Heartbroken Princess

Ch:20 Aquaphobia

Days were passing but they weren't any easier on Thomason. Julia would ask permission from her parents to go to Thomason's new apartment. She was trying her best to help him and be by his side.

While Julia was with Thomason, Helen used to visit Grady at the treehouse so they could work on their relationship and return it back as it was before. After a period of time, and by communication and patience, their relationship returned as strong as it was.

"Good afternoon Grady,"said Helen joyfully.

"Good after noon heaven Helen,"replied Grady.

"Heaven Helen?"

"Yes, that's what I am going to call you from now on. Because you're a paradise. You're gorgeous, an amazing cook and most importantly very forgiving. Also, your name perfectly rhymes with heaven."

Helen was amazed and thanked him for the nickname.

"Do you remember where our secret place is?"asked Grady.

"Of course I do."

"Why don't we go there?"

"Sure."

The place was as beautiful as it was before but there was a new thing. It was a tiny cottage built from oak wood.

"That cottage wasn't here before,"wondered Helen.

"Actually it was here but you couldn't see it because it was covered in bushes. I didn't notice it either; until a month ago. When you were heart broken, I used to come here and scream daily. I screamed because of rage, disappointment and regret. I used to take a walk around and remember all the good time we had together and how I was lonely without you. So as I was walking, I bumped into this cottage. Then I started to imagine you and me together in a rainy night, covered in blankets around the fireplace. This gave me the motivation to start fixing it. It wasn't very difficult and took me a month to repair it. Would you like to go inside?"

"Yes, I would love too,"replied Helen, emotional from what he said.

The inside was stunning. There was a fire place, a couch, a mini kitchen and a small bathroom. On the couch, there was a strange box.

"Here, have this."

Grady handed Helen the box. She opened it and inside there was a swimsuit. It was one piece, black polka swimwear.

"Remember I promised you that I am going to get you a swimsuit and teach you how to swim,"said Grady.

"Yes, I do remember,"muttered Helen.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Ok then, I will wait for you by the lake."

Grady left the cottage so Helen could dress up. Helen was sweating heavily and her heart was pounding. That's because she had aquaphobia. After an effort dressing up, she went to the lake.

"What took you so long?"asked Grady.

"I was just mesmerised by how beautiful the swimsuit is."

"Helen, I know you're lying. You don't have to hide anything from me. Come on tell me the truth."

"Fine, it's just I am afraid of water," replied Helen, nervously.

"Don't worry, I had that problem as a kid too. I am going to show you some tips my father taught me."

Grady took Helen into the shallow part of the lake.

"To be able to conquer your fear of water, you must learn to enjoy swimming. First, I am going to show you some exercises to build your confidence in water,"said Grady.

He taught how to lift her feet and paddle them and how to hold her breath under water.

"Now you will try to swim a little further from the edge of the lake."

"Swim? But I don't know how to move my hands yet,"replied Helen, terrified.

"Don't worry, I will catch your hands and you try to lift your body up and paddle with your legs."

Helen tried to lift her body and move her feet. She struggled at first but then she got better at it.

"I am doing it!"

"Yes, you're and you're doing a wonderful job. Now I am going to leave your hands and go a bit further and you try to swim to me. Just imagine I am still catching your hands."

Helen took a deep breath and started to swim till she reached Grady.

"You did it! I am so proud of you!"said Grady and hugged Helen.

"That's because I have an amazing coach."

Grady was flattered by the compliment. Helen splashed some water on him.

"Oh no you didn't,"said Grady as he too splashed some water on her.

They kept playing in the lake little kids.

"I am tired Grady. I am going to go out of the lake."

"Alright. I will also come but after I take a swim across the lake."

Helen sat on the grass beside the lake. She was stunned by how graceful Grady was in the lake. After being amazed, she went to the cottage and changed back into her normal clothes. She went back to the lake and found Grady dressed up too. Helen was holding the turtle necklace which was on her pocket.

"Have you figured it out Ms.Smarty why I gave you this turtle necklace?"teased Grady.

"Actually no,"said Helen as she bowed her head.

"Don't ever put your head down. There is nothing to be ashamed of,"said Grady as he held her chin up,"always keep your head high or how am I going to see your gorgeous eyes and beautiful smile."

Helen smiled because of the compliment.

"That's how I like to see you. I am going to tell you why I gave you this necklace and why it is in a turtle shape. This necklace is precious to me. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother who gave it to me. She told me to give it to the right girl when I meet her. I also have greek roots. In Greece, turtle symbolizes patience, peace, innocence and wisdom; four things you have. You're the love of my life Helen."

Grady kissed Helen forehead. She was startled and didn't know what to say.

"Thank you Grady. I am honored to hold such a treasure in my hands. I can't express how much happy I am right now."

It was getting late and Helen returned home accompanied by Grady. While walking together, they talked about how bad they felt for Thomason and how terrible it was Joe's death. They both wished each other goodnight and then Helen went inside the house. She couldn't take her eyes off the necklace. It was mesmerizing and held a great story behind it. That night she slept with wearing the necklace.