Loving You, Feels Wrong. (Freen x Becky x Billy)

Chapter 11

That afternoon, when P arrived, Freen was actually quite pleased to see him again. When they hugged it felt normal, P seemed calmer, happier, he stood up taller, more confident, and his hair looked good.

“It’s been so long.” P said as he embraced Freen, warmly.

“Ka, how have you been? How’s Manila?” Freen asked.

“I’m well, I’m okay… Manila's good. The job’s good. I’m so sorry to hear about Billy.” P said, then turning to look at Becky who was also standing a few feet away.

“I know we ended things on such a sour note, but I think he helped both of us realize how we were tearing one another apart, and I’ll forever be grateful to him for looking out for you that way. I was a mess then and I was hurting you a lot, I see that now.” P said, looking back at Freen.

Freen was tearing up a little, not just because of P's admittance, but how he acknowledged the part Billy played, Billy protected Freen. Always.

“Thank you, P.” Freen said and Becky nodded with a small smile, acknowledging his words too.

“Come on in, lunch is almost ready.” Becky said, “Make yourself comfortable.”

Becky decided to stay in the kitchen for a bit, let P and Freen catch up, she told herself. But deep down she knew her reasons were more selfish.

Ever since P had called this morning, she’d been feeling so overprotective of Freen. Over- possessive even? She couldn’t tell. And she didn’t wanna ask herself the whys of this whole feeling.

There was too much to navigate and unpack there and she just couldn’t do that. Not now.

When lunch was finally ready, she called out to them and they gathered around the counter, served themselves and went back to the living room to eat.

Ptheeranat talked about his new job, the kind of work he’s involved in, the place he’s staying at, he even told Freen about how he started seeing a therapist after they broke up. He was keen on fixing himself so that the next time someone gave him a chance to love and be loved, he wouldn’t screw it up as bad as he did with Freen.

Freen smiled at that and reached out and squeezed his hand and Becky had to look away if she wanted to get through this afternoon without doing something she’d highly regret.

When they were done with lunch, the conversation suddenly took an odd turn.

“Ka, I’m resuming work next week, and I’m really not looking forward to it.” Freen said.

“You know Freen, you should think about moving up in your career. There are a couple of vacancies I know of in Manila, you should try them out.” P suggested.

“Na ka?” Freen said.

Even before she could ask further, Becky spoke, “I’m sure Freen knows her capabilities and will take the necessary steps when she’s ready for it,” Becky said.

Freen looked at her for a moment and then spoke to P, “Becky's right. But I’ll make sure I get in touch with you if I need anything,” Freen told P.

“Kub, you should. I can help you out with accommodation too, Manila's a real task to find a place to stay that doesn’t eat out of your pocket completely, and until you find the perfect place, I hope you know you’re welcome to stay with me.” P said.

“I think Freen would be smarter than that, moving in with a toxic ex is not anyone’s first option and shouldn’t be.” Becky said, quite firmly.

“Becky!” Freen said scoldingly.