I've Been Wanting to Tell You Something

"Let me show you a piece of paradise on this side of San Antonio," Arthur said like he was bragging. They went back and near the campsite, easing the tension between them.

"That better surpassed my expectations," Helena said, crossing her arms. She was obviously challenging Arthur to show off.

"A few meters from here, you'll see," he showed the way. He was confident he'll impress Helena.

They walk for a few minutes until they reach the cascading water-like curtains from a mountain to the ground. Every time the water hit the rocks, it made an ear-pleasing loud sound; the water was clean as crystals flowed into the river.

Helena's mouth widened as she adored the majestic waterfalls. "I know you'd love this," Arthur said proudly.

"This is beautiful; San Antonio never ceased to surprise me. There's paradise here, something I've never seen before. Thank you!"

Arthur felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as he stood seeing Helena's beautiful smile that he was addicted to. It made the woman even more attractive, like a goddess of beauty.

Arthur started playfully splashing water from the river to Helena. Helena was startled at first. Afterward, she laughed and splashed back, enjoying the refreshing water on her skin.

"Let's take a bath? No one can see us even if we get butt naked," Arthur said, making Helena mad.

The smile on Helena's face disappeared, replaced by her glaring eyes. "Get naked by yourself, pervert," she said, leaving Arthur.

Arthur knew he pissed Helena off, and he had gone too far. "Where are you going? You don't know the way back to the campsite."

"I'm sure I can find the way," she continued walking.

Arthur started picking up wildflowers as he was following Helena.

"For you," Arthur handed wildflowers to Helena as soon as he caught up with her. "I was just kidding about you. I'm really sorry. I know I went too far."

Helena stopped. "Do you think flowers will fix it?" Helena spat as she crossed her arms.

"No. But I picked these flowers especially for you as a sign that I sincerely apologize. Please take this," he pushed the flowers closer to Helena.

Helena was trying to fight the urge to take the flowers, which smelled so good. She loves flowers and gardening, which is one of the reasons she joined Arthur in exploring the forest.

"Fine," she finally took the flowers and put them close to her nose. She closed her eyes, inhaling the alluring scent.

"Liked it?"

She nodded. "This reminds me of my flowers and the garden I made while living in the city."

"So, you love gardening?"

"Yeah, it's therapeutic for me. I tried to maximize the space I had to do my hobby and cope with my stressful day."

"I knew you'd love it here."

"Yeah. But still, we're not cool. I won't forget what you did in the waterfalls," she said, glaring as she left Arthur and sat in the tent. "Now, let's get back to the camp now."

"Sure, my lady," Arthur led the way back to the campsite.

He knew he had really messed up with his comment about getting naked. He had been so caught up in the moment, his mind clouded by the beauty of the waterfalls and the allure of Helena's beauty. He needed to make it up to her.

Helena was relieved as soon as they reached the campsite and was able to rest. Arthur didn't say more and sat on his chair, joining Helena in listening to the chirps and tweets of the birds. The sound of the branches crackling as the wind blew.

They let a moment pass by without speaking to each other until Arthur decided to break the silence. "Can I ask?"

"What?" Helena was quick to reply.

"Would you be interested in having an overnight stay here? I mean, not tonight, but maybe before I leave."

Helena was reminded that Arthur's two-week stay was almost over. She fell into a trance of how fast the days had come by without even noticing it, feeling a wave of sadness wash over her. She tried to count how many days had passed since Arthur first showed up on her doorstep with only a backpack. Despite his occasional naughty behavior, she felt strangely pleased with having him around.

Arthur felt hopeless seeing Helena's face in confusion. "I understand if you're not interested," he said. It took Helena out of her reverie. "Probably, I didn't convince you that this place doesn't have wild animals which will put you in danger…."

"I'll think about it," Helena cut him off.

Arthur stared at Helena intensely like he always does in shock. He was surprised that Helena would say yes to joining him camping, let alone an overnight stay.

"That's good enough. Thanks for considering."

"Shh..." Helena silenced Arthur so she could meditate.

Arthur didn't bother Helena again as she was meditating and seemed to enjoy the solemn place they were in. Helena's face was nothing short of a goddess; he felt the urge to kiss her, to feel her soft lips on his. He knew it was wrong and couldn't upset Helena again, so he was content staring at her.

Instead, he thought of trying meditation to see if it works like how he heard it from people he knows. First, he folded his knees just like Helena did, which he failed; his joints hurt as he tried to do it. He tried not to make a sound while his joints ached to avoid disturbing Helena. After a while, he concluded it wasn't for him.

Helena noticed Arthur staring at her intensely when she opened her eyes. "What?" she asked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"You're beautiful," Arthur said.

Helena chuckled. "You're just saying that to get on my good side."

Arthur shook his head. "No, I mean it. You have this radiance around you that I can't help but be drawn to."

Helena's heart skipped a beat at Arthur's words. She felt her cheeks flush with color as she tried to compose herself. She couldn't help but feel a bit flattered even though she was still upset with him for his previous behavior in the waterfalls. "Thanks," she said shyly.

Arthur knew it was the cue to tell her honestly. "Helena, I know this may sound sudden, but I've been wanting to tell you something," Arthur began nervously, his heart racing in his chest.