Can You Get Me a Bathrobe?

Helena tossed and turned on her bed but could not sleep even at midnight. She thought she must have drunk too much coffee, messing up her sleep. She got up and opened her window, where she could clearly see and hear the waves gently lapping on the shore, which was inviting. She was tempted to watch the stars outside instead of forcing herself to sleep.

She wore a thick sweater, sleeping pants, and boots to keep her warm before going outside. She lets the cold weigh her down until she gets tired and ready to sleep inside.

She woke up at 9 in the morning. It was new to her that there was no food on the table as she was used to it. She realized that she had been dependent on Arthur as it had been a week since she hadn't cooked her breakfast. She was so reliant on him, and it made her feel vulnerable. Helena couldn't help but think about her feelings toward him. It was confusing for her as she didn't even know if he thought the same.

She cooked her breakfast and then chose to have her meal outside while waiting for Arthur to arrive. She doesn't even know why she was doing it. It wasn't stated in Arthur's note if he would be home in the morning by the next day or in the afternoon like he used to be.

She was enjoying the bread he made and the omelet, bacon, and coffee she had. Arthur didn't show up in her front yard after finishing her meal. Then she confirmed that Arthur would be home in the afternoon if alive.

She hates to think that he is or was in danger. Not just she will be blamed, but she thought the man wasn't bad at all. Helena thought her "first impression last" line should be debunked. However, she can't forgive why the man has to leave to stay a night camping without discussing it with her.

Her writing atmosphere wasn't back; she thought of cleaning the backyard for the second day Arthur was gone. Expecting it would help divert her attention and stop her from thinking of Arthur's whereabouts.

As hours passed, her worries about Arthur grew, and she started thinking of asking for help from people. But starting where and who was the tricky part. She doesn't know anyone in town personally. Though she had an acquaintance with a few people, it didn't come to a point where they exchanged phone numbers.

Calling 911 wasn't an option either. From the looks of the town, the government has left the people to fend for themselves.

"Could I be held accountable when he went missing or dead?" Helena asked herself.

"No. I should stop and do something different," she said.

She left the backyard, took a shower to calm herself, and opened her laptop to start writing, but her mind was so chaotic. Helena chose to stay outside again and didn't have lunch. The day had gone by without her writing even a single line. She thought Arthur would pay for what he did. She will torture his character even more.

Helena decided to distress by sunbathing and dipping into the beach. Upon checking her closet, she saw the royal blue one-piece gifted by her best friend, Gabby. The suit reminded her of her best friend as she looked at it. She planned on calling her after dipping in the water.

She puts sunscreen all over her body and wears one piece that fits her body in all shapes. Helena has a lean figure and a pear-shaped body. It is one of the assets that she used to hide. If not for her best friend, she wouldn't wear a bathing suit even in her 20s. She started wearing them in high school because Gabby insisted and helped her deal with her insecurities.

Almost 4 in the afternoon when Arthur's car parked in Helena's front yard. She didn't notice while enjoying the beach. Arthur went inside, put his bag on the sofa, and returned to find Helena. There she was, enjoying the beach. Helena was about to go to the shore when Arthur came.

Arthur was in awe, staring at Helena in a one-piece swimsuit that perfectly hugged her curves. He had never seen her like this before, and it took his breath away. He stood there momentarily, taking in her beauty and admiring her from afar.

Helena looked up and saw Arthur, feeling a mix of emotions. She was still angry at him for not letting her know before he left her, but seeing him again made her heart skip a beat.

"Here you are," Arthur said as he was close enough to Helena.

Helena was taken aback, feeling exposed and vulnerable. Part of her wanted to hide while the other part remembered what Gabby said: "Helena, you are beautiful inside and out. There is nothing to be ashamed of." No matter how hard she tried, Helena couldn't help but feel self-conscious with Arthur's eyes on her.

She quickly looked away, pretending he didn't exist, and continued walking towards the outdoor shower. "Fine," she said, finally.

"By the way, you look great," he said as he looked at her with admiration.

"You don't have to stare at me like that," Helena snapped back in irritation.

"Then you shouldn't look like that," Arthur retorted.

Her anger rising, Helena glared at him before finally answering. "If you want to talk, wait for me inside. I'll take a shower," she said curtly before opening the door and slamming it shut behind her in front of his face.

Once inside the shower, Helena took a deep breath and tried calming herself down. She couldn't understand why Arthur's words and stares affected her so much. She had never felt the way before around him. As the cold water hit her skin, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Arthur stood outside and wasn't surprised by Helena's sudden outburst. He thought Helena wasn't in the mood to talk with him, which he was used to.

However, he knew he had to make things right with her. He found himself leaning against the wall, lost in thought, watching the door to the outdoor shower.

Helena was done in the shower when she realized she hadn't prepared a bathrobe before swimming on the beach.

"How stupid of you, Helena," she scolded herself. "What do I do now?" She paced back and forth, thinking of an idea.

She was left with no choice but to ask for help.

"Arthur..."

Arthur didn't know how long he had been leaning against the wall when Helena called for his name. He was stunned.

"Arthur..." she shouted even louder.

"Yes, what is it? Do you need help?"

"Can you get me a bathrobe, please..." she asked politely.

"You forgot to bring one with you?"

"Would I ask if I have it here?" She answered, irritated. "Can you just get it for me, please..." she begged.

"How about you walk out of the shower naked? I will close my eyes. No one will ever see you naked here; our neighbors are miles away."

That was the last straw; Helena was mad. "Fuck that stupid idea. Keep that to yourself," she thundered. "Can you not do me a favor after I did the same to you? I got you a towel the other day when you needed it," she roared.

"Alright, my lady, I'll get you a bathrobe. I apologize for talking shit. My bad." Arthur was joking but Helena took it seriously.

Helena was pissed off as he heard Arthur giggling outside before she heard some footsteps fading away.