Love On A Norweigan River Cruise | Romantic Bedtime Story | Rewind

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I'm Jeffrey, and tonight we set sail and romantic river crews through the Norwegian fjords with Helena and her friend Lisa. When Helena meets a handsome stranger on the top deck, their vacation takes an unexpected turn and Helena finds herself feeling things she hasn't felt in a long time. But with the end of their vacation fast approaching, is it too late for love to blossom? It was the trip of a lifetime. At least that is what it was supposed to be. Helena and Lisa had talked about taking a holiday like this for years. Ever since they first met at college, they had dreamed about visiting Norway to marvel at the magnificent fjords, row kayaks along the crystalline waters and hike the snow-capped peaks. And now, over ten years later, they were finally here. When we're searching their trip, they quickly discovered that the best way of admiring the fjords was by sailing right through them. Helena had found a riverboat cruise that would stop in several ports of call, all interconnected by meandering fjords, and they eagerly booked their dream vacation. The flight from America had been long, but it was worth it. As soon as they stepped off the plane into the crisp, Baltic air, Helena and Lisa felt like they could breathe properly for the first time. The air seemed clearer here. Every street was clean, every person they met was friendly, and every building they passed was designed with a rugged Scandinavian charm. They spent two nights in the city of Oslo before boarding the small cruise ship and setting sail along the channels of water that flowed through the picturesque glaciers and valleys of Norway. They had already visited several charming ports, and tomorrow they would reach Garanga, the jewel in Norway's crown. There, Helena and Lisa planned to hike and then reward themselves with handmade artisan chocolate from the shop in the tiny village. It would be an active day, but for now they had the luxury of being carried along a fjord between towering ancient glaciers on the river cruise. Helena stood at the front of the top deck in the cool summer air. Her hands gently placed on the railings, enjoying the best view from the ship. The fjord looked miraculously powerful as their boat squeezed between the narrow gaps in the glaciers. Thousands and thousands of years of history were right here in front of her and an abundance of wildlife lived within these tranquil waters. There was an ethereal beauty about this region. Helena hoped she might see a whale or a puffin or two, but even if she didn't, the sight of the still waters and the majestic mountains was enough to amaze her. Its magnificent, isn't it? A voice behind her suddenly said. Helena followed the sound of the voice and looked over her shoulder to see a tall man with blonde, wavy hair standing close behind her. His arms were folded across his chest and the collar of his shirt blustered slightly in the breeze. He too was taking in the sight of the towering glaciers as the boat sailed between them. Helena wasn't sure if this handsome stranger had been speaking to her, so she smiled politely and turned back to look out at the view. As she gazed back out at the water, the man approached and stood at the railings near to her. He spoke again and this time she knew it was to her. Is this your first time seeing a glacier? The man asked pointedly. Helena was surprised by the man's question and instantly felt a little bit guilty for having ignored him before. She answered, it is my first glacier. We don't get many of them where I'm from. He asked where she lived and she responded that she held from Madison, Wisconsin. She in turn informed her that he was a native to Norway from the rainy town of Bergen. He had seen many a glacier in his time but they never got less exquisite. Helena teased the dashing stranger and asked why a Norwegian would choose to spend a holiday in Norway. Surely, wouldn't you prefer to travel somewhere else? She asked, playfully. She responded rather wittily. Why do you Americans choose to holiday in Disney World? Surely you would want to go somewhere outside of America? Helena laughed. He had got her there. The charming Norwegian added wistfully. It is the same thing. This is my Disney World. Helena could see why. The fjords were so striking they looked like they'd been plucked right out of a storybook. My name is Lars. The handsome blonde man introduced himself holding out his hand. Helena placed her hand in his and shook it gently. Her breath caught in her chest as a jolt of electricity flowed through her at the tender touch of his palm. She felt a connection immediately. I'm Helena. She replied in a raspy voice trying to catch her breath. Lars looked into her eyes and smiled and Helena used this opportunity to properly take in his features without it seeming too much like she was staring. He had piercing grey blue eyes and a strong straight nose. His cheekbones were high and the shape of his face pointed at his chin. A dusting of gold and stubble grazed his cheeks and around his mouth and Helena couldn't help but take note of his lips. As he smiled his perfectly straight teeth dazzled white and his eyes crinkled at the sides with the most attractive crow's feet Helena had ever seen. He looked like a man who smiled often and laughed heartily. His blonde wavy hair danced softly in the breeze on the deck and his sun-kissed skin glowed against the sky blue of his shirt. Lars was exquisite. All of a sudden Helena's friend Lisa appeared by her side carrying a cup of coffee. Sorry it took so long Lisa apologized. The queue was huge. Helena introduced Lisa to Lars and the corner of Lisa's mouth lifted into a crooked smile. She was obviously intrigued. Helena knew what Lisa was thinking. This man was good looking. Lisa asked Lars a couple of questions about himself catching up on his short conversation with Helena so far. Helena had always been slightly jealous of Lisa's ability to talk confidently to anyone. She was so sparky and friendly that people were naturally drawn to her, especially men. Helena worried that her brief connection with Lars might be lost after him laying eyes on Lisa. So what brings you on a cruise, Lars? Lisa asked cheerfully. Are you here with your family? Lars shook his head with a smile. No family. He replied, I'm here on my own. I like to travel so low often. I don't have a girlfriend and I'm not going to wait for life to pass me by while I wait for someone to share it with. Helena's heart lifted a little. Lars was single. Lisa was baffled by the idea that Lars could possibly be vacationing on his own. You must come to dinner with us tonight. She ordered in her friendly but decisive manner. We're dining in Moderna. Come join us. You can eat alone. Lars laughed at Lisa's decisiveness and replied, all right I will, but only if I'm not intruding. He looked directly at Helena for approval and she felt herself melt on the spot. Helena smiled sweetly and assured him that they would love for him to join them. Back in their guest room, Helena and Lisa dressed for dinner and Helena made an extra effort to make sure she looked her best. She hadn't met her man as attractive as Lars in a long time and she was keen to make a good impression. Helena's increased interest in her appearance that evening hadn't gone unnoticed and as the ladies strutted to the restaurant in their dresses and heels, Lisa whispered to Helena as Lars came into view. Go get him tiger. The three of them were seated in the restaurant by waiter and ordered a bottle of wine to share. With Lisa's bubbly personality, Lars's open nature and Helena's quick wit, there was no hint of awkwardness and the three of them got on like a house on fire. Helena and Lisa told Lars about how they had met at college and stayed close friends as they had grown up and moved on to their respective homes. The ladies still made the effort to stay in touch regularly and met up whenever they could. Lars admired their dedication to their friendship and told them about his best friend Carl who he had grown up with. The two of them had never quite been able to shake each other off either and even now lived only two streets apart. Their friendship was clearly meant to last the decades too. They all discussed their favorite holiday destinations and discovered that Lars was very well travelled but had never been to the United States. Lisa informed in that he must visit sometime and brazenly offered up Helena's home as a place to stay when he visited Wisconsin. Helena shot her friend a look across the table and Lisa shrugged in acknowledgement mischievously. Despite Lisa's confident manner throughout their dinner, Helena could feel Lars' eyes on her. Whenever she stole a glance at his chiseled face, he locked eyes with her and his blue eyes twinkled with fondness. He was so easy to be around and she enjoyed his company massively. Lars appeared to be having just as nice a time with the ladies too. Lars do you have any plans for tomorrow? Lisa suddenly asked. Helena raised her eyebrow with confusion. What was her friend up to? Lars replied that he had no plans in particular other than to explore the port when the boat pulled into land. Lisa suggested we're going to walk the Fossa Rossa National Hiking Trail tomorrow. It's meant to be a gorgeous hike with amazing views. Would you like to join us? Helena shot a look at her friend cringing with embarrassment. Lars had spent dinner with them and though was invited to join them on a hike too. They must seem pretty desperate to be in his presence. Lars would surely not want to spend so much time with them. But to Helena's surprise, Lars responded politely that he would be delighted to join them if they didn't mind him tagging along. She looked to Helena for approval and she caved under his gaze. Of course we don't mind. She automatically oozed. We would love for you to come join us. Lars flashed her a smile with his impeccably white teeth and she had to look down at her plate to avoid melting into a puddle. Close the table Lisa raised her glass to Helena and mouth the words, you're welcome, with a sly grin before taking a sip of her wine. It turned out that Lars had already hiked the Fossa Rossa National Hiking Trail before, so he acted as some form of a guide to the ladies as they approached the trail the next day. They knew the most direct route to take and also had inside knowledge on the best viewpoints and spots to take pictures from. Lisa and Helena were delighted to have their own personal Nordic tour guide. They walked up past the visitor's centre and climbed the hillside, passing the spots where small farms would have once clung to the steep mountain sides that they now hiked. Helena couldn't imagine living in such a precarious place, but she supposed that the views of the fjord below would make up for the reckless commute to work each day. They wound their way along the path, climbing higher and higher up the hillside until the store sat her waterfall came into sight. They passed behind the gushing waterfall and Helena could feel the delicate spray of the water bouncing across her skin. She was grateful for it. She needed cooling off. The impressive waterfall cascaded down the mountainside, plunging into the fjord below in a haze of feather light mist. Helena could barely hear much else beyond the rumbling of the tumbling water in her ears and the beating of her heart in her chest. She felt consistently breathless in Lars' presence. He made every step she took to feel exciting and she constantly felt like she wanted to impress him. Lars guided Helena and Lisa to the viewpoint he had told them about. He was right. The ledge had the most incredible view of the fjord below. Lisa instantly made her way over to the ledge and asked Helena to get a photo of her. The girls swapped out and then Lars offered to take a photo of them both. To finish, Lisa suggested they all take a photograph together to keep as a memory of their newfound friendship. As they posed forward the camera, Lars placed his arm around Helena's shoulders and she automatically flinched with the lation that is touched. She liked the feeling of his arm around her. Before they prepared to make their way back down the trail to reward themselves at the village Shokalatye, they took a break to regather their energy. Lisa flicked through the photos they had taken on her phone while Lars ate at a snack bar. Meanwhile Helena used the opportunity to enjoy the view a little longer. Lisa down overlooking the fjord beyond. She felt like she was sitting on the edge of the world. She enjoyed gazing out on the breathtaking, gaping channel of the deepest blue water she had ever seen. Snowy glaciers bordered the fjord on either side. Sashes green grass and woodland stretched down the hillside below and around her, creating a bright contrast against the moodyer mountains further along the inlet of water. She took a breath inside. If there was a heaven, then surely it would be just like this. Many men as handsome as Lars would be there too. As if fjord had heard her mind, Lars suddenly appeared by her side and sat down next to her. He silently looked out across the land like he was looking out on his kingdom. Helena supposed it source of was his kingdom. She must feel so proud to be from such an incredible country. And wonder Lars preferred to vacation here than across the world. It's beautiful isn't it? She commented wistfully. Lars looked at her and replied, yes, my views were other beautiful indeed. Helena turned and locked eyes with him. His body was so close to hers that she could easily reach out, grab him and kiss him in a matter of seconds. But she didn't, even though her heart was racing and her mind was pacing with the thoughts of placing her lips on his. She and Lars continued to gaze at each other for a few moments before he glanced away and back out over the landscape, pensively. They sat there in companionable silence for a couple of minutes. And Helena felt like the tension could be cut with a knife. It seemed that neither of them knew what to say or what to do. So instead they just sat there with one another. When Lisa finally called out for them, the three made their way back down the hiking trail and into town. Lars skillfully led the way and Lisa and Helena followed behind. Every now and then, Helena would notice her friend glancing at her mischievously and giggling. Eventually she asked her what she was sniggering at. Lisa grinned and teased. We came to Norway and you begged yourself of hiking. Helena turned her face away, hoping that her friend wouldn't see her cheeks blush, but she knew that it was pointless really. Lisa could read her like a book. What do you mean? Helena asked, unsure of how else to respond. Lisa giggled, don't play coy with me, she said. Lars is totally into you. It's obvious, and I think you like him too. Am I right? Helena bit her lip. She didn't know what to say, but her silence was enough to make her friends snigger like a schoolgirl. Lisa immediately began plotting how to set Helena and Lars up for some time alone that evening, but she didn't have bothered planning. That evening, back on the ship, as the three of them departed from another shared dinner in the restaurant, Lars invited Helena to join him for a drink in the cocktail lounge. Lisa bait her friend have a good time while she returned to their room and left Helena alone with Lars. The pair made their way to the cocktail lounge on deck four in order to couple of negronies to sip on. Lisa sat opposite each other in velvet armchairs that looked out to a large porthole onto the Norwegian waters outside. The sky was surprisingly light for after 10 pm, it was as if the sun had no intention of setting. As they sipped their drinks and gazed across the table at each other, the air between them fell to electric. Helena's heart pulsated with anticipation every time Lars looked into her eyes. He was so easy to talk to and incredibly charming. The two of them laughed together and confided in each other as the evening wore on. Their chairs gradually scooting closer together. Not before long they were sitting side by side, their arms brushing against one another's and their faces getting closer and closer until there was no stopping their lips from connecting. Their kiss was tender and passionate all at once. It was even more magical than Helena had imagined it would be. It just made sense. Eventually, Lars pulled back ever so slightly and whispered, I wish the cruise wasn't ending tomorrow. I've really enjoyed getting to know you and I'm sad that our time is almost up. She's spending any longer in Norway. Perhaps I could show you around my own town. Helena sighed sadly, she and Lisa were due to fly back to the United States tomorrow evening after they disembarked the boat. She wished she had longer to spend with Lars. Maybe you could miss your flight and stay with me. He suggested. Helena laughed softly but inside her heart felt frustrated. If only it were that simple. She wanted to. She would love to run off with Lars for a while and take a break from reality. But things like that didn't happen in real life, only in movies. And Helena would have to accept that the time they had right now was precious and limited. It was all of the romance that they would both look back on in years to come, wondering what might have been had Helena skipped her flight home. Helena leaned back in and kissed Lars again. Thank you. She whispered. I can't. I want to, but I shouldn't. Lars was obviously disappointed by her response, but he nodded his head in acceptance. He kissed her once more, and their lips lingered even longer this time, as if they were both desperately clinging on to the moment. Neither of them wanted the night to end. But as always, the nights that you want to last the longest always feel like they pass by the quickest and mornings seen came around. The next morning, Helena, Lisa and Lars disembarked the river cruise, and Helena felt like she was leaving a piece of her heart behind, as she said goodbye to the handsome Norwegian man she had fallen for in such a short space of time. She and Lars had enjoyed a magical evening together, and he had asked her, yet again, to stay behind longer in Norway to be with him. He wanted to show her more of the incredible country he called his home, and he longed to get to know her better. As much as her heart was begging her to listen to him and stay, Helena had stuck to her decision to return home with Lisa. She couldn't abandon her friend on a vacation that they had embarked upon together. As they walked along the gangway of the ship, Lisa could see how torn her friend was. This appointment danced in Helena's eyes. Lisa asked her friend, why are you doing this to yourself Helena? Why don't you stay a while longer? Helena shrugged and replied, because you and I have to catch a flight home. Lisa smiled and urged her friend to stay in Norway if she really wanted to. Lisa was perfectly capable of catching a flight on her own, and she hated seeing her friend so upset. A big part of Helena wanted to throw caution to the wind and miss her flight. There was something exciting and freeing about the idea of casting convention aside, and taking a chance on a romantic adventure. But the other part of her was saying that it was foolish. With her feet firmly on dry land, Lisa placed her hands on her friend's shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. «Hell's bells, you only live once. Why not have some fun and take a chance?» She encouraged her. When you're an old lady, what will you look back on and think of more? Will you be glad you stayed on the straight and narrow, cut on the plane and return to your boring job and your usual life, or wish that you'd been spontaneous and run off with a dashing Norwegian for a while? I know which I would look back on more fondly. Helena's heart lifted. Lisa was right. She only had this opportunity now. Time would continue to fly by and she would soon enough have to return to normality. But, if she could spend a little while longer in Norway, exploring more of the picturesque country with an amazing man like Lars by her side, then what was she waiting for? Helena hugged her friend and thanked her. Then she spun on her heels and chased after Lars, who she could see walking along the street in the distance. «Lars» she called. «Wait for me!» He turned in a big smile spread across his glorious face as he watched her walk purposefully towards him. It seemed that Helena's Norwegian adventure was only just beginning after all.