That tinkling laugh, again…God, I could live everyday listening to that laugh… Helena thought dreamily. You are so cute when you ramble, Bette Porter.

"Bette? Want to meet up for coffee?" she piqued absently.

"Uh well, my conference is going to end in a week, then I could catch up with you then. How does Sunday sound to you?"

"Great! I know this lovely little bistro near Park Ave, could I meet you tomorrow for dinner?" Helena responded enthusiastically.

"Helena, my dear, you’re really high aren’t you? On a Monday morning, I must add."

"Why did you say that?"

Bette reminded, "You’re still in LA, while I’m in New York."

"You just called me ‘my dear’!"

In mock seriousness, Bette deadpanned, "I sure did. It’s more professional. Beats ‘pumpkin’ or any other term of endearment."

"But I love pumpkins!" Helena whined.

"Is there any hidden meaning to your last statement?" replied Bette (laughing really loudly now), "You cheer me up. I’m glad I called you. I feel so much better now."

"Pumpkin?" Helena called to Bette again.

"Yeah?"

"I forgot to tell you that I’m going to fly over to NY tonight. Going to see my children." She mentioned casually, but could not hide the excitement in her voice.

Suddenly, Bette felt a pang of sadness at thought of the complicated custody issues of Angelica and how it has not been resolved. She also felt guilty that Helena must go endure a long flight each time she wanted to see the children she loved because of her intervention. Feeling overwhelmed, she sighed. "You know, Helena?"

"Hmmm?"

"Sometimes I feel that I can’t connect to anybody." Bette said with pain in her voice.

Am I in trouble? Oh no! I must have rubbed on her sore spot. What did I say? My children? Damn! How could I forget about Bette’s custody battle with Tina turning nasty? Serves you right if Bette ignores you forever. You’re so stupid, Helena Peabody.

"Why do you say that?" Helena asked comfortingly, trying her best to salvage what she deemed as a complete disaster.

"It’s like, I try to express my views, but no one seems to really understand how I feel. There’s Kit, there’s Alice and the gang… They’re there for me all the time, it’s true… but deep inside, I don’t seem to be able to connect to anyone. Do you get the feeling that I’m too high and mighty sometimes?" Bette blurted, unable to control herself.