Hidden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 6

"Are we really riding that?" Freen asks, a terrified look on her face as she sees the motorbike next to Becky.

"Why not?" Becky replies with a grin.

"We could take my car or yours."

Becky raises an eyebrow. "Where's the fun in that?"

"Are you scared of motorbikes or something?"

Part of her was scared of the bike, but mostly, she worried about being close to Becky during the ride.

"No. It's just been a while," she says, trying to sound casual. But Becky sees right through her. "No need to worry. I can ride really well, if you have any doubts." She winks at Freen, who gulps in response. "I’ll make sure you enjoy the ride. Now hop in."

Hesitantly, Freen does as she’s told. Together, they ride to the nearest hardware store to buy paint and other supplies. Surprisingly, Freen enjoys the ride. The wind blowing across her face feels soothing. She feels truly alive for the first time in a long while.

"It's really different here. No rush, the fresh air, it's peaceful," Freen says as they walk through the streets searching for a store.

"I know. That's why I moved here. Away from the chaos of the world."

"You moved?" Freen asks, slightly surprised.

Becky looks at her, amused. "You didn't think I was born here, did you? I thought my looks made that obvious."

"Yeah, I kind of thought about it. So you’re not Thai?"

"Half. My dad's British, my mom is Thai, and I have a brother.”

Freen frowns. She thought Becky didn’t have any family; she would have met them by now or at least seen pictures at her house. She feels clearly confused. "So where are they? Your family?"

Becky's smile fades. "Some things happened. Things I'm not keen on explaining. I had to leave everything behind. I came here and have been living in nature, with its people." Freen realizes this is the most vulnerable she has seen Becky since their first meeting.

"These people here have become my new family."

"I noticed. The glances, the sad smiles, the comforting hands, hugs. They all knew?" Freen asks, intrigued. Throughout their ride and walk, she noticed how everyone seemed to know Becky and how someone recognized Becky's photo when she first arrived.

"Of course. Saint was also part of this family. Everyone loved him," Becky says with a fond smile.

"And all of them knew the truth?"

"Yes. They knew everything. There are no secrets here. Like I said, everyone is part of the family."

Freen pauses, thinking about everything. Everyone here knew the truth. That he was married, yet no one cared?

"You can be a part of it too. If you stay," Becky says, now facing her. Freen smiles back.

As they ride back, Freen gets lost in thought. Sitting behind Becky, arms around her, leaning close, she feels complete. Before long, they arrive back home.

Freen and Becky bond over redecorating the house. Becky loves every idea Freen suggests.

They paint and chat.

They rearrange the furniture and chat.

By the time they finish, both are exhausted. They sit outside, the cold wind blowing, tiny birds flying, as the sun begins to set, casting a mesmerizing shadow.

Freen enjoys the quiet. Just the two of them, sharing small sips of tea, feels comforting. But that comfort becomes overwhelming. No matter how good Becky is, she's still the woman her husband cheated on her with. Freen shouldn't enjoy her company. She shouldn't even be here. Abruptly, she stands up, startling Becky.