Helena had no choice but to dip in the river for her to take a bath as she could only sleep well if she took a bath or shower. She looks determined and brave as she slowly unbuttons her blouse before slipping out of her brassiere and underwear.
Her red hair floated around her as she moved in the water, and tiny ripples spread around her. Her delicate fingers trail through the water, sending gentle waves through the surface, as she gradually immerses herself until she is fully submerged.
She cautiously turned to see if Arthur was looking in her direction. He had his back to her, and his broad shoulders were visible from where she stood, with his thick curly blonde hair cascading down his back.
Helena's heart raced as she carefully surveyed her fellow bathing companion, the handsome Arthur. She couldn't help but admire his muscular frame and broad shoulders. She wondered what his backside must look like - muscular from regular workouts, with a strong and firm butt that no doubt drove other women crazy. Her imagination ran wild.
"Helena, are you okay?" Arthur shouted.
Helena quickly averted her gaze. "Yes, I'm fine. Just don't look in my direction."
"Sure. Make sure you don't look at me also," Arthur chuckled. He was clearly trying to piss Helena off.
"Dream on," she spat.
Arthur laughed even more. Helena felt guilty as she glanced at Arthur for a second and let her thoughts run away with her. She broke the deal.
"Don't forget the 20 minutes."
"I know," she retorted.
Again, she was reminded of the 20 minutes rule before getting out of the water. After a minute of quiet introspection, Helena realized that she had come here with a purpose; to enjoy her bath and relax. With that thought in mind, she slowly moved around the river, letting the current carry her towards calmer waters further downstream.
As she swam along, Helena enjoyed the peaceful scenery around her and took in the beauty of nature. She felt refreshed by the cool water and invigorated by the splashes against her skin as she went further and further into deeper parts of the river. She kept an eye out for Arthur, but he didn't appear to be following her.
Eventually, Helena reached an area where the water was so still that it almost seemed like a glassy window into another world beyond its depths. Here she stopped for a moment and allowed herself to float peacefully.
She felt secure, so she hurried, took her body wash, and scrubbed her body gently. Next was her hair; she washed it with shampoo and then conditioner. And then her face, body, and lastly, her feminine hygiene.
Good thing she was using all plant-based beauty and personal hygiene products. The only downside of being with nature is sometimes you can't do the things you usually do at home, especially personal hygiene, but Helena tried her best to do it all.
On the other side of the river, Arthur took his time consciously, as 20 minutes is short. He takes care of his long hair, face, body, and masculine hygiene. He was meticulous, which was unusual for men who love outdoor activities.
He didn't attempt to talk to Helena again as he wanted to give the woman privacy, even if they were a few meters apart. Although he was intrigued by how the woman looked naked, his desire to gain Helena's complete trust was more intense. He badly needs Helena to trust him.
As they both were silent, only the splash of water on their body was the sound they could hear. It was peaceful and solemn as they were the only people in the forest and might be the first to bathe in the river.
The sun began setting on Helena's bathing adventure as she eventually returned to where she had started, exhausted yet at peace with herself after taking time out for self-care and relaxation away from civilization.
A moment later, the alarm rang. Arthur was about to look where his phone was ringing, on the left side where Helena was taking a bath; he was reminded about their deal of not looking at each other. He stopped himself on the verge of turning back in Helena's direction.
"It's time. Helena, are you done?"
"Not yet. Can you wait a minute? I'll get my towel and then leave first. Would that be okay?"
"Sure. Take your time. I'll follow you."
She emerged from the water, gathered her towel, and wrapped herself in it. She took care of all her beauty products and personal hygiene and made her way back to the tent feeling happier than ever before...
"I'm done, she shouted," she was away from the spot where Arthur was taking a bath.
"Okay, I'll follow you. Wait for me in the tent."
When they went back to the campsite, there was an awkward silence between them until they had already changed into their evening pajamas. The wind was colder, so Helena wore her thick beige sweatshirt and pajamas while Arthur opted for light gray.
"Hey, we have the same nighties," Helena said happily.
Arthur felt the same. He was happy seeing Helena with a broad smile in front of her, and it was for the simple thing of having the same clothes for the night. He knew the woman wasn't hard to please after all.
"I don't know; I only know it is colder here at night."
"Same. And besides, this is my favorite because the fabric was so smooth and comfy to wear at night."
"We might have the same brand," Arthur looked at Helena's brand on the back of Helena's clothes. And there it was, the same brand as him. "Funny, it's the same brand."
Surprisingly, they brought the same pajamas and sweatshirts in different colors, like they discussed what to get and wear during their camping.
Helena can't quiet her mind, asking if Arthur kept his word by not peeking at her. She knew some women wouldn't bat an eye letting men see them naked, but not her. What's even more important is the trust she gives.
Arthur should keep his word just like Israel did when they were together. She questioned why she kept comparing both men when they were two worlds apart, not just in other life but also in status. Israel was a son of a billionaire, while Arthur probably isn't.
She doesn't know Arthur personally, but he seems to be a middle-class man enjoying his life as a photographer and earning from it simultaneously.
What if he's not who he seems? That was a question in her head. She dismissed the thought when Arthur called her name.
"I should stop creating demons in my head," she reminded herself.