Say You Love Me Too

I knew Arthur meant every word he said. But I must focus on healing, writing, and finding myself again.

"Baby, please say you love me too," Arthur pleaded, the vulnerability in his voice causing Helena heartache. It would be so easy to say the words, to let herself fall back into his arms, but she knew that wouldn't solve the underlying issues that had plagued their relationship.

"Arthur," she murmured, struggling to find her voice amidst the swirling emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I appreciate your honesty, but I need time to think about all this."

He sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unshed tears. "I understand," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "Take all the time you need, Helena. Just know that I'll always be here for you."

"Thank you, Arthur," she said one last time, her voice holding a newfound strength. "I need to go now. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Helena."

An unexpected pang of hurt pierced through Arthur's chest at Helena's words. He sighed in frustration that he couldn't do anything to pursue Helena in committing to their relationship again.

As Helena ended the call, she took a deep breath and allowed herself to absorb the weight of their conversation. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to bask in the warmth of his reassurance before steeling herself for what needed to be done. Her fingers trembled slightly as she ended the call, feeling like she had stepped off the edge of a cliff and was now free-falling into the unknown.

Staring at the now silent phone, Helena grappled with a complicated mix of emotions. There was relief at Arthur's assurances and the knowledge that he still loved her, but there was also an undercurrent of fear that whispered insidious doubts in her ear.

Could they ever truly repair what had been broken between them? Or would attempting to do so only lead to more heartache?

Only time would tell, but for now, Helena knew she needed to focus on healing her own wounds before she could even consider rekindling the flame that had once burned so brightly between her and Arthur.

Gabby rushed to Helena's side as soon as the call was over and hugged Helena tightly, trying to comfort her best friend. Helena was shedding tears, shaking, and was out of words as Gabby let her lean on her shoulder. Helena only noticed her best friend when Gabby spoke.

"Ellen, it's okay. Everything's gonna be okay in time. Trust me."

Helena stayed quiet while letting her tears stream down her face. It was her only avenue to making herself feel better. It took her half an hour to compose herself.

"Gabby, let's go outside. I need some air.'

"Sure."

As they walked outside, the sun was setting, casting warm colors upon the sand and sea.

"Helena, you know I'm here for you, right?" Gabby looked at her best friend earnestly as they sat on the bench.

"Of course I do," Helena replied softly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "You've always been there for me, even when things were at their worst."

"Exactly," Gabby nodded. "And that's why I'm staying with you this week, so we can work through this together."

A gentle breeze played with Helena's hair as she faced Gabby. "I appreciate that more than you know, but it's not just about me getting over Arthur or Israel. It's about learning how to be whole again, without them."

Gabby reached over and placed a hand on top of Helena's. "Well, I think therapy could help you with that. I know it helped me after my mom passed away." She paused, giving Helena a knowing look. "You can't do this alone, and you don't have to."

Helena sighed, her fingers unconsciously tracing patterns in the sand beneath her feet. "I have agreed about getting a therapist, but I'm scared, Gabby. What if I open up to someone, and they judge me? Or worse, what if they can't help me?"

"Those are natural fears," Gabby reassured her. "But it's important to remember that therapists are professionals. They're trained to listen and help people like us navigate our emotions, not judge us."

Helena's eyes flickered with doubt, but she managed a slight nod. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I should give therapy a try."

"Trust me, you won't regret it," Gabby smiled, squeezing her hand gently.

"Okay," Helena agreed hesitantly, her heart racing at the thought of baring her soul to a stranger. "But promise me you'll be there for me no matter what happens."

"Helena, I swear on my life that I'll always be here for you," Gabby vowed, her eyes filled with unwavering loyalty and love. "You're like a sister to me; nothing will ever change that."

"But wait, you've been staying with me for quite some time. How long is your work leave?" Helena asked, her eyes widened in curiosity.

"Oh, I haven't told you yet," Gabby chuckled. "I actually left my job."

"What? Did you do that for me?"

Gabby raised her hands to stop Helena. "Before you go on blaming yourself. Let me tell you, my resignation has nothing to do with you. It was just the right time when we were talking on the phone about you inviting me to visit. I didn't have a great time doing my job anymore."

Helena looked at her best friend with sympathy. Gabby seemed really done with her job. "Oh, Gabby, I'm sorry about that. I didn't even check on you because I was too occupied with my problems. How selfish I was."

"Girl, don't say that. You saved me. Do you realize how happy I am that I am here with you? This life in San Antonio literally saved me from depression. Don't be sad for me, okay?" Gabby held Helena's chin.

Helena nodded. "I'm happy that you're with me too. Thank you, Gabby," Helena whispered, feeling the weight of her past begin to lift, if only slightly.

"Come on," Gabby said, standing up and offering her hand. "Let's go inside and make some dinner."

"Okay," Helena agreed with a small but genuine smile, taking Gabby's hand and allowing herself to be led back into the beach house.

"It's always so...quiet here," Gabby asked, her voice hushed, as though afraid to disturb the serenity as they prepared the ingredients for their dinner recipe.

Helena chuckled softly, sensing her friend's discomfort. "Yeah, but you'll get used to it. Trust me, the peace will grow on you."

"It started to," Gabby replied, stretching her legs and closing her eyes. "It's just so different from the city."

"Sometimes, different is exactly what we need," Helena said, her gaze drifting to the horizon where the orange and pink hues of the sky melded together.

"Speaking of different," Gabby began, her voice gentle, "how's your novel coming along?"

Helena hesitated for a moment before answering. "Slowly but surely. Writing has always been my way of processing emotions, and this time is no different."

"Good," Gabby nodded, her eyes opening to reveal a spark of determination. "But don't let it be your only outlet, okay? Remember, I'm here for you; therapy could be another great resource."

"Thanks, Gabby," Helena murmured, her heart swelling with gratitude. I'm starting to understand that there are multiple ways to heal, and leaning on others is part of it.

"Exactly," Gabby agreed, a tender smile gracing her lips. "You're not alone in this, Helena. We're a team, remember?"

"Always," Helena whispered, clasping her friend's hand, the warmth of their bond radiating between them.

As dusk settled in, wrapping its soft, dark cloak around the beach house, Helena felt hope ignite. Despite the pain of her past and the lingering longing for Arthur, she knew that with Gabby's support, she could forge a new path – one where healing and happiness awaited.

By then, she will decide if it is worth returning to Arthur's arms, even if they belong to different worlds.