Barbara tried to fall asleep after Laura's visit but had too much on her mind. Barbara discovered how to role her hips over and laid on her side staring at the envelope that held Helena's fate in it. Who am I to take care of a teenage girl? She is going to have all the regular problems along with many more because of her abilities. What will happen when I explain to her what is going on with her? I am in no condition to train her, let alone try and guide her on the path to adulthood. No, she would be better off with someone else and that is it. Barbara stretched out and placed the envelope in the drawer and fell into a fitful sleep.

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It was late when Laura returned home. She needed some time to cool off and went for a run with the lion pride at the nearest zoo. When she walked in, Helena was in the bedroom watching TV, while Alfred cleaned up after supper. Laura placed her things on the couch and went to help with the dishes.

"Miss Laura, how did things go?"

"Well she remembers what happened. I had to lay everything on her at once. A decision has to be made about Helena in 10 days or she will become a ward of the state. I would love to take her, but with my job and everything it wouldn't be fair to her. She has so much pain and anger stored in her I don't know how to deal with it. Barbara is what Helena needs, just as she needs Helena but she doesn't see that. All I can do is wait right now and hope she makes the right decision." Laura was exhausted from trying to convince Barbara to do what needed to be done.

Alfred decided he needed to see Barbara. "Do you think she will mind if I stop by? I haven't had a chance to see her and she always did enjoy our little talks."

"I am sure she wouldn't mind. It isn't like she is going anywhere." Laura wrote down where to find Barbara and finished cleaning up as Alfred left.

I hope you have better luck than I did. Someone has to break through to her.

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When Alfred reached the fifth floor he realized he couldn't get in since he wasn't family. He spotted the nursed station and waited for her to go on break. The minute the brown haired nurse stood up Alfred made his move. He snuck past the station and hurried down the hall looking for Barbara's room. When he found it, he knocked on the door.

Barbara heard the soft knocking on her door and called out to see who was there.

"Miss Barbara. May I come in, please?"

She recognized his voice and called for him to come in. She reached over and turned on the light while pulling up the blankets around her chest.

"Hi, Alfred, it is good to see you. How did you get in? Visiting hours are over."

Not being on to beat around the bush, Alfred got straight to the point. "I just came from Miss Laura's apartment."

Barbara glanced down knowing what he wanted to talk about. "Alfred, please, I don't want to talk about it."

"I realize this Miss, but why won't you sign the papers? Don't you like Miss Helena?"

"Of course I like her. She is like my own daughter. I hate the fact that she is going through this. It is not fair for her to have no one there to comfort her. I realize Laura is doing what she can, but she isn't what Helena needs."

"Oh, and what does Miss Helena need?"

"She needs someone who will understand what she is going through, someone who will understand, and help her with her abilities. She will need proper training so she doesn't turn out like Selina; someone who will help her emotionally and not take advantage of her."

"Someone like you, Miss?"

"Yes, someone like..." Barbara smiled realizing what Alfred had done. She shook her head. "Alfred."

"Well you agree as I do that she needs someone like you. So why don't you sign the papers?"

"Because, because who would want a paralyzed person for a mom." Tears started to fall down her soft skin.

"She doesn't need a new mom. She needs a friend and mentor. She needs you." Alfred stared her hard in the eyes. Pleading her to fully understand.

"Oh, Alfred, I know you're right. But how will she feel about living with a paralyzed person?" Barbara realized Alfred was right but she still worried about how Helena would react when she found out about her injury.

"If you get any response from the young miss, you will be the first to know. You will help each other heal."

"Alright Alfred I know your right." Barbara reached over and pulled out the papers and a pen. She quickly read through the pages and signed the last page. She passed it over for Alfred to sign as the witness.

Alfred gave Barbara a gentle hug and took the papers with him to give to the lawyer. He stopped at the door. "As soon as things are taken care of, I will get Miss Laura to bring Miss Helena by. Sweet dreams, Miss Barbara."

Barbara laid back on the bed. She felt relieved but scared at the same time. I hope I made the right decision. What I do could determine what type of woman Helena turns out to be. I hope whatever the future holds I will be able to handle it, and Helena will be excepting of me. Barbara closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep with a smile on her face.