Myka calls Helena to check on her for the first time just after ten-thirty, but Helena doesn't answer. Figuring she is asleep, Myka leaves a message and returns to work.
She calls the second time at eleven-fifteen. Helena still doesn't answer, and deciding she's still likely to be asleep, Myka leaves a message, asking Helena to call when she is able.
Myka doesn't hear from Helena at all by the time noon comes around and she is beginning to feel uneasy that she hasn't heard from her. When she calls again, she still only gets Helena's voicemail and decides then to go home for lunch, giving her a chance to check in on Helena in person and make sure she's truly all right. Myka packs up Helena's laptop and with a final word to Leena about her plan to return after lunch, she makes her way home with a growing feeling of anxiety.
The anxiety only intensifies as she steps inside her apartment to be met with silence. It's possible Helena is still asleep, so Myka sets down Helena's laptop on the sofa before quietly making her way to her bedroom. The covers are pulled back from the bed and Helena is nowhere in sight.
Feeling a panic begin to settle in her chest, Myka calls out to the deserted room, "Helena?"
"Myka?" she hears Helena's faint voice coming from the direction of the bathroom.
Myka notices the door is slightly ajar and approaches cautiously. "Helena? Are you all right?"
"Not exactly," comes the subdued reply.
"May I come in?"
"I wish you would, darling, but to give you fair warning, I'm not exactly decent at the moment."
Myka swallows hard at the unexpected answer. "What exactly does that mean?"
"I'm in the bathtub."
"The bathtub," Myka repeats helplessly.
"Yes. After my nap this morning, I decided to take a bath, thinking it would be relaxing, which it was for a little while."
At this information Myka audibly groans.
"You're quite right to feel that way, I'm afraid," Helena answers her groan. "For as I had little trouble getting into the bath, I've been unable thus far to get out of it. The pain medication wore off some time ago and movement at the moment is rather unendurable," Helena manages a shaky laugh.
"So you're…in the tub…without clothing?" Myka tries to clarify.
"That is generally how one takes a bath," comes the smart reply.
"Oh god," Myka mutters under her breath at the thought of Helena naked and that she has to somehow help her…in such a state. Taking a deep breath she tries steadying her nerves, knowing Helena needs her help.
"All right," Myka breathes as she quickly removes her coat and rolls up her sleeves as if to embark into battle. "Helena, I'm coming in to help you out of the tub so…just…cover what you don't want seen," Myka says awkwardly, feeling a familiar heat travel to her cheeks at the thought of Helena undressed just behind the door.
Helena is not a prudish woman by any means, and if she's completely honest with herself, she has no qualms about Myka seeing her naked, has dreamed about it even. But in her dreams, Myka is equally naked and they are in a warm, soft bed. She doesn't want Myka to see her naked under these circumstances. Not when she's in pain, wet and shivering from sitting in cold bathwater far too long.
Helena adjusts the washcloth she brought into the bath to fit more securely around her chest, holding it in place with an arm as she slowly turns into the side of the tub as best she can, the movement causing enough pain to leave her gasping.
"Helena?" Myka calls again, hearing her distress. "May I come inside now?"
"Yes," Helena says watching as the door is slowly pushed open and Myka hesitantly steps inside, a blush covering her features. Helena smiles at the sight of her. "Hello, Myka," she sighs with relief.
"Helena," Myka breathes, barely registering that Helena is indeed naked, as she is more concerned to notice the woman is huddled in the tub, shivering with cold. Myka takes a towel from the linen closet and quickly unfolds it as she moves closer to the tub and drapes the towel across Helena before pulling the plug to drain the water.
Kneeling down on the floor, Myka says, "I'm just going to help you move forward a little so I can secure the towel around you, okay?" she asks gently.
Helena nods, her teeth chattering. "I'm very glad you came home after all, Myka."
Myka smiles, as she gently maneuvers the towel to cover Helena's back. "Yeah, I tried calling you a few times with no answer. I thought I better come home to make sure something like this hadn't happened," she says lightly, eyes shining despite the rather serious situation.
Helena rolls her eyes and huffs in response. "I didn't plan this."
"I know," Myka soothes as she grabs a second towel from the counter where Helena must have placed it, just out of reach for her once she was in the tub. "All right, I'm going to lift you, so grab onto my shoulders to help yourself stand and hold tight, I don't want you to slip on the wet surface."
Helena nods and does as instructed; placing her arms around Myka's slight shoulders as the taller woman carefully begins to lift her to her feet. Helena gasps at the movement and Myka stops abruptly.
"Okay?" she asks with concern at the sound.
"Mmm, just keep going," Helena insists.
Myka stands to her full height, taking Helena with her, making sure Helena carefully steps from the tub before wrapping the second towel around her and walking her into the bedroom, guiding her to sit on the bed. They sit huddled together for a few long moments, Helena laying her head against Myka's shoulder in exhaustion, Myka feeling Helena shivering through the towels and the blanket she pulls from the bed as she holds Helena close, gently rubbing her arms trying to get her warm.
When the shivering finally subsides, Myka tells her, "We should get you changed into some warm clothing."
Helena nods her agreement before Myka slowly removes herself from Helena's grasp to search through the bag of clothes she packed for Helena, frowning at the sight.
"I just grabbed the first blouses I came across in your closet, most of these are pretty thin, but I might have something warmer for you to wear," Myka says moving towards her own closet and smiling to herself when she comes across another old college sweatshirt. "How about this?" she asks holding up the item to show Helena. "You seem to have an affinity for my college sweatshirts," she grins noticing Helena looking away embarrassed.
"I suppose you're referring to the sweatshirt you lent me."
"The one I lent you over two years ago you mean?" Myka smirks.
"Yes, well you never asked for its return…so I…neglected to return it," Helena says flustered. "Besides, it is ever so comfy."
"You still wear it?" Myka asks surprised.
"Occasionally, just around my apartment," Helena admits. "When I want to be warm, as I desire to be now," she says pointedly glancing at the shirt Myka still holds.
"Oh right, sorry," Myka says distractedly, still processing the image of Helena wearing her old college sweatshirt, purposefully. "Do you need help getting dressed?" she asks, blushing at the thought and turning away to gather the bag of clothes to place on the bed beside Helena.
"I think I can manage," Helena smiles softly as she takes the shirt from Myka, "but thank you for your help, Myka."
Myka nods, brushing a hand across her neck and turning it slowly, still trying to work out the stiffness. "So, are you hungry then?"
Helena manages a laugh at the question. "This is beginning to feel a bit repetitive of this morning, but, yes, I'm famished."
"Well, we can always change location, eat in the living room, if you feel up to it, instead of in bed."
Helena nods. "I think I can manage that."
"Good. You get changed then while I fix lunch," Myka smiles before leaving Helena alone to dress.
Myka places the mugs of soup and plates of grilled cheese sandwiches on the same tray she used this morning, smiling as she remembers the breakfast she and Helena shared, deciding she's not opposed to a little repetition as long as she is spending the time with Helena. She hears Helena's voice in the living room as she finishes the final touches for lunch before carrying the tray of food into the living room, finding Helena sitting on the sofa, wearing Myka's sweatshirt that appears a little too big for her slightly smaller frame.
"Well, no, not exactly," Myka overhears Helena talking on her cell phone. "Yes, I realize how it appears but I assure you it's not…" Helena stops talking abruptly to listen. "We've known each other for years, this isn't like that at all," Helena gives Myka a brief smile, watching as Myka sets down the tray of food on the coffee table before realizing she forgot to get Helena any water to drink.
Returning to the kitchen, Myka hears more of Helena's conversation. "Yes, that's still the correct address. Well no, she doesn't exactly live there…yes she…well we haven't decided where to live yet," Helena says flustered, her dark eyes meeting Myka's as she enters the room once more. "Just a moment please," Helena says removing the phone from her ear to place against her chest before speaking.
"Myka, I've let Immigration Services know of our marriage, but they're asking for your address to add to their records," Helena says looking a little sheepish.
"My address?"
"Yes," Helena sighs, pulling a hand through her hair. "When they asked if you lived with me, I didn't know what to say. I told them we hadn't exactly decided where to live yet, so now they apparently need your address to add to my file as another place of residence. May I give it to them?"
Myka feels her heart beat faster with a brief panic that Immigration Services should need her address to add to their files. But she is also aware that she agreed to this marriage knowing very well there could be repercussions. Will this be one of them? She wonders.
"Yeah, sure," she says trying not to sound panicked.
"Thank you, darling," Helena says before returning to the phone conversation, her eyes on Myka while she gulps down the glass of water intended for Helena.
Realizing she drank Helena's water, Myka promptly returns to the kitchen to pour another glass, willing herself to calm down. So Immigration Services has her address. It doesn't necessarily mean anything. As Helena said, surely the government has more important things to look into than one Englishwoman's immigration status. At least Myka sure hopes so as she makes her way back into the living room where Helena ends the phone conversation and tosses her phone onto the coffee table in apparent frustration.
"So, that went well?" Myka questions as she sets the water glass on the table.
Helena sighs. "As well as one can expect, I suppose, when dealing with the government, yes," she says leaning further back into the sofa, running a hand through her hair in agitation.
Myka nods biting her lip worriedly, wondering what exactly she's gotten into that Immigration Services should need her address. "At least you informed them of the situation. So now you won't be deported, right?"
"They made no mention of it over the phone, so I would assume not."
"Good," Myka breathes, beginning to feel a little more at ease. "Ready for lunch then?"
"You made me soup?" Helena asks in surprise as she notices the steaming cup on the coffee table for the first time.
"Yeah, you know, something warm…it will help you feel better," Myka shrugs.
"No one has ever made me soup before," Helena speaks softly.
"Well, it's not homemade, I only opened a can and heated it up," Myka speaks apologetically. "I can actually make soup though, when I have the time. And really, no one has ever just heated up a can of soup for you?" she asks incredulous.
"No," Helena affirms.
"Not even Giselle?" and Myka hates herself a little for asking, especially given the way Helena is looking at her now through narrowed eyes as if trying to read her thoughts, and Myka wishes she'd never come across that picture in Helena's desk drawer.
"Not even Giselle," Helena sighs as Myka fluffs a pillow and carefully places it behind Helena. "You never cared for her, did you?" Helena asks looking up at Myka who stands over her as she places the pillow. She's so close, her lips just a breath away that Helena is instantly reminded of their shared kiss the night before. She could easily pull Myka into a kiss now if she only thought it would be welcomed, and her breathing hitches at the thought.
"I…didn't really know her," Myka is quick to answer and quicker still to move away from Helena after realizing how close she is hovering over her. She grasps a blanket from the back of the sofa and focuses on unfolding it.
"I only met Giselle the one time you introduced us, and it wasn't under the best of circumstances, just leaving work for the evening. I wasn't exactly…prepared to meet her at that moment," Myka says remembering how she and Helena had taken the elevator together that evening, riding down in companionable conversation, only to be stopped short by finding Giselle waiting in the lobby for Helena.
"I didn't intend for you to meet Giselle that way…I didn't intend for you to meet her at all to be perfectly honest," Helena mutters, idly staring into her mug of soup.
Myka frowns at this information. "Why not?" she asks looking up from her task.
Helena wishes she'd never said a word. "No reason, darling," she tries to smile. "I just didn't see any reason for you two to meet."
"But you dated for a couple months. I thought things were getting serious between you. And I thought we were friends…so why wouldn't you share your…happiness with me?" Myka asks sounding hurt.
"It was inevitable it was only going to be a temporary relationship."
"Why do you say that?" Myka frowns.
"Have you ever known me to have a relationship lasting longer than a few months?"
"Well…no," Myka admits.
"That's why. I'm seemingly incapable of inspiring the kind of…devotion one would expect in a committed relationship," Helena says quietly.
"I don't believe that, Helena," Myka says softly. "You're capable, more than capable of both giving and receiving devotion. You just…need the right person."
"Perhaps," Helena concedes, "but Giselle wasn't the right one for me, darling. Let's leave it at that," she smiles briefly before sipping at her soup.
Myka finishes getting Helena settled on the sofa, covering her with a blanket, tucking it around her legs before finally sitting down beside Helena and taking a bite of her sandwich.
Helena watches her curiously. "Aren't you returning to work this afternoon?"
"No, I called Leena while you were changing to let her know I'm going to stay home with you the rest of the day."
Helena intends to protest but considering the events of the morning decides against it. Also, the way Myka is looking at her, as if ready for Helena's protest with her own argument for staying, she determines she's better off having Myka near and simply nods before taking a bite of her own sandwich.
The remainder of the afternoon passes quietly for the two women. Helena alternating between sleeping and reading one of Myka's many novels, for though Myka brought home her laptop, she refuses to let Helena do any actual work.
"Rest today. You can work tomorrow if you feel better," Myka tells her, so rest Helena does, until she becomes restless.
Setting aside the novel, she slowly stands from the sofa in search of Myka, whom she finds as expected in the second bedroom Myka uses for an office. Myka doesn't hear her approach, so Helena watches silently as Myka types on her computer, music softly playing on the stereo of an operatic singer Helena recognizes as one of Myka's favorite artists. Her unruly curls are pulled back into a loose ponytail and she is wearing dark-rimmed glasses. As she brushes a stray curl from her face, Helena is struck by how beautiful Myka truly is.
She must have audibly sighed at the thought because Myka suddenly looks up from her computer to meet Helena's eyes.
"Helena," Myka says removing her glasses as she stands from her desk, "you're awake," she smiles. "Last time I checked on you, you were sound asleep. I didn't want to disturb you, so decided to get some work done in here," she says turning off the stereo.
"Very thoughtful of you, but you never disturb me," Helena says as she notices Myka grasp at her neck. "Is your neck still sore, darling?"
"A little," Myka admits dropping her hand away. "But how are you feeling?"
"Better I think," Helena smiles. "At least I'm finding it slightly easier to get around."
"That's good," Myka smiles. "So, it's nearly six o'clock. I was thinking I could order dinner from that Thai restaurant you like, if you're hungry that is."
"Famished," Helena grins, earning a laugh from Myka. "Really, that sounds lovely, Myka."
"Good. I'll order now," she says grabbing her cell phone. "You want your usual?"
"Please," Helena replies eagerly.
After Myka places their order, Helena follows her into the kitchen where Myka gathers plates, silverware and glasses of water before carrying it all into the living room to set on the coffee table.
"I thought we could watch a movie with dinner," Myka says as Helena carefully sits down.
"I'd like that," Helena readily assents, adjusting a pillow behind her back as Myka covers her legs with the blanket, tucking it around her much as she did earlier in the afternoon.
"Are you comfortable?" Myka asks.
"As much as my back will allow at the moment, yes I am," Helena assures.
"It's probably a little late for me to ask," Myka begins, "but…circumstances being what they were this afternoon, I forgot to ask if you wanted to return to your place tonight. And when you fell asleep so quickly after lunch, I didn't get a chance to ask. If you'd be more comfortable at your apartment, we can pack up after dinner and stay the night there."
Helena smiles at Myka's obvious concern for her comfort. "Thank you, Myka, but I don't see the need to go to that trouble. At the moment all I can think of is all the unnecessary walking that would involve. I'm not sure my back can stand it at the moment. Besides, I'm quite comfortable here in your apartment…even in your clothes," she smirks, causing Myka to laugh. "I'd rather stay here tonight, that is if you're comfortable with my being here."
"Of course," Myka says. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you like, Helena."
"Thank you, Myka."
"And we can always reevaluate tomorrow, decide what to do based on how you're feeling then."
"Righty-ho then," Helena smiles at Myka who smiles back. Their momentary stare is broken by the sound of the doorbell.
Myka glances down at her watch. "That was a fast delivery," she says quickly standing to answer the door.
Opening the door, Myka is startled to see not the delivery boy as expected, but an attractive, professionally dressed Asian woman who smiles at her.
"Myka Bering?" she asks.
"Yes," Myka answers cautiously.
The woman smiles wider. "I'm Abigail Cho," she says extending her hand in introduction. "I'm sorry to interrupt your evening. I first went to Ms. Wells' apartment, but when she didn't answer, I thought perhaps I'd find her here, since my records show you two have recently married."
"And how do you know this exactly?" Myka asks feeling that her worst fear is being realized. She's sure of it when Ms. Cho goes on to explain.
"I'm with Immigration Services. It's my understanding Ms. Wells' visa has expired, and coincidentally, she has also just been married…to you. It's my job to conduct an investigation to ensure there is no fraud involved. Is she here? May I speak with her?"
This has to be the plot of some lousy movie, Myka thinks, this can't actually be happening, but as Ms. Cho remains standing patiently at her door, a smile in place, Myka knows it's not a movie; but what she has feared would come to pass the moment she accepted Helena's proposal.
Exhaling slowly, Myka nods. "Yeah, she's here."
"Wonderful. I am sorry to intrude," Ms. Cho apologizes, "but as a matter of protocol, I have to ask you both some questions. May I come inside?"
"Of course," Myka agrees, allowing the woman entrance into her apartment before closing the door. She leads Ms. Cho into the living room, calling out "Sweetheart, we have company." Myka just hopes Helena doesn't laugh aloud at the endearment.
Helena doesn't laugh, but she does look bewildered as Myka and Ms. Cho enter the living room.
"Hello, and who might you be?" she asks cheerfully as she struggles to move enough to place her glass of water on the coffee table in front of her. Myka sees her struggle and quickly takes the glass from her hand to place it on the table for her. "Thank you, darling," she speaks to Myka before looking back at the woman before her.
"Helena, this is Ms. Cho from Immigration Services. She's here to make sure our marriage isn't some sort of fraud," she explains giving Helena a significant look as if to say, 'don't screw this up.'
Helena smiles back at Myka as if to say, 'message received.'
"Fraud?" Helena questions. "Why would anyone suggest something so outlandish?" she asks as she slips her hand into Myka's to guide her down on the sofa beside her, gently running her thumb over Myka's knuckles. Myka knows the contact is meant to both comfort her and help sell their case to Ms. Cho, but Myka's heart beats erratically within her chest, whether from Ms. Cho's sudden appearance or Helena's touch, she's can't determine.
"Unfortunately, fraud is quite common in this kind of situation," Ms. Cho begins to explain. "I'm here only to make sure that is not the case with you, so I just have a few questions to ask."
"Won't you sit down, Ms. Cho?" Myka asks more calmly than she feels.
"Thank you, and please just call me Abigail," she smiles at the women before opening her notebook and beginning to write.
Myka looks at Helena startled and Helena responds with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
"To begin," Abigail starts, "you appear to be unwell, Ms. Wells, are you alright?"
Helena gives Abigail her most charming smile. "The name is Bering-Wells now," she gently corrects looking at Myka with a more sincere smile, but please, just call me Helena. And as to your question, I've suffered a back injury that has left me slightly incapacitated at the moment."
"I'm sorry to hear that. May I ask how it happened?"
"I slipped in the shower of all things," Helena laughs then looks at Myka and smirks.
Myka knows that smirk. That smirk is nothing short of dangerous and she mentally prepares herself for the worst.
"It happened just last night, our wedding night," she says leaning into Myka. "We may have been a little…overzealous in our…activities."
Myka wasn't prepared for that. "Helena," she groans, covering her face with the hand that isn't being held in Helena's.
Helena laughs brightly. "You'll have to excuse Myka, Abigail. My wife is quite shy about these things and I don't share her sensitivity in that regard.
Abigail laughs with her. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about, Ms. Bering-Wells," she kindly addresses Myka. "These things happen."
Myka nods as she rubs at her neck. "Yeah…Helena can be a little…over enthusiastic sometimes," she smiles awkwardly.
"About you, darling, always," Helena quickly interjects and Myka feels a blush in her cheeks.
Abigail just laughs. "Well, seeing that you are unwell at the moment, I'll try to keep my questions to a minimum for now. How long have you two known each other?"
"Three years," they both reply and smile at one another.
Abigail makes a notation. "And, Helena, you originally came to the country for work, is that correct?"
"Yes. Mrs. Frederic, my employer was aware of my work in London and duly impressed, asked me to join Endless Wonder Book Publishers."
"And that was three years ago?"
"Yes."
"I see. How long have you and Myka been together romantically?"
At this Helena falters, looking at Myka. "Well, that's a little harder to pinpoint. My feelings for Myka have always been…complex. But we really didn't start dating until nearly…oh when would you say, darling? A month or so ago?"
"Yes," Myka manages to breathe. "That sounds about right."
"A month isn't a very long courtship to then decide to get married," Abigail interjects.
"Perhaps not for those couples just getting to know each other, but remember, Myka and I have been friends for three years. We know each other better than anyone else," Helena smiles at Myka who returns the smile.
"And your imminent deportation had nothing to do with your sudden marriage?" Abigail questions further.
Helena begins to answer, but Myka quickly intercedes.
"Truthfully…Abigail, Helena's possible deportation did play a role in our sudden marriage as you put it."
"Myka…" Helena starts in surprise.
"It's all right, Helena," Myka squeezes her hand. "I just think we need to be honest about this." Turning her attention to Abigail she explains, "When we realized Helena neglected to renew her visa, we panicked. And I couldn't bear the thought of her returning to London, but then we realized a solution. Since we loved each other, why not just get married? So that's what we did. The circumstances may not have been ideal, but our marriage isn't a fraud," she says resolutely.
"I see," Abigail says looking closely at the two women. She wants to believe them. It would be easy to believe them, as they truly do seem to radiate affection for each other in their shared looks and clasped hands, but that could just as easily be explained as friendship than an actual romantic attachment. In Abigail's experience, the married couples always have a reason they believe to be valid for committing the fraud. Her job isn't to form opinion but to decipher the truth.
"You mentioned you were married just last night, is that right?" Abigail continues.
"Yes," Helena says.
"Where were you married?"
"In the county courthouse."
"Were any friends or family in attendance?"
"No, they weren't," Helena responds quietly.
"Why is that? It's rather unusual not to include loved ones in such an occasion, isn't it?" Abigail prods.
"The only family I have is my brother in London. There was no opportunity for him to attend on such short notice," Helena says.
"What about your family, Myka? Why didn't they attend the ceremony?"
"Helena and I thought it would be more romantic to elope," Myka explains. "My younger sister was married a few years ago and her wedding was so large and overdone, Helena and I wanted our wedding to be small and intimate…and it was," she smiles at Helena who can't help but return the smile.
"Does your family know of the marriage then?" Abigail persists.
"Not yet," Myka admits, "but when Helena injured herself last night, our focus has been on treating her injury and I just haven't taken the time to tell my family the news yet."
Abigail writes again in her notebook. "I can't help noticing that while you wear a wedding ring Helena, you don't, Myka," Abigail states, noticing the way Myka's eyes widen before looking down at her hand where a ring should be. "Did you not receive a ring as well?"
"I did," Myka says, "but I removed it earlier…and obviously forgot to put it on again. I'm just not used to wearing it yet, I guess," she says grasping at her neck.
Abigail makes another notation in her book before looking up again to meet two sets of worried eyes looking back at her. She tries to smile reassuringly.
"I don't want to alarm you, but you need to be aware that committing marriage fraud to gain residency in the country is a serious crime. And based on what you've told me so far about your sudden elopement, the evidence suggests that this marriage is actually a close friend helping out another friend. You don't even share an apartment at the moment according to my records."
Both Helena and Myka remain silent at Abigail's sobering words and startle at the sound of the doorbell.
Myka jumps from the sofa. "Excuse me, I ordered dinner earlier," she says quickly answering the door to pay for their food.
"Would you like to join us for dinner, Abigail?" Myka asks when she returns with the food.
"No thank you," Abigail says rising from her chair. "I've taken up enough of your time this evening. "I want you both to know, that it's obvious that you care for each other, but whether it's love or friendship is what I am required to determine, and to make that determination, I will conduct a series of drop by visitations in your home to observe you together and ask questions about your relationship."
"Drop by visitations?" Helena asks.
"Yes, surprise visits," Abigail explains. "Will this apartment become your permanent residency?"
Helena looks at Myka with uncertainty.
"Yes, it will be," Myka answers for her. "You know my place is bigger, Helena, and you've mentioned how much you like staying here."
"It's certainly true that I'm very comfortable here," Helena agrees.
"I'm glad that's settled at least," Abigail smiles at them. "I hope you recover quickly, Helena and I look forward to seeing you both again soon. Goodnight," she says as Myka sees her to the door and falls back against it after Abigail leaves.
"Oh dear," Helena breathes. "Whatever are we going to do, Myka?"
Myka looks at Helena, this incredibly beautiful, injured and now extremely worried woman that she loves more than anyone else in the world and makes a decision. She straightens from the door and moves back to the sofa.
"For now? We're going to eat dinner and watch a movie together as planned."
"What?" Helena asks surprised, a smile beginning spread across her features.
Myka dishes the food onto plates for them both, handing Helena her plate. "We're not going to worry about this tonight, Helena," Myka says adamantly. Besides worrying about it won't help the problem."
Helena observes Myka, this beautiful, loyal to a fault and extremely worried woman who has done nothing but taken care of her all day and continues to care for her now. Helena knows that Myka needs to process this new development so she lets her as they both settle against pillows to eat dinner and watch a movie as originally planned.
But while Myka remains quiet, gazing at the flickering screen, Helena knows her focus isn't on the movie at all, but on Ms. Cho's visit and the subsequent visits to come. She knows this because she knows Myka and she's just as concerned about the situation at hand. Helena desperately wants to offer words of reassurance, but truthfully, she is at a loss what to do except confess the truth and be deported to London.
The thought leaves Helena feeling desolate as she tiredly lays her head against Myka's shoulder, seeking to be closer to her, sighing when Myka rubs a soothing hand along her arm, whispering, "It'll be all right, we'll figure this out, Helena."
Helena longs to believe that but remains silent, fearful that nothing will ever be all right again.
Do you want something to sleep in tonight?" Myka asks as they enter the bedroom to finally retire for the night. "I have extra camisoles and shorts if you want."
"Yes, thank you," Helena assents watching as Myka searches through drawers to pull out the desired articles of clothing.
"Here you are," Myka says giving Helena the clothing.
"Thank you, darling," Helena says, smiling softly as she takes the clothing and disappears into the bathroom to change. When she finishes dressing and returns to the bedroom, she sees Myka setting a fresh glass of water on the nightstand.
"I brought water for you and your medication too," Myka says trying not to let her eyes linger too long on Helena's figure and bare legs, turning away to gather a pillow from the bed.
"Myka, I insist you sleep here tonight," Helena says realizing Myka's intention to sleep on the sofa again.
"Really, I'm fine on the sofa," Myka protests.
"You're not," Helena argues. "You've been massaging your neck all day, I know it's bothering you and I don't want you to experience any more discomfort, especially when it can easily be avoided."
"Helena…"
"Myka, please," Helena interrupts softly. "You've already done so much, you don't need to sacrifice your own bed and comfort too."
Myka is still hesitant, unsure she will be comfortable sharing the bed with Helena being close enough to touch, but unable to touch her. It might be too much to bear. She shakes her head adamantly. "I could hurt you…"
"Your bed is more than big enough to fit us both," Helena says, seeing the trepidation in Myka's eyes. "I'm confident you won't hurt me and I doubt very much that you kick in your sleep," she smiles. "Please, Myka," she entreats again.
Myka nods then. "All right. I'll just get ready for bed then," she says grabbing sleep clothes to take with her into the bathroom to change. Locking the door behind her, she takes a steadying breath. She's about to sleep with Helena, in the most literal sense of the word, but still. She's going to sleep beside the woman she's in love with who, as fate would have it, is also her wife. And it's not as if they haven't shared such a close proximity before. Myka has fallen asleep on Helena's sofa with Helena right beside her, but this is different. This will be in a bed, under sheets where bare legs and arms can easily slide and brush against each other. Myka feels a steady heat travel through her body at the prospect, wondering how she is to survive the night. She quickly brushes her teeth and slips on a camisole and sleep shorts. When she steps out of the bathroom it is to find Helena already in bed, laying against the pillows, looking beautiful with her dark hair fanned against the pillow and her gaze intent on Myka.
"I forgot to ask, do you have a preferred side of the bed?" Helena asks.
"You're fine where you are," Myka assures as she hangs her clothing in the closet.
"You're certain?"
"Yeah," Myka says offering a shy smile as she steps out of the closet, tucking a stray curl behind her ear as she moves towards her dresser. Removing her wristwatch, she catches sight of her wedding ring sitting on the surface; this little ring that the absence of nearly helped destroyed their cover earlier in the evening. Thinking again that she is about to share a bed with her wife, Myka slips the ring onto her finger before walking toward the bed.
"Is there anything else you need before going to sleep?" Myka asks, unable to keep the slight waver from her voice as her nerves get the better of her.
"I'm fine, darling, but thank you for asking," Helena says offering what she hopes to be an encouraging smile.
Myka nods as she turns down the bedcovers on her side of the bed and carefully slips in beside Helena. She fluffs her pillow, letting the action give her a moment to adjust to the fact Helena lies mere inches from her, willing herself not to be intoxicated by Helena's soft scent.
Pulling the covers over her, Myka clears her throat before looking over at Helena and asking, "Are you okay?"
"Yes."
"And you're sure you're all right with me sleeping here?" Myka asks, still uncertain about the arrangement.
"Of course, Myka. It will be fine. For all we know, I may kick you in sleep," she smiles when Myka laughs lightly.
"Ready for the light to be turned off?"
"Mmm," Helena agrees.
"Goodnight, Helena," Myka says as she turns off the lamp by her bedside.
"Goodnight, Myka," Helena sighs.
Myka carefully pulls the covers further over herself, adjusting her sleep position slightly, trying not to create too much movement that could disturb Helena. She lays in the dark silence for several moments, acutely aware of Helena beside her, listening to her soft breathing. Finally closing her eyes, Myka sighs, trying to concentrate on her own breathing, hoping to lull herself to sleep despite the fact all she can think of at the moment is Helena beside her.
Her eyes startle open at the first sound of Helena's voice breaking through the silence.
"I never intended for any of this to happen, Myka," she says softly. "I'm so sorry."
"Shh, it's okay, Helena," Myka soothes, finding Helena's hand under the covers and grasping it to give it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. "I told you earlier, we'll figure this out. How hard can it really be to convince a government agency that we're actually married because we want to be, and not because of some technicality?"
"I don't want you to be punished for my mistake," Helena says quietly.
"It will all work out," Myka insists. "We'll figure this out…but in the morning," she says stifling a yawn. "Please, Helena, don't worry about it tonight. Leave it for the morning when we're better rested and can see things in a clearer light."
"All right, darling," Helena says still holding tight to Myka's hand in hers, feeling as she does the smooth texture of a ring. The discovery makes Helena smile through silent tears. Myka is wearing her wedding ring again. Perhaps they truly are in this marriage, for better or worse, together.
I know it's improbable that Immigration Services would turn up so soon after the wedding as in my experience, government agencies never work quite that fast, but this is a trope story after all and I had to get the plot moving.
To BW OTP who left the comment about being prescribed only rest and painkillers when you threw out your back, thank you for sharing that with me as it has set me at ease. I took the earlier comment to heart and felt I had made a mistake even though my research said all that is usually prescribed for lower back pain is rest and I know people who have had back injuries and that's all they have done for it. So, thanks again for the reassurance, it's appreciated.
To all the other readers who are enjoying this story and take time to let me know - I am truly thankful.
