WHERE IS HELEN?

Chapter 11

      Chris and Helen walked side by side, followed by a group of their friends, towards the riverside. The sun was high in the sky, and the warm breeze played with their hair as they chatted and laughed. The riverside was a beautiful spot, surrounded by trees and rocks, and the clear water sparkled invitingly.

      As they approached, they could hear the sound of laughter and splashing. The group of friends they were meeting was already there, jumping in and out of the water and lounging on the rocks. They greeted each other warmly and started to unpack their bags.

Helen was wearing a sexy two-piece swimsuit that left little to the imagination. The top was a bright pink, and the bottom was black and high-waisted, hugging her curves perfectly. She readied the small sized camera, hanging around her neck like a tourist, then she began taking photos of the people, the rocks and the water from different angles. Chris found it difficult to take his eyes off her as she walked towards the water, her long legs glistening in the sun. A few times when she noticed him staring, he'd wave a hand at her, and "Don't go far." He would caution, but immediately she spun around to continue with the activity that engaged her. He'd also continue with his secret stare.

     Helen hadn't swum in a while, and as she waded into the water, she felt a bit nervous. Chris noticed her hesitation and moved to stand behind her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. She could feel the heat of his body and the strength of his touch, and it gave her a sense of comfort and security.

"Okay, I'm going to show you a few things," Chris said, his lips close to her ear. "First, let's start with the basic strokes."

He gently guided her arms, demonstrating the different strokes and making sure she understood the technique. Helen felt her body relaxing, her muscles starting to remember the movements of swimming. She closed her eyes, focusing on the sound of the water and the feel of Chris's hands on her skin.

    As Chris moved his hands down to her waist, she could feel her heart beating faster. His body was pressed up against hers, and she could feel the strength of his muscles through his shirt. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Remember to keep your head down and your legs straight," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "You're doing great."

Helen felt a shiver run down her spine as his words sent a thrill through her body. She took a deep breath, feeling the water supporting her, and kicked her legs out behind her. Chris's hands moved to her hips, guiding her through the water.

"Good job," he said, his voice filled with praise. "You're a natural."

Helen smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She had forgotten how much she loved swimming, and with Chris's help, she was starting to remember. As they continued to move through the water, their bodies touching and their movements synchronised, she felt a deep sense of connection with him.

     For Helen, this day was about more than just swimming. It was about rediscovering a passion, and doing it with the person she loved. And as she felt Chris's hands on her body, guiding her through the water, she knew that this was a moment she would never forget. Wading into the river, they felt the cool water envelop their bodies. The riverbed was rocky, and they had to be careful not to slip. But the fun they had was worth the effort. They swam and splashed, diving and surfacing, and playing games like Marco Polo and chicken fights.

      As the day wore on, they took a break from swimming and lounged on the rocks, enjoying the sun and each other's company. Helen's swimsuit had dried, and she had thrown on a pair of cutoff shorts and a tank top. Chris found her even more alluring in this casual outfit, and he leaned in to kiss her, feeling a rush of desire, but the wildness in her, had not noticed his intentions, she only rested her head on his shoulder, to relax her tired body.

      The rest of the day was a blur of laughter and fun. They explored the river, climbed rocks, and took turns jumping off a nearby cliff into the water. As the sun began to set, they packed up their things and said goodbyes to their friends, then headed over to Chris's for the cooking phase.

       Helen was eagerly anticipating her visit to Chris's house. She was starving and tired of sodas after a long afternoon. She couldn't wait to see him in action with saucepans and whatever he was going to need. Finally, Chris' car pulled up in the front with her on the passenger seat. They agreed that Helen would not go into the house, but sit under the shed while Chris went inside to begin his "secret recipe".

       After a couple of minutes of enjoying the fresh air alone and beginning to get bored, the smell in the atmosphere changed to one that was irresistible. Helen couldn't help it any longer. She approached his doorstep and was greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted garlic wafting out from the open windows.

Chris welcomed her inside, and they made their way to the kitchen, which was a bustling hive of activity. Pots and pans clanged, and knives sliced through vegetables with precision. Helen couldn't help but marvel at the organised chaos that surrounded her.

Chris had chosen a simple but satisfying menu for the evening. He had planned on preparing his famous spaghetti carbonara and a side of sauteed vegetables. As he began to boil the pasta, he showed Helen how to perfectly chop onions and garlic without shedding a tear.

They chatted and cooked together, then the tension between them started to build. There was something electric in the air, and Helen couldn't help but notice how handsome Chris looked in his apron. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye that made her heart race.

       Soon, it was time to fry an egg to top off the carbonara. Chris expertly cracked the egg into the hot pan, and the white sizzled and turned golden brown. As he leaned in to take a closer look, he suddenly leaned in and planted a soft, unexpected kiss on the corner of Helen's lips.

She blushed bright red, feeling a mix of surprise and a little rage. Just when she was about to speak, Chris held her chin up and smashed his lips into hers. The surrounding kitchen seemed to fade away, and it was just the two of them. Lost in the moment, Helen was struggling to process what was happening when she felt his hand slide into her shirt. She quickly unlocked her lips from his and took a step back to show his dislike for what was happening.

" Mea culpa. I'm super sorry Helen." He apologised, "I lost control. I can't stop myself from feeling this way when I'm around you-"

"Feeling what way?" She interrupted, her eyebrows and eyes both retired sadly.

" I've been wanting to tell you," he said, taking a step towards her. "I'm in love with you, Helen. I'm deeply into you and I can't stop myself from wanting to see you every day that's why for nearly a week now I've been visiting you at work-"

"Chris, stop it. Look, I don't know where my head is at right now. I'm developing feelings for someone else, and I've been trying to make it look like I'm okay without him despite him ignoring me over and over again. These stupid feelings I have for him won't leave. What I want right now is someone I can confide in. I thought I could in you, but... I think it's a bad idea that I came here. I don't want it to look as if I'm using you. I just wanted a friend, Chris. I have to go." An ocean of tears flooded her eyes, and as they began to meander downwards, she picked up her purse and almost walked away when Chris held her hands and pulled her into a force comforting hug. "I'm sorry Helen, please forgive me."

Helen could not stop herself from crying. Instead, she let out all the emotions she's been feeling over the past couple of days that Alex had gone rogue on his shoulders, wetting his shirt.

When the tears finally began to pull back, the smell of something burning caught Helen's attention. "The egg!" she exclaimed, "it's burning."

Chris's mouth went wide open when he realised the smoke rising from the pan.."Oh no! We burnt the kitchen, and it's totally your fault, Helen." He joked, grabbing the handle of the saucepan, and with his other hand, spreading Helen's hair across her face and reaching for the sink.

        When the meal was finally ready, they sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of their labour, which almost went in vain. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the sauteed vegetables were bursting with flavour. As they ate, Chris looked up at her, "I'm sorry for what happened," he apologised again, "I'll try to be a good friend. I hope you can forgive me."

"I kinda burnt your kitchen... So, I think we're even." She joked. "It's fine, we're good now. I'm grateful for all that you've done, and your time as well."

"Thank you so much." he responded, smiling.

The atmosphere was peaceful now, and the two friends continued their meals calmly.