen I thought it was pretty accurate myself.
H: (Getting hot headed) May I remind you, that you are the one under inspection after the countless rumours about yourself and Michelle Dockley?
J: (Leaning right forward in a rather threatening manor) Ah but they're bollocks Helen, you can't say the same about you and Wade can you?
H: (unnerved) What?
J: Now who's hard of hearing?...You and Wade are 'aving it away, and I'm going to tell Stubberfield all about it.

Helen felt sick, but she didn't show it. She pulled herself together, and gave Jim a calm smile.

H: Oh go ahead Jim. Go ahead and tell Simon all about your little fabrication.
J: Oh it's no fabrication Helen, I know your game.
H: Funny, it seems you're the only one then...

Jim paused for a moment, he couldn't find anything to say. Looks like Helen had stumped him.

H: (sensing she had the upper-hand) You don't seriously think I'd consider having a relationship with anyone at Larkhall do you? Especially an inmate. Christ Jim I'm engaged for God's sake.

As Helen was telling Jim he was imagining things, she started to try and persued herself the same thing. She was telling Jim what she was feeling, or rather what she ought to be feeling. She started confessing her doubts about her relationship, yes, she did consider it as that, with Nikki. It would become blantantly clear (to people reading this) that she was petrified of what was happening to her inside. So scared infact, that she tried to shake off the feelings she had, as she told Jim they were false. Sadly, the only way she could do that, was to belittle the one she cared for.

H: and Nikki Wade...please. At least aim your sights a little higher.

As she said that, it was like ending it all before it'd begun. That Nikki was an inmate under Helen's office, no more, and no less.

Jim smiled at this comment, and finally started to believe her.
Helen forced a smile back, and realised she'd brought it to a close.

J: Well I'm sorry Helen. I really am...I just get hot headed at times, that Wade really gets to me.
H: Well don't worry I'l have a word with her...she needs to learn to respect the officers here.
J: (as he stands) too right. Well I better be off, I have to round up the Julies for their cleaning shift.
H: Of course...and Jim?
J: Yes Ma'am?
H: Lets not have a repeat of today.
J: No Ma'am.

Jim walked out of the office, and as he closed the door, a big grin spread across his face.

Part four

Barbara took a pause from her writing and looked over to Nikki, who had a smile on her face. Barbara sat contented for a few moments just looking at her, then smiled when Nikki realised she was being watched.

B: You’re a very pretty lady Nikki, do you know that?
N: (all embarrassed) Awe…thanks Barbara.

Barbara turned back to her writing.

B: (with a wicked grin) so is Miss Stewart…don’t you think?
N: God, you’re not wrong there Barb, Helen is one beautiful woman.

As Nikki said that, the door that stood ajar suddenly opened. Jim Fenner walked in.

J: (sarcastically) Awe, Miss Stewart might be flattered by that remark…if she was half interested in you.
N: Piss off Fenner.
J: Hurt your feelings Wade? Must piss you off knowing Helen doesn’t like you.

Nikki sighed and crossed her arms.

J: Not that I blame her, having a lesbian annoying her 24/7 can’t exactly be pleasant.
B: I don’t think there’s any need for that Fenner do you?
J: Oh I think there is Barbara, see, Helen told me ‘straight’ out in her office. See I thought something was going on with the two of you, but Miss Stewart made it clear, very clear actually. She isn’t interested in you Wade, not one bit. Now what were the words she used…ah yes, “and Nikki Wade, at least aim your sights a little higher.”

Nikki looked down at the floor, it was obvious she was uncomfortable, even hurt by what Jim had told her.

B: (on the defensive) now look here!
J: Calm down Barbara I’m leaving, but a word of warning Wade. If you keep pestering Miss Stewart, I’m personally going to see that get you shipped out of this place so fast your feet won’t touch the ground.

Jim sniggered and laughed mockingly as he walked out the door.

B: Oh Nikki don’t listen to him. He’s a spiteful bastard you know that.
N: (sounding worried)Yeah I know, but…oh I don’t know…
B: No, what? Nikki?
N: I believe him Barbara…I bloody believe him.

Nikki got up from her bed and walked out the door. Barbara sat alone and looked at one of Nikki’s books placed on her bed.

B: Oh Nikki…

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Nikki was walking back and forth from her shed with the wheelbarrow. Helen was talking to one of the P.O’s when she noticed Nikki, and cut short her conversation and talked over to her.

H: Hi Nikki
N: (not looking at her) Hi

Helen sensed Nikki’s coldness.

H: What’s wrong?
N: Don’t give me that please.
H: Nikki, I don’t know what you’re talking about…
N: Don’t you? Funny.
H: Nikki, what is it?

Nikki carried on walking and didn’t reply. Helen held back and watched Nikki go into the shed and close the door. She wanted to find out what the problem was, so she looked around to see if the coast was clear, before following Nikki into the shed.
When she opened the door Nikki was putting some seeds into trays, making lines in the compost with her trowel. Helen stood looking at her silently for a few moments, hoping to get a reply from her previous question, but to no avail. She stepped closer and put her hand on Nikki’s elbow. Her hand wasn’t greatly received, and was quickly nudged off.

H: Nikki what is wrong? Tell me?
N: You mean you really don’t know? *famous shed scene line girls *
H: No I don’t or I wouldn’t be asking you would I?
N: Your bloody talk with Fenner.

Helen’s face instantly paled. She swallowed as though she were about to be given a death sentence.

N: Yeah, jogging your memory am I?
H: Nikki…
N: Now what was it he said…(spitefully) Nikki Wade? At least aim your sights a little higher.

Nikki’s expression changed, and she looked away, then back to Helen, who could see tears welling in her eyes.

N: Thanks…thanks a lot.
H: It wasn’t like that…
N: No? You sure about that Helen, coz he bloody well was.

Helen looked to the ground.

N: What, have a mind lapse the other day in your office did we? Shit, shouldn’t have done that, think I’ll wipe the slate clean with Fenner as my witness. Make myself 100% clear on what I’m feeling.

Helen’s mind was turning, and she coldn’t believe how spot on Nikki was with what she’d just said.

H: (obviously distressed) Nikki I, I’m sorry…
N: At least tell me to my face that you’re not interested…that’s if you’re not. See I’ve lost my place with the whole thing Helen, you change your mind all the bloody time (raising her voice) I mean what’s it to be?! Yes no bloody maybe, you tell me.

Helen was getting even more distressed, but this didn’t stop Nikki. She grabbed both of Helen’s arms forcefully and brought her closer to her.

N: Tell me!!
H: Nikki stop, please!

Nikki snapped out of it, and let go of Helen’s arms and turned her back on her. She brought her hand to her face. Helen rushed out of the shed and Nikki noticed her hands were shaking. She started to cry and slammed both hands down onto the table in front of her, sending everything on top of it to the floor. She gripped the edge of the table as she slowly collapsed to the floor.

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Helen closed the door to her office and threw her keys on the floor. She walked across the room and sat down at her desk. She morbidly looked down at her desk draw and opened it. She pulled out Nikki’s file. At first she seemed angry, and looked at the picture with intended hatred, but her expression weakened and she lightly stroaked the corner of the picture. She then stopped and pushed the file away with frustration.

H: (Almost crying) Shit! What the hell’s wrong with me?…

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Nikki sat still on the floor of the shed, and didn’t lift her head when Barbara entered.

B: Oh Nikki, what happened?

Nikki didn’t answer, she just shock her head and started crying again. Barbara knelt down and put her arms around her.

N: I can’t get her out of my head Barbara…what the bloody hell’s wrong with me?…

Part five

sorry this has taken so long. I've been busy with school and stuff. Hope its worth the wait!

It was early morning and Lorna Rose entered Helen's office to tell her about the visitors that would be arriving.

L: Ma'am, the visitors will be arriving at about 1 o'clock.
H: (looking up in dismay) what? I thought they were coming at 3.
L: Mr. Stubberfield said it was 1 Ma'am, he said yesterday.
H: Shit…ok…tell Di to come to my office. I need to go over the schedule with her.
L: Ma'am.

Lorna was heading out the door when Helen called after her.

H: Oh Lorna, could you find Fenner and send him to my office after Di please?

Lorna smiled, and walked out the door.

Lorna walked into the staff room to find Jim sitting with his feet up, reading his annual Fishing magazine.

L: Oh Jim, look lively the guv wants to see you in her office.
J: (looking alarmed) well did she say what for?
L: Nah, but it must be important if she wants you this early.
J: Right…best be going then ay?

Jim folded his magazine in annoyance, and walked out of the staff room.
He casually waltzed into Helen's office, and calmly sat down and smiled at Helen, who sat plain faced looking at him.

J: Good morning Helen.
H: Morning Jim…have a nice night?
J: I did actually Helen, slept like a baby.
H: Oh I bet you did, must have been a huge relief after unloading all that weight off your shoulders.
J: I'm sorry?
H: Our little conversation yesterday, the one that was spoken in complete confidence? You just had to
tell someone about it didn't you.
J: Helen I don't know what you mean, I haven't told anyone…
H: Oh no? Nikki Wade certainly knows about it.

Jim sat silently.

H: Bloody hell Jim! Did you not listen to me yesterday? Nothing is going on with Nikki Wade and I. I actually thought I was making progress in trying to make her reform, but you have completely ruined the trust that I had with her.
J: It's not my fault you told me all about your little relationship.
H: There is no relationship!
J: Ok! Ok…whatever…no one forced you to say anything. And Wade was pestering me about it so I told her. She needs some truth knocked into her Helen, she needs to know that you and her is all in her head, other wise she is going to keep on making trouble.
H: (frustrated) no Jim that is not the way, she doesn't need to hear it from you.
J: Well you tell her then. You tell her there's no point in going after you. Your not interested in her, end of story.

Helen didn't reply to Jim.

J: It's mind over matter Helen. Tell her straight.

Helen couldn't help feeling she was being forced by Fenner to tell Nikki what he wanted her to hear…but then again, she told him the same thing herself. That nothing was going on between them.
Helen did feel that that was true, she'd made herself believe it. But hearing Fenner talk about it made her see it differently. He tried so hard to make her think Nikki was bad news and that she needed to be taught a lesson…but Helen knew what she was like. So now Helen was in a predicament, if she didn't do as Jim suggested and tell Nikki about it herself, then he'd be suspicious. But if she did tell Nikki, well…

H: Alright, I'll tell her.

Jim smiled and sat up in his chair.

J: Good, settle this once and for all then. When are you going to see her?
H: Now, I suspect.
J: Right, want me to go with you?

Helen gave Jim an icy glare.

J: Yeah well, maybe that wouldn't be a good idea.
H: No, it wouldn't.

Nikki looked up from her book when she heard a knock, and saw Helen poke her head around the door sheepishly.

H: Can I come in?
N: (sighing slightly) sure…

Helen entered the cell, and set the door ajar. She sat on the bottom of Nikki's bed. The two woman looked at each other silently for a moment, then Nikki got up from the pillow end and stood with her hands folded by the window.

N: So…what's wrong then?
H: (under her breath, sounding annoyed) A lot of things…
N: Like?
H: Like Fenner for one thing. I tell you one of these days….
N: You tell him the truth?

Nikki's blunt response stumped Helen for a moment. She rubbed her neck with apparent frustration.

H: (on edge) Nikki…you don't seem to be able to grasp this….
N: What?
H: The fact that I'm not completely sure about what the hell's going on here!
N: Oh, you seemed pretty sure about it when you were revelling in it with Fenner yesturday.
H: It's not all black and white you know Nikki.
N: Oh no, what is it then?
H: It's complicated that's what it is.

Nikki seemed to melt off her anger in Helen's pressence, and walked over and sat next to her on the bed.

N: Why is it complicated?

Helen didn't answer, she just looked at the floor. Nikki lowered her head to Helen's level.

N: (Softly) Helen?
H: Helen seemed to almost collaspe with the sound of Nikki's voice, and tilted her head towards Nikki's shoulder. Nikki gently rested her hand on Helen's.

N: I know you're having problems with this Helen…but why don't you tell me what you're feeling, instead of going to Fenner?
H: I didn't go to Fenner! He made the comment in the canteen yesturday remember? I had to clear things up, he was mouthing off…
N: So when you say clear things up, you mean tell him I mean nothing.
H: I had to say that, he was getting suspicious.
N: So I do mean something to you?
H: (after a pause) Yes…you mean something.

Nikki could sense the awkwardness in which Helen said this.

N: Something…just not love?

Helen turned to Nikki, who was already focused on her. She had a sense of refinement about her Helen thought. She could see she was hurting…but she still had amazing compassion. Helen couldn't help but be melted by it.

H: (softly) I don't know Nikki…you seem, you seem to have this almost…power over me, and I can't shake it off.
N: Do you want to?

Helen didn't reply.

N: (more harshly) Helen do you want to??
H: No…Nikki, I don't.

Nikki smiled, and was pleased to receive a smile back. She slowly leaned closer, and kissed Helen gently on the cheek. She then pulled herself away and smiled again.

N: You should go…

Helen looked at Nikki questioningly.

N: You need time…I don't know, clear your head abit. Get Fenner off your back.

Helen looked away, she wasn't sure what Nikki's approach was about.

N: I don't want to push you Helen. I know, I've been a bitch about this. Should've taken your feelings into consideration I'm sorry.

Helen looked back to Nikki. Nikki leant forward and touched Helen's arm and smiled warmly.

N: I am sorry.

Great Work