#chat:helena

[bcnedaddy]

Closed starter for: @helbcrne Location: Once Upon A Page

"Thank you for coming with me on short notice," Jack said to Helena as they waited in line with their purchases. "I just finished the third book in the series. Been driving me mad for hours that I didn't know what was going to happen. So, I knew I had to get here before it closed. I just...didn't want to go alone. I come here alone and late enough as it is. They must think I have no friends." Jack let out a light laugh. Despite his goal to get his book he had more than just one being carried in his arms. It was a bit of a habit of his, going to the bookstore and picking up a few too many books or other random items he found along the way. "Now that I have some company though I'm not feeling as impatient." He smiled at her. "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to stick around with me for a while after this. We could go anywhere. We could even sit in silence and read if you wanted to." When the cashier waved them over he walked the few steps to the counter, placing his books down before looking over at Helena with a smile. "C'mon. Put your things up here. I'll pay."

[ncttheprincess]

Closed starter for: @helbcrne Location: Their home

It wasn't often Zelda spent time with her sister. It wasn't a special occasion or anything, she just happened to be home at the same time as Helena and wasn't itching to do much that night. She sat comfortably on the couch, legs crisscrossed with a blanket over them as she indulged in the takeout she insisted to her sister that they order for themselves. "Something happened," Zelda finally said aloud after a silence that had went on for too long for her liking. "And you're not telling me." Not that Zelda blamed Helena. She didn't exactly deserve 'sister of the year' award. For a moment she pondered, wondering what it could since Helena was such a recluse. Zelda didn't have a clear vision of what it was that was making her sister give off a different aura than usual, but she knew it was something. "Are you going to tell me? I can see the future, not the past. And even then I don't always see everything that's going to happen. The future isn't written in stone." She took a bite of her food and spoke again after swallowing. "If you don't want to tell me that's fine, but you at least have to admit there's something going on that you're not telling me about."

[bcnedaddy]

~

Helena's words stabbed deep and it took every ounce of self control for him not to reach out to her, to hold her and comfort her. Instead he let her grip his arm as tightly as she needed to. Jack didn't understand what the wall between them she had put up was hiding on her side. He wanted to know. His curious nature couldn't help that. Not only that, he wanted to know every small detail about her. He cared about what she had to say. "Then trust me," he told her in a soft, shaky voice. His self control failed and he slowly reached out to grab her hand, squeezing tightly. "Trust me and care like I do for you. I care so so much." His eyes stared into hers, and for a moment he almost got lost admiring them. "We all have darkness, Helena. That...that doesn't mean it necessarily a bad thing. I-- I would never see you as any less than you are no matter what it is."

His jaw quivered as he spoke. His voice was shaking and he was afraid Helena would be able to hear how fast his heart was beating. "What if there isn't another life? What if this is the only chance we have?" His eyes pleaded her, trying to understand why she was scared. "We are just two people...having drinks...kissing...I-I know we have a connection. I feel it in my soul." Jack thought they could be happy together. He was certain of it. Life was cruel though and it had clearly had not been kind to Helena, the person he cared about above all else. If there was anyone Jack would sacrifice everything for and do anything they asked it was Helena. He cared for her so deeply it frightened him. "I wish you would let me understand, Helena... You don't have to tell me anything, but you can. I will always listen." Jack didn't know what her so called darkness was but he would accept her nonetheless. "Nothing you do could ever destroy me. I'm always going to be on your side. I will always fight for you, Hel. You're worth...everything and more to me." He smiled again, trying to make it seem somewhat happy. "You're never going to be alone as long as I'm alive."

Helena was no fool. She knew her words hurt him. Her rejection made him pull away as if she burned him, despite how polite he tried to be. His smile didn't reach his eyes and it was her fault. Whether she was honest with him about herself or not, the hurt would follow them both. She was hoping that she was doing it the right way, the best way, but she didn't know. She could hear her sister in her head chastising her for pushing away a good person. Trying to draw lines when she didn't want to. She had no right for him saying he made a mistake to sting her so much, but it did. He was right; he was making a mistake by caring about her. He was making a mistake by wanting more than she could give. She was making a mistake into thinking she could be carefree around a man with a good heart.

Still her hand reached out to him and grabbed his arm. She was trembling trying to keep her composure but she couldn't take back what she said. Even though she wished she could. If she was a different person with a different life....she would care about him loudly. She would give him a shot. She would tell him she would stay as long as he would have her. She gripped the sleeve of his shirt tightly, looking down at the floor so that her face didn't betray her further. "Don't you see?" she asked him, her voice shaking, sobering up in the worst way. "I trust you more than anyone I've ever met! My sister doesn't....she doesn't even see this much of me...." Her guilt and her shame were eating at her, but she had to make sure she got this out before it was too late. "I care...I care so much that I can't....I can't destroy you. I can't...I would never forgive myself if my darkness devoured you whole. I can't...I won't...." She didn't let go of him, even as her voice grew quiet and her walls went back up. "In another life...." she began, her voice a whisper. "We would be two people...building a connection....having a few friendly drinks....sharing a kiss...or more....we could be happy....in that different life...."

[awild-soul]

“Is that the best you can do?!” Xylia had to yell in order to be heard over the music on the dancefloor, but there was a big smile plastered to her face as she swayed along with the music. “Looks like I’m the one schooling you tonight, teach!” She teased mercilessly. Helena might be her favorite teacher, but that didn’t mean she was going to go easy on her. @adundas​

[lukasthorne-blog]

Upon the request of written text on a blinding screen, he had taken his time walking to the desired destination, already leaving a note behind to inform his Prince of his whereabouts. Half-expecting to see Spain’s Crown Princess rooting through cupboards, with a tacky book of recipes at hand, he was rather met with slight disappointment when he’d passed through that door frame to enter the kitchen. Single nod with gleaming smile was shot to the older woman whom roamed the room, seemingly with a hawk eye and a look of distrust lingering in her own evidently forced grin. 

The Guard would shrug that sight off, though, as he jumped to perch himself atop a counter. Legs crossed by the ankles, while phone was impatiently turned and span between his index finger and thumb, consistently checking for a response, or perhaps just an excuse for her lack of show. Regardless, he’d pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his jacket, listing of ingredients and steps on preparation, upon the chance she’d want to recreate the dish at a later date. Though he was found with a somewhat startled grin as he saw that all too familiar face emerge from the corner, frame leaning back some. “Do you usually take all the time in the world to walk from one place to another, or is this a special occasion?” || @helvalencia

[bcnedaddy]

Closed starter for: @helbcrne Location: Crown Cat Cafe

Jack had been cooped up in his room the past weekend, trying to piece together something, anything, to write. He had deadlines he needed to meet but could not focus to save his life. He was certain Saahlia and Zane would agree he needed fresh air and some sleep. When his alarm rang in the early afternoon Jack was still too groggy to process why he had to be awake before three o'clock. As soon as he looked at his phone he realized he had already slept through his first few alarms. Jumping out of bed Jack realized that he had plans with his friend, Helena, to meet up for some much needed coffee. Jack was quick to get ready, wasting no time before running out the door to make his way there. Once he arrived he glanced around and didn't see Helena so he checked his watch. Only three minutes late, which wasn't bad for time at all. So, he found a spot in the corner to wait for her. Not much time had passed before he saw her approaching though. With a smile on his face and a cat in his lap he gave her a small wave. "Nice to see you, Helena," he greeted her. Jack had reached out to make these plans because he knew she definitely needed to get out of the house just as much as he did. He'd waited to order for her to arrive and when the cat jumped up on the table to investigate Helena, Jack laughed. "Curious little creatures, aren't they?" He ran his hand slowly down the cat's back. "What are you having today? I'll buy. I know I need at least a triple shot latte. Maybe a quadruple even!" He lets out a soft sigh, but the smile remains on his face. "I admit, I need the caffeine."

[malcolmiswright]

malcolm hasn't seen her in so long, yet her affect on him hasn't faltered. he presumes it hasn't with anyone. helena has always been, well, different. she's so likeable. loveable, even. malcolm had once said he could see why chris would love her, and maybe in another life he could have too. "milan sounds like a dream. they were very lucky to have you." he crosses his arms over his chest, eyes taking in the woman before him. "people without taste, maybe." he chuckles softly. "how do you feel about being back? please reassure me that i'm the best part for you." the shameless flirt.

That claim was debatable, and they all knew it - had Malcolm really run anything? Not when Helena was in the room, the town or even the goddamn country. But there was no need to dwell on that when they both knew it was true. "I've been in Milan now for a few years, went on a trip for work and never wanted to leave so I didn't." It had been easy, and her life had been absolutely blessed ever since. She had everything she wanted, everyone she could ever be interested in and coming back here was just hammering the last nail into the coffin of St. Mary's. Hopefully. "I'm not surprised, who hasn't missed it?"

[bcnedaddy]

Closed starter for: @helbcrne Location: Winter Masquerade Ball

Jack was as confident as ever that night, perhaps slightly because of a little liquid courage but mostly enthusiastic about the holiday season. Flashes of winter colors mixed with colors associated with holidays or nothing relevant to the ball at all. Regardless, Jack was glad the event turned out in Mason's favor and was enjoying himself. He'd been excited to go but hadn't wanted to go alone. Asking Helena a little last minute was perfect as she has accepted to be his plus one. She looked radiant and Jack couldn't help but thought he looked rather dashing as well. There had been a few minutes of silence between them as Jack and her waited by the bar for a drink. Once they were served he left a tip on the bar then turned to her with a smile. "For the lady," he said as he handed her the glass. "Are you enjoying yourself? I know this might not really be your thing but I do appreciate you coming with me," Jack told her genuinely. "My friend, the mayor, did an excellent job if I do say so myself." Though Jack may have planted a few ideas in Mason's head. "I've realized we've...made conversation over drinks but we've yet to dance. Perhaps after this we could. If you're up for it."

[ncttheprincess]

Closed starter for: @helbcrne Location: Halloween Event (pumpkin patch)

Zelda had managed to find a day where firstly, she and her sister were both off of work, and neither had nothing to do. So, she dragged her sister out of the house to get some fresh air and do something together. It was always walking on eggshells with Helena. It felt that way Zelda's entire life. She struggled with her sister, and though she loved her dearly there were many times Zelda either said the wrong thing or didn't know what to say at all. The pumpkin patch seemed tame enough. They didn't have to be out all day and night and could end their evening by comparing carvings. Zelda had it all planned out. They'd been walking through the pumpkin patch and all was fine and good until Zelda shrieked after picking a pumpkin up and dropping it, causing it to roll away. Underneath was a sight not for the faint of heart. She knew she shouldn't have let out a scream that startled her sister that came running over. There was a small rabbit that was lying on it's side. She didn't know what to do or say. She couldn't look at her sister, fearing what her reaction would be. Zelda had to be strong though. She told herself that and gained her composure before looking up at Helena. "I'm sorry. I got startled and I shouldn't have screamed and... Y-you didn't need to come over, Hel. It's okay. We should just...keep going."

[malcolmiswright]

malcolm is a bit anxious about approaching helena, although he can't pinpoint exactly why. there's no real reason anyone could draw anything from that video. but even if they did ... the two did sleep together. it wouldn't be a lie. he just doesn't ever want her to know why he did it. "yeah. why the fuck were we being recorded just hanging out?" he questions. "and why did someone feel it was important to share?"

setting: plot drop 2 event tagged: @classcursestarters

Eyes. There were eyes on her from every spot in the Great Hall, but Helena was used to that. Usually, the intention behind the stare was one of wanting and not...whatever this was but there was nothing she could do about that. That video - how on earth was it taken? Nothing untoward was in it, nothing that would have ruined her but still, she had to imagine the point was to make people talk and that certainly was accomplished. Finally, she couldn't ignore it anymore, turning suddenly to the person closest to her that was obviously looking in her direction. "Do you need something?"

[bcnedaddy]

~

There was a sense of relief that washed over Jack's entire body when Helena agreed to finish their walk together. Her hand went back to his and his fingers wove their way through hers. The small squeeze she gave was enough to reassure Jack that things would be okay in the moment. "Excellent," he breathed out. He let her begin to walk, still feeling guilty (despite the fact it was out of his control) that she was going to likely end up hurt in the process because of her slippers. Still, he walked beside her in silence for a moment, deciding not to comment on her comment about disappearing. He could feel her tense up as she walked and it almost made him stop to offer to carry her again. Helena could be so stubborn though. Not that he minded, he just wished he could be of better assistance. When she spoke up again he looked down at her. "I disagree. You're not a bit much nor are you difficult to talk to. You're just enough and sometimes I feel like you're one of the only people I can talk to because you won't think I'm insane," he admitted. Saying it out loud made him feel a little insane though. "Is that strange to say?" He hadn't really said anything out of pocket to her but maybe if he did....

"I have these dreams," he began to say, nose scrunching up as he pieced together his next words, "and they don't make sense. The most wild and unimaginative things visit me at night and I can't make sense of any of it. They feel so familiar and yet...I can't decipher the meaning. They're more like nightmares, if I'm being honest." Nightmares of a life he felt he once lived. "I don't remember anything of my life before this town and I sometimes feel like these dreams are the key to piecing it together. Except that...in no reality would they ever make sense." A shiver ran down the man's spine. Not just from the cold, but a small feeling of fear. Not much scared Jack but not knowing anything about his past life and the unsettling nightmares he had did. He glances at Helena out of the corner of the eye, holding a branch up so she doesn't hit her head as they make way through the woods. "Do you think I'm crazy? I wouldn't blame you if you did."

Even Zelda tended to give up on her at this point. Helena was stubborn and she was very set in her ways of how others perceived her. No matter how hard she has tried in the past...connections with others was just something she couldn't figure out. Yet here Jack was....doing every single thing she had never expected out of anyone. She couldn't help but be skeptical. Still, he tried to reassure her, comfort her, even when she was being nothing but difficult. She almost felt childish in her mannerisms and that, with his words, was enough to make her ease up on him a little bit. She wasn't trying to upset him by questioning him...she just needed some kind of conformation that he was being genuine. If she allowed herself to embrace the feelings that were fighting their way through her mind, she didn't want it to blow up in her face later.

Shoulders finally slumping a little bit, her arms fell to her sides and she tried to give him a reassuring smile. "Okay...we finish our walk together." She took his hand gently, squeezing it to show him she really hadn't meant any harm in her words. "I don't disappear that easily..." she mumbled, even though that was kind of not true. She really didn't have the option to disappear anymore otherwise she probably would have left town ages ago. For her own sake and for Zelda's; she knew she was heavy burden to deal with, so hiding away, running away, whatever it had to be to bring the people who knew her peace. Though now she wondered if Jack would try and follow her if she tried. A silly thought, but one that lingered. She winched a little as they walked. Her slippers really weren't the right thing to sleepwalk in. But she had already declined his offer and she was going to stick to it. "Thank you....For being polite. I know I can be...a bit much. And not the easiest to talk to."

[misscheshirecat]

~

The ferris wheel sounded fun. Being up so far above the ground and looking at the skyline was just...pleasant. There was also the possibility of being stuck at the top or toppling over to their death. One never knew what was going to happen next. She had approached the line alone, not caring if she was in one of the ride carts alone or with a stranger. The line had began to move after the previous ride let out but the woman in front of Catherine didn't make any move to walk forward. Perhaps she was just not paying attention but when she turned around and apologized that didn't seem to be the case. She seemed...off. Cat simply smiled at her and shook her head. "Not at all. Though I do think they're waiting to load the next people on." She gestured to the empty space in front of them. "You first. Perhaps we'll be ride partners."

open starter location: festival

Helena was terrified of this event. There were so many people and she hadn't been around a crowd like this in a really long time. She should have dressed in brighter colors or done her hair different. She should have found reasons for people to not pick apart her appearance the way she was now. She felt overly alert and she wanted to calm down because she wasn't here for herself; she was here for Zelda. She wanted to show her sister she could function just fine but the longer she stayed the more she wondered how true that was.

She had been staring at the ferris wheel for a while, not in line, but near it enough to jump in if she wanted to. She wasn't afraid of heights at all.; in fact she kinda loved them. She was just working up the nerve to do it. She hadn't realized a new line was starting to form behind her until it was too late and she quickly looked at the person behind her and gave an apologetic smile. "So sorry....I hope you weren't waiting too long...."

[bcnedaddy]

~

The way Helena said his name and change in tone was enough for Jack to know what came next. Rejection. Which...wasn't always something he dealt with well. It was fine though. Jack would respect Helena's wishes despite how it made whatever heart in his hollow bones feel like a knife was twisted through it whilst being squeezed tightly. Jack remained his composure. He wasn't going to let her know he was hurting. He couldn't do that to her. Instead, he smiled at her though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Call me selfish but I would take one night with you if it's all I could ever have," he admitted. "There's a lot of things we don't know about each other. That doesn't mean we can't learn them." Though Jack didn't remember anything of his past life he knew he had plenty to tell Helena. "You calm me too, you know." His arms were still around her waist and he suddenly wondered if she was uncomfortable so he let them drop to his sides. "I fear...I've already made a mistake. I do care about you. Whether you think that's a good thing or not I still do." He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, letting his false smile falter.

"I would listen to you tell me every detail of your life. I wish I knew the rest of mine." He wasn't trying to sound bitter. He was hurting. "If you want me to stay away I will." He looked back at her. "I will respect any wish you ask of me. I just..." He shook his head. "I thought..." Jack mentally kicked himself and told himself to stop being such a coward and a fool. "I care about you, Helena. I do. I...I don't know how you feel if you don't tell me though. I can't listen if you don't tell me. I-I can't do all the talking for us," he told her, half joking at the end. "I just wish you would trust me. I only want what's best for you...even if that doesn't include me." His eyes locked with hers and he felt his chest tighten again. Jack's composure was slipping as it sank in that he could fight and claw his way through the pits of hell for her, but that didn't mean she would ever stay. His heart pounded and his chest still felt tight. There was a pit in his stomach and he suddenly felt nauseous. He had to look away from her. "One night...if that's what you want...then I am happy to oblige."

Jack's words were pretty and Helena knew they were his truth. The real truth? He had no idea who Helena really was, and she wasn't sure if she could ever let him know as much. Her past....she worked so hard to forget and move on, but had she ever really forgot? Of course not. With Helena came death...came a power she couldn't control. Her mind even now whispered dark nothings into her ear about Jack...about what could happen to him. Her boldness always came with a price and while she didn't want things to be this way, they simply were. He claimed she was too good to be true but it was him. As much as her heart wanted to cry out and devour each sweet word he spoke, she had to put her guard back up. She could let herself feel, but this would have to be it. She could give him a night if it was the only one.

"Jack..." she whispered softly, her senses coming to her. "Oh, Jack...I want to give you those things. I want to kiss you and stay the night...I want to be the woman you think I am...." A sad smile painted her lips. "I can't stay forever," she said, masking her own hurt so he didn't hurt for her. "I..I can only give you now and....that is all." She had to say to herself this was the longest it took for her to regain herself. "I'm sorry Jack....I can give you my all now or...I can never give it to you. There are things about me....about my life....I can't let you make a mistake by caring for me like that. Even if you're the only one who calms my quiet." She was being greedy just by allowing it to get this far. A boundary she never pushed. If he truly wanted her the way he claimed, he would have to understand that even when she was taking, she had a lot she had to let go of.

[bcnedaddy]

~

The way she softly told him he would never scare her away, and the way she said his name, was almost enough to make Jack believe her. "I see you just the way you are," he began softly, "you're astounding and incredible. You're unlike anyone I've ever met. Every time I lay my eyes on you I'm entranced by how beautiful and breathtaking you are..." Jack didn't see winning Helena's heart as a challenge. He now knew that's what he desired from her. He loved her company and was euphoric every time their lips touched, causing an electrifying sensation to crawl over every inch of his skin.

"Nothing is too good to be true, except maybe you. I have never had a calming presence as much as you in my life, Hel." His thumb gently caressed over her cheekbone. At her request his lips planted against hers, kissing her deeply. "Stay the night," he whispered against her lips. "If you'd like... I mean, I would love for you to stay." He pulled away just enough to be able to admire her features. "I don't want to let you go. I'm afraid if I do I'll never be able to hold you again." Both of his arms snaked around her waist to pull her closer. "You always say you're not the best with your words, but every time I hear your voice I can't help but to feel bewitched by you. You don't have to say anything. I can do the talking for the both of us, remember?" A smile brightened his face. "I would never complain if you wanted to kiss me again. I want you to. I want you to stay. Not just at my place...but in my life."

Hearing Jack reflect a lot of her own thoughts was comforting. She couldn't really see how she had that effect on him at all, a calming one. It was something she was going to have to learn to see. For once being in Evermore didn't feel like a punishment. She didn't have that growing anxiety that something was going to go horribly wrong or that he was going to hurt her. She felt nothing but safe with him. It was jarring, but something she wanted to welcome. She wanted him to keep touching he and she wanted to kiss him again. She wanted to explore this feeling and hope that she didn't screw it up by being too much.

"You could never scare me away, Jack," she said softly, looking into his eyes. "I'm afraid that once you know all about me you might see why I am the way I am. I don't let people get close to me for a good reason....I want you to be close to me, though. I want...so much and I'm not really the best with my words." A soft chuckle escapes her lips at her own self-deprecating. "A lot of this feels too good to be true...but I want you to kiss me again anyways." Did that make her crazy? She was already too far gone to care in the moment. All she could hope was that she didn't get into her own way for once.

[bcnedaddy]

~

With just one kiss Jack had felt everything flip. The way the room had once felt suffocating felt warm and comforting. The quivering in his stomach and tingling on his skin became welcomed sensations that made Jack realize Helena was the cause. And, to Jack, anything Helena did was nothing but flawless. When their lips had parted he felt cold. His apologizing was a feeble task. He had hoped when she would reject him that she would at least accept his apology. His eyes fluttered open for mere seconds before her lips were back on his. Eyes shut and he returned her kiss. His free arm went to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Helena was heaven and it was euphoric. She was the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Now, with her in his arms, Jack knew he'd made it to the light and never planned on letting her go.

The hand on her cheek had never fell and his arm was still snug around her waist when he had to break their second kiss to take a shaky breath. His forehead went to rest against hers and a bright smile was on his face. Jack truly believed nothing could ruin this moment for him, for them. His eyes opened, hoping to be met with hers. Jack was at a loss for words. He wanted was to keep kissing her. Helena was the ambrosia Jack had craved for so long. He wanted to know every single thing about her. He wanted to be consumed by her. He had a desire for her that burned within. His soul was connected to hers, in a way that both excited and terrified him.

Jack finally broke the silence they had comfortably shared. "I'm so glad you came here tonight," he admitted. "And, it's taking everything in me to not kiss you again." His thumb gently rubbed along her cheekbone. "You make me feel at peace, Helena. You make me happy." Jack knew he could be a strong presence and the only fear he had in that moment was scaring her away. "I hope...I fear I'm going to scare you away. I don't want you to leave. I hope you want to stay as much as I want you to."

A kiss so tender it stole her breath away. It was as quick as the flutter of lashes, and yet it lingered on her lips. It wasn't the first time Helena has ever been kissed. She has made many drunken mistakes in her time. This was the first time a kiss felt spinechilling, felt sobering. A kiss that made her so hyperaware of herself and him and everything going on that it was frightening. Like being chased in the woods by a masked killer. Like dancing dangerously close to the edge of a five story building. Helena could blink and it would be over and yet it replayed in her mind over and over.

It took a few seconds for Helena to return to herself. To remember who she was and how she shouldn't be doing this. Jack was apologizing and that was her out if she wished to take it. She could say that things were fine and take the wine and see herself out. She could go back to her room and hide away and beat herself up about the what ifs later. Jack, being the kind soul he was, gave her a chance to go back to normal, or her version of normal. All she had to do was reject his affections. The hunger that was growing inside her could be sated a different day or not at all. She could spare him, she could give him a chance to get out before she ruined everything. If she were a good person she would do all of that. She knew she was not a good person. She was touch starved and afraid of touch. She was a troubled soul with a dark magic inside of her set to consume her whole. She was a woman who was tired of not taking what she wanted.

So instead of responding and sparring them both the tragedy that was sure to follow, she leaned forward and kissed him again, letting go of her hunger and her fears. If she were to be consumed she wanted it to be by him in this moment.

[malcolmiswright]

malcolm's grin doesn't falter when helena's weight falls into his own. he's happy to see her, even ignoring that little voice in the back of his mind that reminds him why he ever slept with her in the first place. but she'd never know. she could never know. he squeezes her close for a few moments before pulling back. "oh you know, same old same old. still running this town like i own it, of course." he chuckles. "how are you? i've missed that pretty face around town, you know."

"And you'd be right about that." Helena's smirk grew into a full-blown grin as she crossed over and threw her arms around him. Was it too much considering their history? Absolutely. But as far as people went, Malcolm was one that she understood and actually didn't mind being around. It was strange all things considered but it didn't matter to her, and she didn't think about it that much. "How have you been, babes? It's been ages."