Hidden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 4

In a moment of pure rage, Freen stormed out of her office, got in her car, and started driving with no destination in mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get past the hurt and betrayal she felt. She was shocked to find herself staring at the yellow house again. What was she thinking coming out here? Luckily, no one seemed to be home, giving her the perfect chance to leave unnoticed.

She got back in her car to drive away. As she navigated the unfamiliar roads, she wondered how often Saint drove through these same paths. She was so lost in thought that she completely misjudged when to brake as the car in front of her suddenly stopped. She crashed into the steering wheel. Her vision blurred. Someone frantically got out of the car and rushed to her side, opening her door and helping her out. Pain shot through her head as she looked at her hands, and saw blood. She must have cut her head.

"Are you okay?" the woman asked, genuine concern in her voice.

Freen slowly regained her vision and looked at the woman, her heart nearly stopped. It was Becky. Out of all the cars, she hit hers. Becky seemed to recognize her as well.

"Aren't you the lady who showed up at my house last week?"

Freen nodded. Becky smiled warmly, almost melting Freen's heart.

"Why don't you come with me to my house? I can help clean up your wound. You can't drive in this condition."

Freen wanted to refuse, but Becky was right; she wasn’t in any shape to drive. So, she reluctantly nodded and got in the car with Becky.

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Freen glanced around the house like a hawk, this being her first time inside. The place was cozy, simple, and felt like home. She could easily picture Saint living here.

Meanwhile, Becky expertly cleaned and dressed Freen's wound, making Freen wonder if she was a nurse. She didn't seem like a doctor, and Freen almost asked, but held back.

"Are you okay?" Freen asked instead.

"As good as I can be." Freen understood perfectly; she felt the same way.

"What are you doing here?" Becky asked as she worked.

Freen's eyes widened in alarm. She had no clue what to say.

"Oh! I... I'm a biologist studying birds in the area."

"What kind of birds?"

What kind of birds lived here? She had no idea, so she said the first thing that came to her mind. "Huh... Magpies."

"Oriental?"

Freen sighed. "Yes."

"I'm Becky, by the way."

That’s when Freen realized they hadn't even introduced themselves. What could she say now? She couldn’t introduce herself as Freen. So, she blurted out the first name that came to mind.

"Sam. I'm Sam." She tried hard not to stutter.

Becky flashed her a quick smile.

"You seem like you know what you are doing. Are you by any chance..."

"A nurse. Yes. I work at a local hospital when they’re short staffed. I love being in nature. This is my home, work, and everything." Becky gestured toward the outside of the house.

"You are a force of nature."

Becky chuckled. "You could say that."

Freen took a deep breath. It felt refreshing to be out here, away from the busy city she was used to. "It's relaxing here, like watching a movie."