She chastised herself repeatedly for being so blind, so self-centered, so insensitive and worst of all, for hurting Bette.

Helena jumped when she felt someone grip onto her shoulder.

“Helena…”

Helena turned around slowly to find a worried looking El.

“Are you okay?”

Helena quickly wiped away the tears on her cheek with the back of her hand and nodded.

El kept his hand on her shoulder, quietly studying Helena’s eyes. The girl was obviously still upset over what had happened and yet he was so selfish to think that it would be okay for her to come to the opening.

“El…” Her voice croaked. “I’m sorry… It’s so silly, I shouldn’t even be crying. I just…”

He moved his hand off from her shoulder and took her hand into his.

“Don’t be sorry.” He smiled gently. “Come on, let’s get out here.”

Helena resisted the tugging. Tonight was his night and she didn’t want to ruin it for him.

El immediately understood Helena’s hesitation.

“Don’t worry okay. This is just a stupid gallery opening. There’s always going to be another one. You know that you mean way more to me than this.”

Helena cringed from listening to what El had just said. She could not even describe the guilt that was filling her on the inside.

“Helena, seriously, don’t worry about it, okay.”

She looked into his eyes. Finally, she nodded after seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

They left the gallery for a breather and somehow ended up at a small and cozy diner that El patronized frequently.

He attempted to cheer her up with some good old Georgia pie, along with jokes and funny stories to keep her mind off the argument that had upset her.

El had succeeded in doing so when he finally managed to evoke a smile and laughter from her.

“I’m sorry for whatever that has happened tonight. I feel bad for ruining your night.” She apologized again.

“Please don’t feel bad.” El took her hand into his. “Like, I said, what matters is that you’re okay. “

“I really appreciate what you’ve done for me tonight.” Helena gave a small sincere smile. “Thank you, El. You are very sweet.”

El smiled, seeing Helena smiling. He loved that beautiful smile of hers.

He thought to himself that he would never get tired from seeing her beautiful smile.

“You’re welcome.” He locked his eyes into hers. “I’m glad you’ve decided to share this with me.”

“I want to see you through the good and bad times. I want to be here for you. I want to laugh with you when you’re happy. I want to comfort you when you’re sad. I want to tell you silly jokes to cheer you up when you’re down. I want to do all of that. ” El said wholeheartedly.

“I love you, Helena.”

Helena froze upon listening to those simple words.

El just confessed to her that he loves her.

What was she suppose to do now?

“I…” Helena began.