I Almost Do
Introduction
Nikki stood in the same position she did every evening. By her cell window, looking out to watch Miss Stewart leave at the end of her shift. Most days, Helen turned to smile up in her direction, but not tonight.
Nikki sighed. She knew she'd upset her earlier, having suggested that Helen was interested in her. Like Helen had said - she was straight. As much as Helen believed what she said, Nikki knew they had a connection, and not just the type of connection friends had, it was more than that.
Every time Helen smiled, spoke, got angry, or just brushed a stray piece of hair back behind her ear, Nikki noticed. She had to admit, she loved everything about the feisty brunette. In fact, Nikki like to think she knew exactly what Helen was really thinking.
Helen closed the door behind her, removing her coat and placing her keys on the side, sighing heavily. She didn't bother with dinner, she couldn't face food when she was stressed.
Taking the bottle from on top of the cabinet, Helen poured herself a large vodka and tonic and sat down in the living room. She picked up the remote and put the television on, hoping for a distraction, but at this time, there was nothing on that interested her.
Helen thought through everything that had happened with Nikki earlier. Had she given off the impression she was interested? Had she been too friendly?
Her problem, and one of her biggest faults, was wanting to believe in the good in people. She wanted to save people, liked helping. Helen knew she always took her work home with her. That was one of the reasons her relationship with Sean had ended. She was dedicated to her job. But was it just the job.
It was then Helen realised she'd always brought home one particular thing.
Nikki, she thought. It was always Nikki.
As she got herself ready for bed, Nikki knew she wouldn't have a chance to speak to Helen until the other side of the weekend now, and she mentally kicked herself. As she stared out into the night sky, a familiar sense of insomnia washed over her. She knew exactly what the cause of her insomnia was. Nikki's thoughts began to drift away with her.
I bet this time of night you're still up
I bet you're tired from a long hard week
I bet you're sitting in your chair by the window
Looking out at the city
And I bet sometimes you wonder about me
Helen. It was always Helen.