That's the way I love you

27

Becky's heart was heavy with a mix of emotions as she listened to Freen's explanation. She felt hurt and betrayed by the fact that Freen had kept such a significant secret from her. Her tears continued to flow, and she couldn't help but feel that Freen didn't trust her enough to confide in her.

"Freen, I just... I don't understand," Becky choked out, her voice filled with sadness. "Why didn't you think I could handle the truth? Why did you feel the need to keep it from me?"

Freen's expression was torn, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. She reached out a hand towards Becky, wanting to comfort her, but Becky took a step back. Freen's heart ached at the distance between them, and she struggled to find the right words to explain herself.

"Becky, it's not that I didn't trust you," Freen began, her voice earnest. "I was trying to protect you, to shield you from the pain of knowing. I didn't want to see you hurt."

Becky's tears continued to fall, and her frustration grew. "Protect me? By keeping the truth from me?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with anger. "Do you think I'm so fragile that I can't handle the reality of the situation?"

Freen's heart sank at the hurt in Becky's eyes. She took a step closer, her voice pleading. "No, Becky, that's not what I meant. I know you're strong, and I know you can handle anything. But I... I just didn't want to be the one to cause you pain."

Becky shook her head, her tears mixing with her frustration. "But by not telling me, you've hurt me even more," she said, her voice cracking. "You kept something so significant from me, and it makes me question everything."

Freen's eyes were filled with regret as she reached out and gently brushed a tear from Becky's cheek. "I'm so sorry, Becky," she whispered. "I never wanted to cause you any pain. I just wanted to keep you safe."

Becky's shoulders shook as she sobbed softly, her emotions overwhelming her. "I don't know what to do, Freen," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know who to trust anymore."

Freen's heart ached at the sight of Becky in such pain. She took a deep breath, her gaze never leaving Becky's.

Becky's heart felt like a tangled mess of emotions, torn between her sadness over Freen's hidden truth and the turmoil of her own feelings. As Freen tried to explain her intentions, Becky's mind was a whirlwind of confusion. Freen's words, however well-intentioned, seemed to only add to the rift between them, and Becky felt a pang of hurt that Freen didn't trust her enough to confide in her.

Tears welled up in Becky's eyes as her emotions spilled over, and she turned to leave, her heart heavy with disappointment. But before she could take a step, she felt a sudden pressure against her back, and the next moment, her back was pressed against the wall.

Wide-eyed and taken aback, Becky found herself locked in a gaze with Freen. Her heart raced as she felt Freen's lips pressing against hers, the kiss carrying a weight of emotions that had been suppressed for so long. Becky's initial shock melted into a mix of surprise, confusion, and a hint of reciprocation.

Breaking the kiss, Freen's voice trembled as she tried to convey her feelings. "I am doing this because I want to protect you, Becky," she pleaded, her voice earnest. "I didn't want to hurt you by telling you about Nop, but I also didn't want you to feel like you couldn't trust me. I care about you so much."

Becky's breathing was shallow, her mind racing to process the whirlwind of emotions. Freen's confession hit her like a wave, and she felt a jumble of disbelief and longing. Her voice was soft and filled with uncertainty as she asked, "Freen, what are you saying?"

Freen's eyes bore into Becky's, searching for a connection, for understanding. "I have feelings for you, Becky," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's more than just friendship. I care about you deeply, and I couldn't stand the thought of you being hurt."