Helena looked over at him, her interest piqued. "What is it?"
"I think...I think I'm falling in love with you," he admitted, his eyes searching hers for any sign of reciprocation.
Helena's heart skipped a beat as she tried to process Arthur's words. She had been trying to push away her confusing feelings toward him, but hearing him say he was falling in love with her excitedly made her heart flutter.
"Arthur, I don't know what to say. I'm not sure what I feel about you," Helena replied.
"That's okay. I can wait. I feel that I scare you away every time I try to get close to you."
Helena lowered her head; she was hesitant to admit and talk about the man behind her isolation and distrust of people. "I have my own issues, Arthur," the sad look in her eyes was apparent.
"I understand. We all have our bad experiences from the past. I am here to listen if you'd like to open up," he said sincerely. His heart aches for Helena.
"Can we not talk about this now?" she said gently.
"I don't want to force you on something uncomfortable. Is there anything else you want to talk about?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood.
Helena smiled at his attempt to change the subject. "Actually, yes. There is something that I've wanted to ask now," she said, biting her lip.
Arthur's eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?"
"What do you like about me?" Helena whispered, her voice filled with interest. Arthur was taken aback by her question. He had to choose his words carefully. He couldn't just say he was attracted to her body, curves, and beautiful face. It had to be something deeper, something that spoke to her soul.
"I like your intelligence, wit, and strength," he said truthfully. "You are a survivor, Helena. I think you have endured so much pain, yet you still stand tall. That takes a special kind of person."
Helena felt a warmth spread inside her chest. She had never heard anyone describe her like that before. It made her feel seen and appreciated.
"Thank you, Arthur. How about me? Is there anything you like about me?
Helena looked at Arthur, her eyes scanning his face. She bit her lip, a sign of nervousness, before finally answering him.
"I like how you make me feel," she said softly. "I feel safe and protected whenever I'm with you. It's like nothing can hurt me when you're around. Although I felt withdrawn sometimes, it's not about you; it's me. As I've said, I have some issues. So, in case you feel you've done something bad. No. It's just me, Arthur."
Arthur's gaze softened as he listened to Helena's words. He had always wanted to make her feel safe and secure, and hearing her say he did made him feel like he was doing something right.
"I'm glad I make you feel that way," he said, his voice low and husky. "Making you comfortable around me would be my next goal."
"Yeah. And I also like you for always helping me fix things at home," she chuckled.
"I'll always be here for you, Helena," Arthur said, inching closer to her. "You don't have to worry about making me feel bad; I understand your dilemma. I am a patient man. And whatever you need, I'm here to provide." They stared at each other for a while with a smile on their face.
As Arthur was driving home, Helena thought about whether to say yes to overnight camping. She was seriously considering the opportunity to camp overnight with Arthur.
She cleared her throat, making Arthur swift in her direction. "How was your experience camping the other night?"
It was a surprising question from Helena. However, Arthur was secretly celebrating as it might be her way of accepting his invitation.
"The best camping so far couldn't be better, especially at night when the stars and moonlighted the forest. I almost didn't need to use my LED light as I watched the constellations," Arthur had a broad smile answering Helena.
Helena's facial expressions change when Arthur mentions the constellations. Israel and she used to watch the constellations at night whenever they could. They both love a solemn night after a picnic dinner under the moonlight.
"Did you not like it?" Arthur asked with a trace of concern on his face.
Arthur's question took Helena out of her trance as he thought about when Israel held her in his arms while watching the stars on a cold and peaceful night. They were both alone against the world, which was Israel's parents. Two people who vow to separate them in every way possible.
"No. I'm sorry. I just thought of those times I used to watch the constellations. It...it was beautiful," she stammered.
Arthur was relieved hearing Helena like watching the stars at night. "You made me worried a bit. I guess you'll also love doing it here in the San Antonio forest. I could adjust the place to make you comfortable writing your novel at night."
"I'm considering; I'll let you know when I'm ready," she said firmly.
"Sure," it was reassuring enough for Arthur.
Arthur and Helena were both exhausted when they got home at night. As Helena went to her room, Arthur quickly stopped her.
"Don't forget about the overnight stay. Please consider it carefully," he reminded Helena.
Arthur looked at Helena with intensity and emotion in his eyes. He seemed to be pleading and desperately hoping she would consider his suggestion. His forehead was furrowed with worry as he awaited her response.
"Alright, I'll join you tomorrow," Helena said on her way to her room.
"What do you mean?" Arthur asked excitedly. He knew what Helena meant; he only needed confirmation.
"I want to join an overnight camping trip. You deaf," she worded the last two words.
"You can't take your words back. You're joining me tomorrow," he smiled ear to ear, bursting with joy. Helena shook his head as he entered her room. Arthur punched the air as soon as Helena got in her room.
Helena got her wallet and took Israel's photo in one of the compartments. She especially kept one of Israel's photos with her wherever she went. She was staring at it like he was talking to Israel himself. Every time she looks at his photos, the memories of the love of her life come rushing into her mind.
"Did I make the right decision to join an overnight camping trip with a stranger? I haven't even known the man for a month, yet I'm getting a little comfortable with him," she muttered.
Helena was having an internal struggle over her recent decision. She felt like betraying Israel for getting close to someone else.