(William’s Perspective)

“Hey, you owe me fifteen-hundred bucks, man!” I heard behind me as I entered the doorway to class. I turned to look and Harold was heading my way. A glance right - and left. Verity was not around. I stepped out of the doorway to the side of the building where Harold poked a finger in my chest and restated his demand. “Fifteen hundred for my bike!”

Mouthy Harold and no Verity to see…I grabbed his shirt with both hands and slammed him against the wall. I pressed my forearm against his left cheek as the wall pressed his right. I put my mouth to his ear.

“Yesterday never happens again. No touch, no smell, no taunting - nothing. You hear me? If you intimidate Verity from a thousand miles away, I will know about it and I will kick your ass. And if you don’t think I can do it, ask your buddies. Or we can just do it now. You really think you’re going to get any kind of reimbursement from me? Sure! The day you lick Verity’s boots.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Verity’s car pull into the parking lot. I gave Harold an extra press to the wall, and let him go.

I walked toward Verity’s car, not bothering to give Harold another look or any more of my time.

(Helen’s Perspective)

I pulled into the parking lot to see William headed toward me. I put my face down a little. I don’t need him protecting me all the time. I’m a grown woman. Does he feel like he needs to walk me to my car every day? A little space would be nice. I pulled into a spot and put it in park.

“I’m fine, William,” as I opened my door, head still down.

“I know you are. You’re strong, and I’ve never doubted that. I um…it’s…Oh! I never told you my songwriting story!”

“Not today,” I said as I hurried to my seat. I looked over at Harold as I walked in. Not worried, but curious what today would bring. Ice right at me following me with his eyes and then sudden stop. Weird, but nice that it ended. I took my seat and resolved not to look at him the rest of the day. In fact, I resolved not to look at anyone the rest of the day.

“Miss Helen,” however, changed my mind and I looked up. It was Raoul. “Come with me, Miss Helen,” and I did.

(William’s Perspective)

Greeting Verity at her car seemed like a good idea for about 3 seconds. I should have done better and given her some room to breathe. But sometimes I’m dumb. Today was one of those times. She tried to keep her face hidden from me as I walked with her to class, but it was clear there was swelling from yesterday. My blood boiled toward Harold again. We walked into the building and I saw his cold stare follow her toward her desk until he saw me looking. Then eyes down, book opening. Good. He got my message, even if it’s only impactful if he thinks I’m watching. I’ll make sure he thinks I’m always watching.

Raoul came by and took Helen backstage for something. I’m not sure what it was, but I think she was relieved to be able to get away from her classmates. I looked around the room and saw the eights limping to their desks from the coffee maker. It was clear that the dynamics of the class had changed, and I needed to be on my toes.

I heard a chair move behind me, and turned to see Verity taking her seat.

(Helen’s Perspective)

It was a quick conversation with Raoul. He knew what Harold did and he saw the results on my face. I was taken to a stool in the back where he told the makeup artist to do her thing. Hands flying, powder filtering through the air - magic in the back room. When she finished, I looked in the mirror. “Wow! Unbelievable!” I said, thanking her and Raoul for the boost.

I went back to my seat and looked over at William. “Notice anything?” As deadpan as he could, he replied, “No.” My heart was lifted.

I survived the day, and at the end, I just wanted to go home - but William was insistent on talking.

(William’s Perspective)

Helen and I got into my truck and I brought up what happened yesterday. It didn’t go well. I knew that yesterday was draining and she wouldn’t be over it yet, but I was a little taken aback.

“Thank you, William for protecting me all the time. Thanks for keeping this fragile little butterfly in your hands where I don’t ever have to worry about being hurt or damaged. The thing is, when you keep a butterfly in your hand, it isn’t free, is it? You don’t own me, William!” As her hand slammed down on the dashboard. “Besides. What if Harold retaliates? What if he and his goons do to your truck what you did to his bike? I don’t want you getting hurt because of me!”

I shot back. “So what if he wrecks my truck? It’s just a truck. I’m not in love with a truck, and I’m not trying to protect you. You certainly can leave “my hands” whenever you want!” I paused and shifted to face the steering wheel. “Except now. Right now we’re going for a drive.”

“What are you talking about. Where are you taking me?” She continued protesting while I put it in drive.

(Helen’s Perspective)

After William dropped me back at my car, I again headed to see my dad. I took a seat and we talked about the day and where I’d been.

“I’m sorry about yesterday, Dad. It was difficult. And then I blew up at William after class today. He didn’t deserve it. He was only trying to help. Although, I think technically after that he did kidnap me… I wasn’t interested in going anywhere, and I didn’t want or need him to be my hero. I want to stand on my own two feet. But he had a surprise for me, and I humored him. Actually not a bad plan in retrospect. He has a friend who teaches Krav Maga! I am now enrolled in self-defense classes! Watch out world!”