by Angel Sefer
What’s wrong with me? she wondered, bewildered. Am I going out of my mind? Am I really considering staying here and marrying him?
She tossed and turned for hours, tormented by so many questions. And as if this wasn’t enough, Dimitris’ face haunted her, with eyes filled with passion and desire. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him holding her in his strong arms, conquering her mouth with his hot and demanding lips, sending heat waves throughout her body.
When she finally drifted off to sleep, she dreamed about him.
***
The sun shining through the window woke Helena up. What a glorious morning, she thought. Trying to move, though, a moan escaped her lips as a jolt of pain shot right through her. Her sore muscles reminded her abruptly of yesterday’s events. She carefully rose up in bed and stared at the scrapes and bruises on her arms and legs. Lifting her head, she glanced outside the French doors. She could see the sea, calm and beautiful… scenes of the storm and the waves she had fought flashed before her eyes, and a chill crawled up her spine.
I’m lucky to be alive, she reminded herself, and her thoughts flew to Dimitris… His words burned in her mind. Did last night really happen, or was it just her imagination? Maybe she should see a doctor. Maybe the fact that she almost drowned was affecting her, and she was having delusions.
She was getting out of bed when she heard a soft knock on the door. She lay back down on the pillows and prepared herself to face him, while she said, "Come in." The door opened, and Sophie walked inside. Helena let out a deep breath and sighed with relief.
"How are you feeling today?" Sophie asked, worry written all over her face.
"Oh, I’m a lot better," Helena replied. "I was getting ready to come downstairs."
"You’re not going anywhere," Sophie retorted. "The doctor is on his way here."
"But, I’m fine. I don't need a doctor," Helena protested, but she could tell that Sophie wasn’t listening to her.
***
Helena spent the rest of the day in bed, with Sophie and Martha fussing all over her. The doctor—a very nice older man—came and examined her carefully. Afterwards, he spent a long time reassuring her aunt she was in perfect health. He did recommend, though, that she should have some Epsom salt hot baths and spend a couple days in bed to recover from the shock of the accident.
Next morning, Helena did not feel as sore. Not being able to stay in bed any longer, she got dressed and walked downstairs.
Sophie was sitting outside on the veranda, and Helena was relieved that she didn’t make a fuss over her getting out of bed.
“Come sit here, sweetie,” Sophie said. “I’ll get you a light jacket.”
“No, thanks,” Helena replied. “I feel just fine. All I need is just to sit here for a while and have some coffee.”
“I’ll get you something to eat,” Sophie said and walked inside.
Helena took a look around. It was so quiet and peaceful—nothing reminding of the storm of the other night.
Dimitris wasn’t there, and Helena was dying to find out where he was. On the other hand, she didn’t want to ask her aunt about him.
Sophie came back outside, followed by Martha. The sweet old lady was so happy to see Helena feeling better. She brought her a big glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and a plate with croissants and slices of bread, as well as butter and marmalade.
Helena suddenly realized how hungry she was. She felt as if she hadn’t eaten in ages. She spread butter and homemade, orange marmalade on the freshly baked bread and croissants, and savored every single bite.
Sophie watched her, satisfied. “Having your appetite back is a good sign,” she said. “It means you’re feeling better.”
Helena lay back in her chair and stared at her aunt. There were so many things she wanted to say, so many questions in her mind. She really didn’t know where to start.
She was about to open her mouth, when Dimitris came outside to the veranda. He was dressed in black pants and a white shirt.
He looks so good in white, Helena thought, and drew a deep breath. His dark skin was showing through the opening of the shirt, and he had his sleeves rolled up.
A sexy smile appeared on his sensual lips, and the look in his beautiful, dark brown eyes kept her captive as their eyes met. Helena felt a warm feeling throughout her body, and all of a sudden, his face jolted a memory buried deep inside her… a handsome, young boy around the age of fifteen or sixteen years old, standing at the edge of this same veranda, looking at her the same way…
Oh, my God! I remember him! she realized, astonished. How could I forget those eyes! She took a deep breath as cherished memories of him as a young boy came back to her. He was always nice to her, even though a little distant… and she was so fond of him, secretly watching him every time he came with his parents… She didn’t remember his parents that much, but looking at him, it was as if a veil had lifted and she could see clearly now. Another memory I had suppressed, so it wouldn’t hurt that bad, she realized, and swallowed hard.
"I’m so glad you’re feeling better." His voice brought her back to reality. "I told Sophie not to worry. You’re a Sistakis, and this family has always been strong."
"I didn’t know you were back already," Sophie said, and then, turning to Helena, said, "He was really upset when he had to go to Athens yesterday to take care of an emergency at the office."
That explains why I didn’t see him yesterday, Helena thought, wondering if there was really an emergency or if he had to get away for a while after his confession the night before.
"Dimitris, I’m going to bring you some breakfast," Sophie said, and left them alone.
Dimitris pulled a lounge chair next to Helena and sat in it, stretching his long legs in front of him.
"Have you thought about what I told you the other night?" he asked, searching her face.
Helena turned her gaze towards the sea. "I thought it was a dream," she whispered.
She heard him taking a deep breath, but kept her eyes away from him. She was astonished to feel his fingers on her face. He cupped her chin and gently turned her face towards him. His eyes—those amazing eyes of his—were searching her face, and she felt as if he could reach all the way to her soul. She started shaking…
He withdrew his hand and stood up.
"Come on," he said, "we have to go inside. You’re cold."
"I’m not cold," Helena retorted.
"But you’re shaking," he insisted.
"I’m not shaking because I’m cold," she said, truthfully.
He turned and stared at her.
"Are you afraid of me?" he asked after a moment of silence. "Helena, you know I would never do anything to hurt you. All I want is to take care of you."
"I don't want you to take care of me," Helena retorted. "I can take care of myself."
Their conversation was interrupted by Sophie, who came back outside. "Helena," she said, "There’s a phone call for you."
"For me?" Helena asked puzzled. Who could it be?
"Yes," Sophie said. "A young man named Steve."
"Steve!" Helena cried out and jumped out of her seat. She was so glad to hear from him… she really needed a friend right now. Besides, she was also glad to have an excuse not to continue her conversation with Dimitris. Being so tangled up inside, she wasn’t ready to face him yet.
She ran inside and grabbed the phone. “Steve,” she said out of breath. “I’m so glad you called.”
"If I knew you would be so happy to hear from me, Princess, I would have called earlier," he said. "I just wanted to give you enough time to sort things out. I was hoping you would call me first and tell me how much you’ve missed me."
Helena laughed. Steve's voice, warm and reassuring as always, made her feel better.
"Oh, Steve," Helena said. "It’s so good to hear from you. I’m really sorry I didn't call; it's just that so much has happened, and so fast."
"Helena, are you all right?" he asked, and the concern was obv
ious in his voice. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, I’m fine," Helena reassured him. "I’m just so glad to hear your voice."
"Helena, please don't be mad at me, but I couldn’t stay away any longer," Steve said hesitantly.
"What do you mean?" Helena asked.
"I’m in Athens, and I’m booked on the first ferry to Mykonos."
"You’re what?" Helena asked, surprised.
"I knew you would be mad," Steve said.
She heard the hurt in his voice and immediately felt guilty. All the madness surrounding her wasn’t his fault, after all. It might even do her some good to have a friend with her. She needed some reminder from the past to hold on to.
"Oh, Steve, don't be ridiculous!" she said. "Of course I’m not mad at you. I’ve missed you, too, and can't wait to see you. What time are you going to be here?"
"The ferry is scheduled to arrive at five o'clock this afternoon. I was planning on taking a room in town and then come to surprise you. Then again, I thought it might be better to let you know first."
"Steve, I want you to come," Helena said, "and you’re not going to a hotel. You’ll stay at the house with us. I'll come to pick you up."
They talked for a few more minutes, and then Helena put the phone down. She stood there for a few minutes, lost in her thoughts. What was she thinking about, inviting Steve to stay at the house? Would his presence there help matters, or complicate them even more? She already knew the answer to that but didn’t want to admit it. Nothing could stop her, though, from feeling excited. Steve was always there for her. Maybe he would be able to help her sort out her feelings and advise her about what to do.
She was still smiling when she turned around to walk back outside… but she stopped dead in her tracks. Dimitris was standing at the doorway with a look that could kill on his face.
"That was my friend, Steve," she said, avoiding looking at him. "He’s going to stay with us for a few days."
"He’s what?" Dimitris barked.
Helena raised her head, ready for the battle. There was fire in her eyes, and this time, she wasn’t going to back off. She was going to give him a piece of her mind. She didn’t belong to him, and it was time to let him know.
"Steve is my fiancé, and he has every right to come and see me," she said, stubbornly. "And since we have enough rooms in this house, I didn’t think you would mind if he stayed with us. I’m sure Sophie wouldn’t let him rent a room in town, even if I hadn’t invited him to stay here."
"What do you mean, he’s your fiancé?" he said. There was ice in his voice.
A chill raised up her spine, remembering their conversation the other night and her reassuring him she was never engaged. Now she had done it, and there was no going back. She had to stand her ground.
"This is not what you said the other night!" he said accusingly.
"I was confused the other night," she lied.
"I don't believe you," he said.
"Believe it or not, he will be here at five o'clock.”
"I'll pick him up," Dimitris said, after a moment’s hesitation.
"No!" Helena cried out. "He’s my fiancé; I'll pick him up.”
"I said, I'll do it," he snapped and walked outside, leaving Helena standing in the middle of the hallway.
She stood there for a few minutes, too numb to do or say anything. When she finally walked outside, he was already gone.
Sophie stared at her, concerned, searching her face. She could probably tell there was something wrong, but to Helena’s relief, she didn’t say anything.
"Steve is on his way here," Helena said simply.
Sophie seemed surprised. "Is he staying long?"
"I’m not sure," Helena said. "I invited him to stay with us,” she continued, after a moment’s hesitation. “I hope you don't mind."
"But of course, I don’t mind. This is your house, too, and your friends are always welcome," Sophie said.
"Thanks, Aunt Sophie," Helena said and looked away towards the sea, so her aunt wouldn’t see the tears welling up in her eyes. She went towards the steps and walked down to the garden. "I’m going for a walk," she yielded over her shoulder, wanting to be alone for a while.
Helena was so overwhelmed. She was glad to hear from Steve, but she didn’t really want him to come to the island. It was so confusing. She walked among the rose bushes and the bougainvillea and took some deep breaths. Reaching the end of the garden, she went down the steps to the beach. As soon as she got there, she took off her sandals, wanting to feel the warm sand oozing between her toes.
Lost in her thoughts, she sat down, letting her eyes wander over the beautiful blue mass stretching in front of her. The view of the sea always relaxed her and helped her clear her thoughts… but not this time… Dimitris’ face—like a cold mask—appeared in front of her, staring at her accusingly.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts, but his face wouldn’t go away. What is the matter with me? she wondered. Maybe it’s time for me to go. This place is getting to me. I’m not acting normal anymore; I don't recognize myself.
She stood up, and putting her sandals back on, she started climbing up the steps. She was almost at the top of the steps when something blocked her sun. She looked up and saw him. She couldn’t see his face, as the sun behind him was blinding her, but she knew it was him.
"Helena, we have to talk," Dimitris said, and grabbed her by the arm. Knowing she would eventually have to face him, she let him lead her through the garden. As they reached the small gazebo, she went and sat down, as her feet couldn’t support her any more.
He remained standing, staring at her.
"Why are you here?" he asked, and to her surprise, his voice was calm.
"What do you mean?" she asked confused, glancing at him.
"I asked you why you’re here,” he repeated. “If you’re engaged to be married and satisfied with your life in England, then what are you doing here? What did you come here for?"
Helena looked at him, lost. She didn’t have an answer… Of course, she wasn’t engaged to be married, but she couldn’t tell him that. What was she really doing here? Why did she come in the first place? Was it only to get some answers about her father’s death, or was there something more?
Bewildered, she pushed those questions out of her mind. "I don't know what you mean. I came to see my family," she responded, trying to sound reassuring.
"Helena, stop playing games with me!” he burst out and ran his fingers through his hair, staring at her intensely. “I’m not going to let you make a fool out of me. I told you everybody on the island considers you to be my fiancé. What do you think people are going to say when your precious Steve shows up?"
Helena looked at him, speechless. She really didn’t know what to say. She had totally screwed up.
"I don't know," she admitted. "They shouldn’t have assumed we were engaged in the first place."
"Helena, they didn’t assume anything. It was arranged that way."
"Arranged by whom? You?" Helena retorted, angrily.
"No, not me! Our fathers were the ones who arranged this marriage."
"I can’t go through with this," she whispered and lowered her eyes to stare at her hands, which were clenched together to keep from shaking. "You should know that,” she continued after a moment’s hesitation, lifting her face to look at him. “I wasn’t brought up that way."
"I know," he said. "You should have remained on the island… but instead, your mother took you away."
"Why should I have stayed when you left as well?"
"It was different for me."
"Why? Is it because you’re a man? This way of thinking was buried, a long time ago."
"This is the way of thinking on this island."
Helena stared at him for several minutes. Then she stood up and walked away from him, looking out towards the sea.
"I know this is the way you were brought up, and I respect it. But I can’t go through with this," she said simply. S
he tried to sound convincing; however, deep down inside, she knew she was lying... she was lying to him, and she was lying to herself. It had crossed her mind, more than once, to stay on the island and marry him. But not like this, she retorted to her own thoughts. She wanted him so much and would want nothing more than him returning her love. However, he never spoke about love… all he talked about was keeping his promise to her father…
Helena was astonished at her thoughts. It was the first time she’d admitted to herself she was in love with him.
She drew a deep breath, shocked by the realization. Standing still, she could feel his eyes on her back. No, she couldn’t face him right now… she needed to get away and try to regain control of her emotions.
All of sudden, she sensed him moving closer. She closed her eyes, feeling his fingers on her shoulder, softly caressing her flesh, sending goose bumps throughout her body.
"Helena," he whispered, and she felt his breath on her ear. "We’re made for each other. When are you going to admit it?"
The fingers on her shoulder were hypnotizing her, and she had the crazy urge to lean back against his chest. What am I doing? she snapped at herself. I have to get away from this place… away from Dimitris.
She took off running, and he didn’t try to stop her. Out of breath, she reached the house and ran upstairs to her bedroom. She couldn’t face anybody right now.
***
Sotiris Andreou remained hidden behind the bushes, watching… After Helena had run back to the house, he saw Dimitris walk over to the edge of the garden and stand there looking towards the sea. Problems in paradise, he thought. Then he reached in his pocket and took out his cell phone.
“It’s me,” he said, after an angry, female voice answered the phone.
“I know who it is, you idiot!” she burst out. “Where have you been? What’s going on?”
“I’ve been watching them, just as you said…”
“And…?”
“There seems to be some problems. They’re fighting.”