Taking A Bath Together

Arthur prepared his camera and lenses before exploring the forest while Helena changed into jeans instead of shorts. She thought it was appropriate for her to wear jeans, just like the first time exploring the woods.

"Are you ready," Helena went out of the tent after changing into light blue ripped jeans paired with the black sleeveless she already wore from home.

"Yeah, I was just waiting for you to come out. Let's go?"

"Sure," she grabbed her backpack full of snacks. She has something to munch on while hiking if she wants to eat. She wasn't interested in capturing photos; besides, Arthur got it already, so she thought of asking him if she needed some to keep.

The weather seemed on their side as it was fine enough for them to roam a massive forest and be one with nature. They went to the opposite side of the forest they hadn't explored the first day Helena visited. First, they explore the north; this time, they go south.

"You'll love it there, just like on the other side yesterday."

"No doubt about that."

"Follow me, and I'll take you to the places I've already explored," Arthur said. They started the journey in the morning as Arthur estimated they would have enough time to return before sunset.

Arthur continuously took snaps as they walked through giant trees, grass, and wildflowers. He was enjoying what he did best. Which was different from the work his parents wanted him to do. Helena was content watching nature, listening to the birds singing and touching the flowers she passed by.

The place was so massive that even in a month, they won't be able to explore San Antonio's forest. But having explored a piece of it felt like an honor for both of them as they enjoyed the way nature engulfed them solemnly as they walked through it.

They both enjoy the scenarios before noticing they've been walking for almost two hours. "We can take a break here if you'd like," Arthur suggested as he pointed to the uprooted tree.

"Sure," she answered, walking over to the tree to sit. She immediately unzipped her backpack to get some snacks she had.

"Here, get some. Which one would you like to have?" She said, showing the variety of chips she had. Arthur picked up the potato chips.

"I'm glad no one is taking over this forest for illegal loggers," she said, taking a bite of her potato chips.

"And I hope it stays that way," Arthur said. He was as concerned as Helena. "It's only a matter of time before those filthy rich illegal loggers will take over and ruin this place. I know how these people work."

"How do you know? Do you happen to work with such a company?"

Arthur paused, thinking about whether to confess what he does for a living before becoming a professional photographer. "Not really, but I've had some research regarding this matter when I was in college."

"I see. But I really hope they won't find this place. I hate to think they will ruin this paradise in San Antonio."

"I hope so," he said with a hint of doubt.

They continued exploring the place for another hour before returning to the tent. Their feet and legs hurt but definitely worth it. An exceptional experience can be treasured forever. As they return, Arthur lets Helena walk first, and then he follows her.

In the middle of the forest, Helena paused and gazed at Arthur with grateful eyes, her hands clasped before her. "Arthur, this outing really was something special for me," she said softly, a sincere smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "It's been so long since I've had the chance to be in nature like this, and I feel recharged and ready for my novel."

Arthur was taken aback by Helena's openness and sincerity, hardly able to believe that such an aloof woman could express her appreciation to him with such sweet words. His heart swelled with joy as he replied, "You're trusting me, a stranger, and I'm truly humbled by your faith in me. Thank you for believing in me."

He could feel the emotional connection between them like something tangible had been passed from one to the other.

"Helena, would you like to take a bath in the river? Arthur asked with a serious face as they approached the tent. However, Helena was taking it on a sour note.

"You're unbelievable. I already told you, I'm not taking a bath with you, pervert," she shouted and rushed back to her tent.

"No," Arthur followed her. "This isn't a joke. Helena, there's no other way to bathe here unless you want to sleep with a foul smell since we've been walking and sweating all day. It's up to you."

Helena paused, thinking Arthur was right. And she can't sleep without taking a bath. She grew up taking a shower twice daily, a habit she can't miss even a single day. This is one of the reasons she hardly participated in camping, even if she loved nature. The camping she had before had a facility where they could shower in privacy.

Arthur knew he made Helena think for a second. "I will bathe in the river before it gets dark. If you want to come, you can," he started grabbing the stuff he needed, like his bath towel, soap, body wash, and shampoo.

Helena had no choice but to follow Arthur to the river. She doesn't want to smell as she sleeps at night. As she walks to the river, she's thinking about how to bathe with Arthur on the same river without invading each other's privacy.

"How do we take a bath now?" Helen asked when they finally got to the river.

"Simple. You can face the left side, and I'll face the other side, so we won't be able to see each other while taking a bath. I won't look at you, and you won't look at me," Arthur explained.

"I'm not interested in seeing your body anyway," she said, pissed off.

"Good," Arthur took off his clothes immediately.

"Hey," she panicked and turned her back to Arthur. Helena's heart skipped a beat as her eyes closed, thinking Arthur was standing beside her butt naked.

By then, Arthur was already in the water, butt naked, ready to bathe. He had a smirk on his mouth, thinking Helena shouted as she saw him take off his shirt.

"I'm taking a bath now," he shouted on the other side. "We have less than 20 minutes before the alarm I set rings. That time I will get out of the water and wrap myself in a towel, and I expect you to do the same," he announced.

Helena froze, recalling Arthur's glorious body. "Was he bragging about his body?" she uttered in displeasure.

She looked down at her slender figure, proud of her curves without spending hours in the gym daily. No matter how much she ate, she always stayed slim.

She took a moment to consider whether to bathe alongside him, then quickly snapped back to attention when reminded about the 20 minutes as she saw Arthur's phone.