The blunt question caught Helena off guard. Usually doctor Brown wasn't such a straight shooter, at least not until the comfortable couch and classical music did their trick and made her feel more at ease.
I did... I think he needs to talk with someone doc.
You mean he needs some professional help?
She nodded.
Why you think so? Maybe what he really needs is you...
He won't open up with me doc. He barely spoke to me the other day, and when I asked what was wrong with him, because there's clearly something wrong, he shut in completely and told me to leave him alone. It hurts me to see him like this, and I'm scared that, with his history...
That caught the therapist's attention, as he start writing something on his pad.
True indeed, that's something we shouldn't underestimate. He's at the Presbyterian right?
Yeah.
I have a friend working there, I'll have him check on Alexander for a primary evaluation, while I check on his medical records. But as you are well aware, I can't do much unless he decides to talk with me.
Don't worry, I will convince him...
No, he has to convince himself. Tell him the benefits you're having from talking with a therapist, if you are having some, you can even tell him that he would stay with him all the time if he wants to...
Really?
Of course. Part of my job is to make people comfortable enough to open their hearts and talk to me. Sometimes it only takes a dim light and some music, other times they may need a familiar face around to make them feel safe. Whatever works for my patients, works for me.
Patient. Helena never considered herself as a patient. Hell, to be honest, she never thought she was needing any kind of help at all. But there she was, leaning on a couch inside a therapist's office, admitting, for the first time, that she was feeling better, now that she had someone to talk with.
Gregory's Coffee 1st Avenue New York City Tuesday, 22 January, 2017 9:10 a.m
Helena Noir is sitting on a table next to the window inside Gregory's Coffee on 1st Avenue. She's clearly waiting for someone, as one could tell by how she's tapping her perfectly manicured fingernails on the wooden table. She takes her phone from the purse and scrolls to the messages, re-reading the one that brought her here.
She's like ten minutes late Helena, relax... And why are you so nervous in first place?
She was wondering those thing, staring at her display picture. Yeah, she was attractive and yeah, she liked her.
But this is not a date Helena... No it wasn't. She was not sure about the reasons April asked for this meeting, or how she got her number. But this was not a date. It was something about her brother, Helena was so sure about that. It HAD to be about him. And there she was, walking in her direction. From her seat, she had a great view of the street and of the blonde girl quickly approaching with a steadfast and quick pace. She looks tired as she was supposed to be after a long shift, but still beautiful wrapped in a white fur coat to protect herself from the harshness of New York winter. A big smile enlightened her pretty face the moment she spotted Helena Noir through the window. She opened the door, quickly reaching her and apologizing for being late.
I'm so sorry I made you wait Helena...
Don't mention it darling. I'm pretty sure there was some unexpected emergency. I bet it happens a lot with your work right?
There was absolutely no sarcasm in Helena's voice. And she was hoping April didn't get it the wrong way.
Yeah it happens quite often. But not this time... I spent some extra time with your brother.
That wasn't really the answer she was expecting. But at least, judging how the young girl on the other side of the table lowered her eyes blushing slightly, there was nothing she should worry about. Helena's lips curved in a sweet smile.
I'm pretty sure it was more for private reasons than medical...
She chuckled, mostly for how April was trying to hide the embarrassment. A waiter approached to get their order.
So how is Alexander doing?
He's doing fine, physically a least. His injury are healing well, doctors are discussing with him about plastic surgery to cover up those scars but he doesn't seem like he's really considering the option.
The waiter came back with two cups of coffee and some pastries. April quickly grabbed one and brought it to her lips.
Yeah that sounds exactly like Alex...
Cleaning her mouth with a napkin, April point-blank dropped the bomb, unveiling the reason why she wanted to meet Helena.
I am worried Helena. Alex... He's not in a good place. He barely talks, he's always very irritable, he barely sleeps at night... I don't know what's going on with him, but maybe if you would talk with him...
The Heritage Champion took her eyes away from the blond nurse, staring at her empty cup of coffee.
The last time I tried, it didn't went well you know... What he said to me... He hurt me in a way I didn't even thought it was possible. Maybe because what he said was the truth.
Bullshit...
Maybe it was the expletive, or the fact that some odd reason she wasn't expecting such a sweet girl to swear at all, or again the serious tone of her voice, but Helena found herself surprised by April's reply, and unable to answer back.
You're not an awful sister, you know it and Alex knows it too. He never meant those words and sure as hell, he never meant to hurt you. You two went through a lot, much more than the known facts. Whatever is going on with him right now, he needs you. He needs someone he can trust, someone who can talk to his heart. Please Helena, go talk to him.
She turned her head to the right, looking at the traffic down 1st Avenue. A lot of people walking on the sidewalks, staring at the shop windows. Carefree. Serene. Happy. Just like she wish she could be.
Victory Studios Charlotte, NC
Well, I told you, didn't I?
Helena is once again in one of the promo room inside the Victory's Studio, sitting with her legs crossed on the black chair in front of the camera. She is wearing her ring attire, the Heritage Championship resting on her shoulder. She looks at the title, smiling from ear to ear as she rubs it.
At Revolution I faced one of the toughest competitor I ever met. And this is not lips service. Summer is indeed one of the best competitor in Victory, we took each other to the limit in a match that, according to many, was the highlight of the night and the best match in the history of this company. But in the end, I did what I was going to do. Proving everyone that my rough start was nothing but a series of unfortunate coincidence. Ring rust, bad physical shape and an even worse mental state. I'm not pulling excuses, I'm just stating facts. And this title here proves it. But as they say, here's no rest for the wicked. I know that holding a title puts a huge target on your back, I've been here before. And quite frankly, I'm not scared by competition. This might sound cocky, but I guess you have to start dealing with it. I welcome any and every challenge, I know what I'm capable of, and I'm pretty sure everyone knows too by now. Chris Mosh is the man I'm setting to face tonight. A decent guy if you ask me, but he really doesn't have what it takes to be considered a threat. Am I being overconfident? Damn right I am... But honestly, wouldn't you be? I came from one of the biggest wins in my career, I am the Heritage Champion, I earned some bragging rights, don't you think? I know you will bring your A game, this is a huge opportunity for you. A win tonight could grant a title shot somewhere down the road. But if I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath. It's just not going to happen. You see, think about the name of this title. Heritage. That's what this business revolves about, am I right? Building your career, week after week, win after win, create your own legacy. And make sure that whoever comes after you, whoever has to take your heritage will have some hard time keeping up with what you did before him. She pats the title on her shoulder.
This right now is just a fine piece of jewelry. It's up to me to make it something precious, something coveted, something people will consider worth fighting for, something they will put their careers on the line for. But it is, nonetheless, a proof that Victory is indeed my kingdom now. And you, sweetie, will be the first one to bow down to the queen.
The camera fades.
Last Edit: Feb 5, 2017 0:32:52 GMT by helena: fixed formatting