Laura softy knocked on the door to her apartment. Alfred soon opened the door. He looked torn. Something was bothering him.

"Everything ok? Did Helena give you any trouble?" Laura hung her coat in the closet. She sensed Sammy and knew he was watching her.

"No Miss Laura. She was no trouble at all. Didn't eat anything though. I put her to sleep in your room. She started to cry and I wanted to comfort her, but it would be improper of me." Alfred simply stated concern filled his facial expression.

"It's alright Alfred. She is going to need time. I have a feeling she well be crying for a while." She leaned over and gave Alfred a quick hug.

"Thanks, Miss. Call me if you need anything. I will baby-sit if you needed me." Alfred turned at Laura's nod and left.

"Alright Sammy you can come out now." Laura called to her cat. She walked to the to the large freezer in the hallway and removed three large steaks and a lambs leg.

She started the stove to cook the meat nice and tender. Sammy soon appeared at her side and rubbed his head against her side. He moved back and started pacing the floor. He watched her with his piercing black eyes. Laura started to laugh as she placed the meat in the pan.

"Just a minute, let it get warm. So, how as your trip." Laura reached up for some flavoring.

"It was ok. I hate traveling in cargo though." Sammy communicated with her telepathically. "What is wrong with her? She isn't like that man. I could sense her feelings."

"Your right. She has cat abilities like me, but they haven't fully developed yet. She is in a lot of pain. Her mom was killed yesterday. In front of her." Laura removed the meat from the pan and placed it in a large cat bow for him. She picked up his two water bowls and filled them.

"Can I help any?"

"Let her buddy up with you. And just be a comfort to her. She will need a lot of love." Laura changed subjects. "Now you eat and get some sleep. I will introduce you in the morning."

Laura walked towards her bedroom and listened to Sammy eating out of his bowl. "And don't get meat on the carpet. I mean it!"

Laura softly opened the door and saw Helena sleeping with a light blanket over her. She pulled up a chair and sat beside her. Helena rolled over and held her hand out in her sleep. Her cat senses are starting to kick in. Laura took the hand realizing Helena needed comfort. Laura sat back in the chair and fell asleep holding Helena's hand.

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Laura awoke the next morning and found Helena curled up like a cat next to her. Laura hated to wake her up, but they had things to do.

Laura gently shook Helena awake. Helena sat up slowly. Her eyes still puffy from her crying.

"Morning sleepy head. Feeling any better?" Laura reached up to tuck a piece of Helena's hair behind her ear. Helena pulled away.

"I am fine." Helena placed on her mask. Trying to hide her true feelings from Laura, but one look in her eyes told Laura differently.

Laura decided to play along for Helena's sake. "Want to meet my cat? Sammy come here."

Sammy played with the doorknob with his large paws until it opened. He nudged his nose in the door, pushing it open. Laura watched Helena to see how she would react. Helena gasped at the sight of the large panther. Her eyes changed as she recognized the large cat as a fellow predator in her territory. Laura saw the change and realized how far Helena was in her abilities showing. Sammy's sleek black coat, which was freshly cleaned, shimmered as the rays of light from the window blinds touched his coat. He walked back and forth in front of the bed before coming to rest by Laura's side. Helena and Sammy stared each other down.

"She is in much pain. I have never felt this much pain before. She sees me as a predator, competition. But she is just a child who has yet to discover her true predator instinct." Sammy jumped up on the bed and laid beside Helena. He rested his head on her lap and began to purr, trying to calm Helena and show he is no threat. Helena must have excepted because she began to stroke his head.

Laura smiled and stood up. "I will make us some breakfast. Sammy, steak or liver?"

"Liver please." Sammy was content as Helena stroked him.

As Laura cooked breakfast, she wondered how long she should wait to tell Helena about Barbara. She is already in so much pain I don't want to make it worse. But then again Barbara is supposed to be the one taking care of her. She will eventually notice something is wrong. Maybe Barbara will wake up soon and I can talk to her. Something needs to be decided about Helena soon. She needs a legal guardian before the state decides to take her. Laura listened for the ringing of the phone, hoping it would be Mr. Gordon with news on Barbara. Instead she heard the ringing of the timer signaling that Sammy's meat was done.

"Sammy, Helena you food is ready."