I Love You Too

Helena has seen progress in her novel and was happy to think about the final result after editing. At the same time, a bit worried when Arthur would read it. She wonders how Arthur would react to the male character that is based on his description.

While Arthur continues exploring San Antonio every day. He has never gone back to overnight stay in the campsite since they went home and had been on good terms with Helena. Arthur loves to talk with Helena, prepare meals and eat dinner with her every night.

It also became a habit for them to watch the stars at night. They talked at night until Helena had to continue writing her novel again while Arthur worked on his photos, and they made love most of the night.

Things happened very fast. Before Helena knew it, Arthur had become her third arm - a part of her that she couldn't function without. She tried to imagine herself living at the beach house without him but knew in every fiber of her being that she wanted more than anything else for Arthur to be there with her.

A day before Arthur's 2-weeks-stay ended, Helena felt an indescribable sense of unease. Her heart was filled with emotions - love, fear, anxiety, and doubt. She questioned her feelings, wondering if she was in love with him or if it was just an act - her mind in a constant tug of war.

She jolted when he heard of Arthur's car nearby. She looked at her wristwatch. It was still 4 in the afternoon. Arthur went home earlier than usual.

"Why is he home this early? Maybe he'll start packing his things," she muttered.

Staring at Arthur as he pulled into the driveway, a wave of sadness and frustration washed over her. She ached to tell him how she felt but was so lost in her own turmoil that she couldn't find the words. Emotions churned within her, and she had to look away when he finally looked at her.

A slight smile formed on his face, the white of his teeth contrasting with his tanned skin due to his daily adventure. She hesitantly smiled back, feeling a blush forming on her face.

Arthur's eyes were tired and sad. His face betrayed the stress and anxiety he had felt for a few days.

"Hey, why so early?" Helena finally spoke.

"I thought of spending time with you."

Helena's heart jumped, thinking Arthur wanted to spend time with her. "Yeah, that's a good idea," she stammered. How about tea and cookies? I have some cookies…."

"No need," Arthur cut her off. "It's not that I don't like your tea and cookies. I only want to talk to you if that's not a problem."

"Sure, we can. Would you like to take a walk to the shore?"

"Absolutely."

The shore was empty. Only the two of them were there. It felt like time had stood still for those few moments.

Helena looked up at Arthur and saw that he was already looking at her. He smiled gently, and she smiled back at him. Their eyes met, leaving no room for doubt about how they felt surrounding each other. Her eyes spoke the words she couldn't say to him.

"It's cold. Let me warm you up," Arthur said.

Arthur held Helena in his arms while the other hands entwined together like they were afraid to let each other go. They watched the sunset together in silent comfort until all that remained was a blanket of stars in an ink-black night sky.

Helena felt the warmth and gentleness of Arthur's touch. His palms were soft and inviting as he caressed her skin. She looks up at him and notices the mischievous glint in his eyes, and for a moment, she can't find the words to speak.

A spark of electricity ran through her body, and she could feel his affection for her radiating from his every gesture. It was a dream come true for them both to embrace each other and finally feel as though they belonged somewhere.

"Snow is coming," Helena said.

"Yeah. It's so hard to live alone this season," Arthur answered.

She closes her eyes and lets herself be held by Arthur until the wind blows so cold that they can't bear to stay outside.

"We should go inside. The cold is not good for you," Arthur said, gently rubbing Helena's arms.

"And for you too."

"Yeah, I know." They head back home hand in hand. "You should go first. I'll have to get all the canned goods I brought from the camping site."

"Why did you bring your canned goods here? You don't have to do that."

Arthur smiled at her and replied, "I know I don't have to do this, but I want to. It's my way of taking care of you. After all, snow is coming, and we must be prepared if something happens. I want to ensure you're safe and warm and have something to eat until spring arrives."

Helena felt warmth in her heart as she looked into Arthur's eyes filled with care and compassion for her. "Thank you."

Even though their two weeks were almost over, she still hoped there might be another chance for them both after it ended.

They decided to have canned food since it was already past 6 in the evening when they got back inside the house, and Arthur had stocked the boxes of canned goods.

"Having canned food feels like camping in the forest again," Helena said, scooping from her canned spaghetti with meatballs.

"I'm glad you are enjoying this. Camping with you was definitely the best I've ever had."

"Same. I've had camping before, but it wasn't as relaxing as we had. Probably because of different outdoor activities, unlike me, who only wanted to be with nature and enjoy it."

"And because you were with me," Arthur added.

Helena blushed immediately. "Probably," she slightly admitted. Arthur was smiling ear to ear as he heard Helena.

Arthur stacked up the wood in the fireplace as the snow fell, and sparks sizzled as the fire roared. He invitingly patted the cushion next to him, and Helena settled into his arms. She looked up at him, her lips curved into a gentle smile that melted Arthur's heart. He ran his fingers through her hair, and she felt a shiver down her spine as he did so. His eyes were bright blue, and they stared deeply into hers. "Helena," he whispered softly, "I love you."

Helena felt something swell in her chest as she heard those words, and she smiled back at him shyly. "I love you too," she said in a strong and gentle voice. Arthur beamed with joy as he drew closer to her face, feeling the heat of their proximity until Helena closed her eyes.