" FIWMMB"/COMPLETED/TAGLISH

AVOIDING HER

FREEN POV

The sterile white walls of the  room felt like a prison. Freen stared at the ceiling, the rhythmic hum of the fluorescent lights a mocking counterpoint to the pounding in her chest. Becky had been gone for two days, and the silence in their house was deafening.

A wave of nausea washed over her, the familiar tightness in her chest a harbinger of the panic that was building. She clutched at the worn teddy bear on her bedside table, its faded fur a comforting reminder of a time when the world felt safe.

"Freen?" A soft voice broke through her thoughts.

Hades stood in the doorway, his eyes filled with concern. He looked different, his usual playful grin replaced by a somber expression.

"I know you're trying to be strong," he said gently, taking a seat beside her. "But it's okay to let it out."

The dam broke. Tears streamed down Freen's face, hot and salty against her skin.

"I'm scared, Hades," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm losing her. I can feel it."

Hades reached out, his hand resting lightly on hers. "Don't think like that, Freen.  Becky loves you. She wouldn't leave you."

He spoke with conviction, but even his words couldn't quell the fear gnawing at her heart.

 
The next morning, Ken arrived at Freen's house to pick her up for school.  He found her sitting on the couch, her eyes red and swollen, a crumpled tissue in her hand.

"Freen," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Freen shook her head, her voice a mere whisper. "I'm not sure, Ken.  I just feel so lost."

Ken sat down beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders.  He knew she was hurting, and he wanted to do anything he could to help.

"I'm here for you, Freen," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. "No matter what."

 
The three of them arrived at school, their faces drawn with worry.  As they stepped into the elevator, Freen's heart leaped.  Becky was there, her back to them, her long hair cascading down her shoulders.

"Becky!" Freen called out, her voice filled with hope.

But Becky didn't turn. She simply walked past, her eyes fixed ahead.

The elevator lurched to a stop, and Freen felt a wave of dizziness.  Her legs gave way, and she sank to the floor, her body trembling with despair.

"Freen!" Ken called out, rushing to her side.

Hades knelt beside her, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?"

Freen shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "I can't... I can't believe she's doing this to me."

Ken reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder. "She's just scared, Freen.  She's not herself."

But Freen knew better.  Becky's indifference was a knife twisting in her heart.

The classroom buzzed with activity, but Freen felt disconnected, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.  She couldn't focus on the teacher's lecture, her eyes constantly searching for Becky.