FORTUNE: A FREENBECKY STORY

Chapter 58 😮‍💨

Becky pulled up next to the pavement and her driving instructor jumped out of the car.
"Are you trying to kill me?" She said
"Sorry!!!" Becky replied

The instructor shook her head then got back into the car and left. Becky had a licence in England so didn't understand why it was so difficult to get one here in Thailand. Perhaps there was a cultural disconnect when it came to speed. Becky was sulking so she didn't notice Richie sat in the drive laughing at her as she walked up to the house.

"We may owe your instructor more than the 1500baht per hour. You're putting her life at risk." Richie sniggered
"Shut up" Becky laughed
"I'm joking. I'm picking up my new car later today so you can just practise with me instead of wasting money you no longer have" Richie said
"Haha very funny" Becky said
"I know" Richie said

"Working as Freen's secretary doesn't actually pay as badly as you would think. Plus I have full health care and dental coverage." Becky said
"Compared to your salary as a professor though. That's a huge drop." Richie said
"It's worth it." Becky replied
"If you say so" Richie teased

They both entered the house and washed up for dinner. After eating Richie disappeared into his room to work on the project he'd been putting all of his heart and soul into.

Becky retired to her room as well. While she laid on the bed her phone began to ring. She picked up.

[OVER THE PHONE]
🖤: Hello?
🐶: Miss Chankimha

Freen paused.
Becky could hear her breathing heavily. Becky instinctively knew she was having another panic attack.

🐶: Just breathe.
🖤: Trying to.
🐶: What are you doing?
🖤: Just on my...kitchen floor
🐶: I mean before the panic attack, what were you doing?
🖤: I was watching the news.
🐶: Is it still on?
🖤: Yes
🐶: Turn it off and count with me. One.
🖤: Two
🐶: Three

Freen's breathing began to normalise.

🖤: Sorry to disturb you, you're the only one who can calm me down.
🐶: Don't apologise. I'm happy I'm the one that can calm you down.... As your secretary I mean...
🖤: Yeah. Ok, going now. Thank you.

Freen cut the phone before Becky could respond but Becky smiled anyway. These calls had been happening frequently between them out of office hours and it helped Becky feel closer to Freen without making Freen feel like her boundaries were being crossed.

Becky was quick to fall asleep that night.

The following day Freen met Becky already in office as usual. She didn't say a word to her as usual but Becky smiled, as usual.

Freen had back to back meetings so Becky knew she wouldn't be seeing her much today. Becky loved to find excuses to enter Freen's office on days like this just so she could steal glances at her. She'd bring in coffee or come to get payroll signatures, she would even personally deliver messages verbally to Freen instead of writing an email.

Freen noticed of course but didn't pay it much mind. Today was Monday and Becky knew what that meant. Heidi was coming to pick Freen up for dinner which Freen always had Becky organise for her. It felt like a cruel punishment but Becky also felt ok knowing someone was there for Freen in that way.

This is why Becky treasured Freen's impromptu calls out of working hours. She told herself that Freen still needed her support, even with everyone else who was also there for her.

The day went buy quickly and closer to the evening Heidi arrived.
"You ready?" Heidi asked
"Yes, just give me 10 minutes" Freen said
"Ok" Heidi said as she sat across from Freen

Becky stole a few glances into the office at Heidi. As usual Heidi was breathtakingly beautiful.

Freen had began to pack up her stuff when Non arrived. He sped past Becky's desk and into Freen's office.
"Freen!" Non said
"Non, what are you doing here?" Freen replied
Non spotted Heidi sitting in-front of Freen.
"Oh sorry is this a bad time is she one of your... special friends?" Non asked

"Special friends?" Heidi and Becky asked

"Forget it. Do you have any news?" Freen asked