The Beach Bar hasn't opened yet, Helen is on the phone..

Helen: ...but my situation hasn't exactly changed.. (pause) ..of course I understand that you have the right to have a life as well, it's just.. I work all day and all night, I don't even have any time for myself, not to mention.. (pause) ..I AM grateful! I don't know what I'd have done without your help.. (pause) ..No, that's not an option.. (pause) ..No, listen.. I haven't been in touch with them for years, I can't just.. (pause) ..I'm not saying that they wouldn't, I'm just saying I KNOW them, and my life is hard enough as it is.. (pause) ..I AM thinking about her! What do you think I am.. (pause) ..Oh, come on, that was a disaster.. (pause) ..Well, THERE's one person we can just leave out of this.. (pause) ..No, he doesn't.. I don't think it'd make a difference.. well, maybe.. but.. (pause) ..Please, don't go there.. (pause) ..Could you not just give me some time to think about this.. (pause) ..I see.. (pause) ..Of course I do! You know I do.. (pause) ..And they can't wait? Like.. just two more weeks, even? (pause) ..*sigh*.. (pause) ..I don't know what I'm gonna do.. (pause) ..I know it's not your problem, just.. (pause) OK, fine! (pause) ..Just tell me one thing.. when did you first hear about this? (pause) ..And you couldn't let me know sooner? (pause) ..OK, whatever.. (pause) So, when exactly are we talking.. (pause) ..Right.. (pause) ..Fine.. I'll see you then.. (pause) ..Love you, too. Bye.

Helen sits on the sofa, holding the mobile phone, with a worried look on her face. The phone call had been unexpected, and the news would change her life. She would need to talk to her boss, but how would he take it?

Helen had her own routines - wake up, go to work, work until closing time, clean up the place, go home, drink a bottle of wine (sometimes two), go to bed. She didn't have any days off or holidays. At first, Tony, the boss had insisted on at least one day off per week, but Helen couldn't handle spare time, and she needed the money. Eventually, Tony had given up, and everything was back to normal.

But now.. There would have to be changes..

Helen sighed again..

A little bit later, bar owner Tony arrives..

Helen: Hi Tony..
Tony: Helen, wassup? No offence, but you look a bit tired today, are you OK? Would you like a day off?
Helen: Thanks Tony, but no thanks. I need the money. My debts aren't gonna pay themselves, you know..
Tony: Look, like I've told you before, I can give you a loan to get yourself sorted, it's not a problem..
Helen: Thanks, I appreciate it, but I'd still owe the money..
Tony: Well, the offer's there if you ever change your mind..
Helen: Cheers Tony.
Tony: Is everything else OK, though? You just somehow don't seem yourself today..
Helen: Well.. There is something we'll have to talk about, but I need to do some thinking first..
Tony: [puzzled look] Am I supposed to guess..?
Helen: No, it's just.. I got a phone call earlier on..
Tony: Bad news?
Helen: News.. Look, I'm sorry, I don't mean to be secretive, I just really wasn't expecting this at all, and I'll need to come to terms with it before I start making any plans. I promise, Tony, you'll be the first person to know when I've made any decisions..
Tony: Right.. Let me just ask.. Should I start looking for new staff? I mean, you kinda sounded like you might be making some big decisions there..
Helen: Oh, no, I'm not going anywhere, at least I hope I won't have to.. I really can't afford to work any less, either, though I might have to do that.. Listen, Tony.. Can you just give me a day or two, I promise I'll tell you more soon..
Tony: Sure.. Take your time..
Helen: Cheers..

Helen got ready to open the bar. She always looked a little distant, even when talking to people, but this time she seemed to be in her own world..

Tony sees Ness, who is coming to The Beach Bar for her usual lunch time cappuccino..

Tony: Ness! How's it going? You're looking good today, as usual!
Ness: Well thank you, Tony.. I'm having a great day, so far! I sold all my evening purses to that new fashion boutique in town, so I think I'll reward myself with the rest of the day off. How's yourself, then?
Tony: Oh, I'm good, just a bit worried about Helen..
Ness: Really, is there something wrong?
Tony: I'm not sure.. She seemed very distant today. Apparently, she got some news, but she wouldn't say more about it yet.. wanted a few days to think about stuff, or something..
Ness: Oh, is she taking time off?
Tony: No, no, I mean she just didn't want to talk about it yet. Whatever it was, it must have been really big.
Ness: Wow, she's not really the type for any scandals..
Tony: Yeah.. Helen's all about her little routines.. said she feels better when she can just work on auto-pilot, you know..
Ness: It's kind of sad, though.. I wonder if she has some secret ex-husband lurking about?
Tony: I doubt it, you know Helen.. Always renting those romantic movies and half-joking to be looking for some rich old guy to marry, for the easy life..
Ness: Ah, that's right.. Doesn't sound like someone who's already married. Well, keep an eye on her, just in case, OK?
Tony: Sure, I will.. She knows I'm there if she needs any support.
Ness: OK.. Listen, I'd better go and have a bite with my cappuccino. I might go out with Rosa tonight, unless she's in one of her creative moods..
Tony: *laughs* OK, I'll let you go.. Have fun tonight!
Ness: I will, Tony! One way or another.. *winks*

Helen goes in and has a quick lunch. As she's in no hurry, she decides to order another cappuccino and hang around, in case Rosa might drop in to the bar.

Soon enough, Rosa rushes in, full of energy..

Rosa: Well, if it isn't the lazy madame herself.. *laughing* [sits down]
Ness: Hi Rosa, I was just hoping to see you!
Rosa: Oh, I've had the craziest day.. Hey! Are we going out tonight?
Ness: Sure, unless someone decides to dump me on the last minute again, to start a new painting that just can't wait for the next day...
Rosa: Awww, Ness, I'm sorry.. You'll never drop that one, will you.. But you know how it is.. once you get an idea..
Ness: Oh, I know, I was only messing.. *smiles*
Rosa: Well, anyway.. You'll never guess what happened today! I was in town to check out some galleries, and I met the most gorgeous man.. Turns out he owns a big art gallery, and he's asked me to send him photos of my stuff! Imagine, Ness.. Although, I have to admit even just a date with him would be good! But if he wants to make me the next Big Name, I'll let him..
Ness: At least you don't dream small!
Rosa: That's right, dreaming small would be wasting time! *laughs*
Ness: So, what does this dream man look like, then?
Rosa: Oh, he's tall and handsome..
Ness: How original!
Rosa: Let me finish! He's sort of blonde, and he has the most beautiful smile.. He's really well dressed, like expensive casual..
Ness: Really, no suit?
Rosa: Not today, anyway.
Ness: And the car? You must have checked out the car?
Rosa: He said he was only in town for two days now, there was a black limo waiting outside..
Ness: Go get him, girl.. Now! *laughing*
Rosa: [bats eyelashes and pretends to be confused] What, I thought you wanted us to go out tonight...?
Ness: I do! So, don't be getting any creative ideas today, or I'll be very annoyed.. Anyway, I think I'd better get going, I need to buy new shoes and stuff.. I'll meet you here later on, OK?
Rosa: OK, see ya later.
Ness: Yeah.. Oh, and if you see Helen, better not tell him about the dream guy.. Tony says she got some upsetting news, could be a bad ex day...

Ness has just left when Mike arrives in the Beach Bar. He sees Rosa, and stops for a chat.

Mike: Hello sexy..
Rosa: Mike! How are you?
Mike: Still working on waking up..
Rosa: What else is new, eh.. *laughs*
Mike: I need my rest, I have a gig tonight.. I think.
Rosa: With the band? Or solo gig?
Mike: What day is it?
Rosa: Friday..
Mike: OK, it's with the band then..
Rosa: Right, well, I'm going out with Ness tonight, so we might come and see you.
Mike: Cool, having a girls' night out?
Rosa: Yeah, sort of - we'll accept guys, though, especially if they're rich and handsome.. *winks*
Mike: OK, I'll let Tony know..
Rosa: *laughs* I think he already does, actually.. Ness had a chat with him earlier on. Apparently, Helen got a phone call from some abusive ex, or something..
Mike: Really? No wonder she's always a bit jumpy..
Rosa: She never really talks about her past..
Mike: Well, past is past..
Rosa: That's true. It's just that it would explain a lot of stuff.. Like if Helen is scared of her ex..
Mike: So, do you reckon he's coming here or something?
Rosa: Could be..
Mike: I'm sure Tony will look after things.
Rosa: Yeah, you're right. It won't make Helen any less jumpy, though. I don't really know her that well, but she seems to drink a lot.. on her own..
Mike: It's her life, what can you do.. [looks slightly uncomfortable]
Rosa: True.. Well, I think I should go and get ready for the evening. Ness will have new shoes, so I can't look all old and worn, either..
Mike: OK, that's girl stuff, please spare me.. *laughs*
Rosa: Yeah, you just want to enjoy the finished product! [shakes head] See you tonight, maybe..

Lucy is walking back to the library. Her late lunch break has been almost more hectic than work. She's been running from one shop to another, while talking on the mobile non-stop.. She phones Anna...

Lucy: Anna, it's Lucy, how are you today?
Anna: Hi Lucy! I'm at the Beauty Salon, waiting to get my hair done. How about yourself?
Lucy: Oh, I'm on my way back to work. I thought I'd phone everyone during my break as I can't make personal calls at work. Listen, have you heard about Helen's ex?
Anna: Ummmm, no, you've lost me..?
Lucy: I heard he's dangerous, and on his way to come and harass Helen.
Anna: Really? That's awful!
Lucy: Isn't it.. I'm a bit scared of going to the Beach Bar this weekend..
Anna: Well, Helen must be even more worried, if this man is coming after her.. I don't really see why anyone else should worry, although I don't wish to see him, either.
Lucy: I just don't like dangerous people, ever since that madman was arrested in front of the library.. He was shouting at the main entrance, and it was really scary. I'm so glad the police came so soon, he might have come in...
Anna: Oh, I remember you told me about it at the time. It must have been scary. But imagine actually living with someone like that! I think I'll just stay single, it's safer!
Lucy: I agree! Listen, are we still on for that crafts evening tomorrow? I tried phoning Ness, to ask her to join us, but she must have had her mobile switched off..
Anna: Yes, I'm looking forward to it! I think I'll finish the jumper I'm knitting, and maybe start working on a quilted vest.. Oh, here's Fran.. I'm sorry Lucy, I'll need to talk to Fran, but if I don't see you at the Beach Bar tonight, I'll phone you anyway.
Lucy: OK Anna, tell Fran I said hi!
Anna: Will do, bye now..

Fran arrives in the Beauty Salon, and elegantly sits down next to her dear cousin Anna.

Fran: Anna! I'm so glad to see you here, great timing! I've been dying to have a chat with you, but I've been so busy..
Anna: Hi Fran, I was just talking to Lucy, she said hi..
Fran: Ah, sweet Lucy.. Is she still working at that library and dreaming about Italy?
Anna: Yes, that's Lucy! But I think she'll surprise us all someday, and really move there.
Fran: Good for her. So, tell me.. Any new gossip?
Anna: Oh, Fran.. You should know better, I'm the boring one. *smiles* I love my work, but no one wants to hear stories about yet another week at school..
Fran: Anna, sweetie.. You need some excitement in your life! I think you should get yourself a man..
Anna: Well, that could be nice, and I would like to have a family someday, but it's a bit scary, too. How can you tell if someone is really husband material? What if it all goes wrong and you'll end up scared, bitter and alone?
Fran: Anna! What's this?! Doesn't sound like you at all!
Anna: I'm sorry.. It's just.. Lucy mentioned something about Helen's aggressive ex, who seems to be harassing her.. It made me think..
Fran: ooOOOoo, and no gossip, she says...
Anna: Well, that's all I know about it. And it's not my business, really..
Fran: Oh, come on.. Aren't you even a little bit curious?
Anna: Maybe a little, but it's Helen's life..
Fran: Awww, if we were all like you, there would be no need for the tabloids..
Anna: I read them sometimes!
Fran: *laughing* I was just teasing you, Anna..
Anna: *smiles* Anyway, will I see you over the weekend? I'll have a crafts evening with Lucy tomorrow, but other than that, I've no plans.
Fran: How about Sunday, after Mass?
Anna: OK!

Anna finally has her hair done, and Fran gets a manicure..

Later on, Fran sees Maria on the street..

Fran: Maria! I haven't seen you in a while, how are you?
Maria: Hello Fran, I'm doing great, thanks for asking. I got a raise last week, and I've been sort of lunch-dating one of the bosses.. of course, I won't let it go any further than that, I'm just hoping to be picked for this upcoming course, and I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a bit closer to some of the bosses..
Fran: Charming. I'm doing fine as well.. [with a touch of ice in her voice]
Maria: [oblivious to the frosty tone] I'm just on my way to see if Tony could help me with something, I hope he'll be at the Beach Bar already..
Fran: Oh, I'm sure he is, he probably won't leave Helen on her own for a while.
Maria: Really? Did she get busted for helping herself to some free wine?
Fran: No! I just heard her ex might be planning to make an unwanted appearance, or something..
Maria: Ah.. Sounds very Helen..
Fran: How do you mean?
Maria: Well, I bet she was Miss Some-Village at 17, moved in with the first loser she met, and escaped when things got ugly.. She seems like that.
Fran: [returns to her frosty tone] Speaking of beauty pageants, we're doing a special issue on those, and I've been reading lots of small town papers for research. It's surprising how many familiar names have been Miss This, That or The Other... *knowing look*
Maria: [getting jumpy] Sounds interesting. Oops, is that the time?! I forgot, I promised to post some letters, so I have to rush and get stamps before the post office closes..
Fran: I thought you were heading to the Beach Bar..
Maria: Yes, I just completely forgot these letters. I'm sorry, I have to rush..
Fran: Sure.. *hides a grin* See you, Maria..
Maria: Yes, bye!

Fran walks home, and Maria heads toward the post office, but as soon as Fran is out of sight, Maria turns back and walks straight to the Beach Bar..

There is no sign of Tony, so Maria gets comfortable on the sofa, and waits.. Luke arrives..

Maria: Hello Luke, have you saved any lives today?
Luke: Hi Maria, no, it's been quiet on the beach today..
Maria: Lots of time for you to ogle at the bikini-clad beach babes, then..
Luke: Not that many babes today, though the brunette twins really saved my day! Picture this, identical twins, really fit, both wearing a bright red -
Maria: [cuts Luke's description short] OK, enough! I think you'll find the mental image a bit more interesting than I do..
Luke: *laughs*
Maria: So, have you seen Tony today?
Luke: I saw him earlier on, seemed a bit worried..
Maria: Ah, he's probably worrying about Helen..
Luke: Something wrong with Helen?
Maria: It seems her ex has tracked her down, he'll probably be here later tonight, breaking furniture and who knows what else. I'm not really surprised, I knew Helen would bring trouble, eventually.. I think Tony should let her go while his bar is still standing..
Luke: Sounds bad. I think I'll stick around, see if Helen needs help..
Maria: Oh, Luke, the Knight in Shining Armour! What would we ladies do without you.. *sarcastic smile*
Luke: It's what you ladies do with me, I'm interested in.. *winks*
Maria: I should have known.. Well, it looks like I'm gonna have to sit and wait for the rest of the evening, if I want to see Tony here. I think I'll go see if he's in his office..
Luke: Tell him Helen is safe with me *wink*
Maria: Oh, stop.. [shakes her head]
Luke: See you later, then.
Maria: Yeah, bye..

Maria leaves the bar and heads to Tony's office. Luke goes to talk to Helen.

Although being obviously distracted by the news she got earlier on, Helen has still managed to do her job, as usual. She's looking good in her Beach Bar outfit, but Luke notices she's not quite herself today..

Luke: Hello gorgeous, your Knight in Shining Armour is here!
Helen: Hi Luke! How did you know that I'm the Damsel in Distress today?
Luke: You know this place, news travels.. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you have nothing to be afraid of, I'll be sticking around, at least until Tony arrives.
Helen: Umm, OK...? *looking puzzled*
Luke: See, I've been lifting weights.. [shows off his muscles] You need that bastard sorted - I'm your man.. Luke the Muscle Man, at your service! [mock pose]
Helen: Bastard? *looking really lost, and maybe slightly offended*
Luke: Yeah, I heard you're expecting some bastard to come and cause trouble..
Helen: But.. How.. Who told you? I haven't even told anyone yet! And I don't like the word bastard, it's so.. hurtful.. It's not her fault..
Luke: Her?! Helen, you surprise me! I didn't know you're into girls..
Helen: Luke, what are you talking about?
Luke: Your aggressive ex..
Helen: My WHAT?!?
Luke: Well, I heard he, or should I say she, is coming to cause trouble..
Helen: What.. Where did you hear this?
Luke: Umm, Maria was just saying.. Hey, I probably misunderstood, you know me.. I must have been still thinking of those twins I met today..
Helen: I see.. Well, there's no aggressive ex, I can tell you that..
Luke: Well, that's great then. Listen, I'm sorry, let me buy you a drink, what'll you have?
Helen: No, you're alright, you know Tony doesn't want his staff drinking at work..
Luke: Aww, I forgot.. Well, I'll just owe you one, then!
Helen: OK..

Helen was in deep thoughts already.. What were people saying about her? And she hadn't even seen Maria today.. Oh dear.. What would they say when...