Bette, Shane and Alice were hanging out at The Planet having lunch together. It was an unusually quiet afternoon at The Planet. It seemed to be less packed with students like how it was always is.

Alice, as usual, was excitedly sharing with the gang about her new campus radio show. Instead of listening to her friend, Bette had her attention focus on the gorgeous brunette sitting alone at a table behind Shane. The brunette looked awfully familiar, Bette was certain that they had met before, but where and what was her name.

Bette stabbed the piece of grilled chicken with her fork as she tried to recall the details. London, Bette suddenly recalled. They met during last year’s art exchange programme in some school in London.

“So, listen. I have this awesome idea for the show… “Alice ranted.

“Name, name, name. Henrietta… No. Helga… No. “Bette muttered under her breath, not paying an attention to what Alice was saying as she watched the brunette.

“  Hellooooo. Earth to Bette! “Alice waved her hand in front of Bette’s face.

“Huh. “ Bette flinched, “What were you saying again? “

Alice shrugged and repeated herself while Bette returned to trying to figure out the brunette’s name.

“Helena. Her name’s Helena. “Bette blurted out, interrupting Alice.

“What? What are you talking about? “Alice asked, looking at Bette quizzically. “ Are you okay? “

“Yeah Bette, you okay? “ Shane asked, noticing Bette’s weird behaviour.

“I’m fine. “

“Who or what are you looking at anyway? “ Shane turned around, trying to see who or what had got her friend to become so distracted.

“No one. “ Bette tried to sound casual.

“Okay then. “ Shane shrugged, it was obvious that Bette was staring at the brunette but it was cool if Bette didn’t want to talk about it.

“Lair, lair, pants on fire. “ Alice intoned, “I caught you staring at that hot brunette over there. “

Bette ignored Alice’s comment and went back to eating.

“So… Who is she? “

“Her? I don’t know her. “Bette lied. She knew if she were to tell Alice about Helena, Alice would do something awkward and she didn’t like awkward situations.

Alice rolled her eyes before asking again, “Is her name Helena? “

“No! “ Bette responded a bit too quickly, “I mean, I don’t know. I don’t even know her. “

Just then, Helena got up from her seat, dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans and white v-neck t-shirt. Bette had to admit, Helena was gorgeous. Helena picked up her belongings and made her way past their table and towards the exit.

“Helena! “ Bette’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Alice called out loud. She then tried to divert her attention back to her plate, hoping that Helena didn’t hear Alice or recognize her. 

Shane, on the other hand, was trying hard to suppress her laughter as she watched Alice and Bette.

Helena stopped when she heard someone call her name which she find really odd because she didn’t know anyone in LA. She turned around and spotted a familiar face. She approached the table slowly, stalling for time as she racked her brain for the brunette’s name.

Bette made a mental note to kill Alice for this as she watched Helena approached them from the corner of her eyes.

“Elizabeth Porter… Am I right? “Helena enunciates Bette’s name in her perfect British accent which gave Bette the chills.

“Yeah. You can call me Bette. “Bette stood up to greet Helena..

“Right, Bette. Fancy bumping into you here. “Helena responded smiling.

To be continued?