Chasing Her || FreenBecky [Completed]

Chapter 36

Sleep eluded me entirely, haunted by the thought of my brother being with Faye. Their secretive behavior, along with Faye's cryptic words, gnawed at my mind. He persistently called Faye, and in the background, she uttered, "Tell her." Tell me what? Was Mew concealing something from me? Could he be hiding his true feelings, even lying about being in love with a man? It was utterly perplexing.

I rose from bed, seeking solace in the cool night air. My restless thoughts refused to grant me reprieve. As the air brushed against my skin, a sense of refreshment washed over me. Perhaps all I needed was to exhale deeply.

"Why are you out here?" Becky's voice startled me from behind, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She stood draped in black and red satin sleepwear, adorned with a matching robe.

"Just pondering. What about you? Why are you still awake?" I inquired.

"I woke up and you weren't beside me." She wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her head on my shoulder. "Is something troubling you?"

"Nothing," I lied. I didn't want to broach the topic of Faye again; Becky was already jealous and convinced Faye had feelings for me. I didn't want to exacerbate her concerns.

I guided Becky back to her room, tucking her into bed. Before I could slip away, she grasped my arm, pulling me into a tight embrace. My heart raced unexpectedly at the gesture.

"I know something's bothering you," she insisted, her gaze innocent. "You know you can always confide in me."

"I promise, it's nothing. It doesn't concern us, so don't worry," I reassured her with a smile, gently running my fingers through her hair as she clung to my arm.

Deciding to stay by her side, I lay down beside her, holding her close to quell her inquiries. She needed rest, and I didn't want to burden her with my own troubles.

"My parents will be here early tomorrow. I want to introduce you to them," she mentioned.

"What if they don't approve of me?" I voiced my concern. "I have nothing to offer, Becky. I'm not on your level."

"I'm the one who loves you, so their opinion doesn't matter," she whispered, securing my arms around her waist. "Let's get some sleep."

***

The morning arrived, and instead of heading to school, I remained at Becky's house to meet her family. They arrived early, and her brother's gaze bore into me, filled with suspicion.

"Please, have a seat," he offered, his tone chilly. "I wasn't aware Becky had friends."

"She's not just a friend," Becky interjected, thanking the maid who served her. "She's my girlfriend."

Her father choked on his food, and the maids rushed to his aid, offering water. The shock was palpable, and even I couldn't meet their eyes.

"I think it's best if I leave," her father declared, rising from his seat. But Becky continued eating, unfazed by her parents' imminent departure. I dared a glance at them, but like Becky, Richie remained seated.

"Let's go home, Richie," their mother urged, but Richie stayed put. "Are you staying here?"

"I can't blame Becky, Mom," he spoke up, calmly continuing his meal. "You're the reason she's like this."

"What do you mean?" their mother exclaimed.

"You abandoned her, and she found love elsewhere," he stated bluntly. "I won't scold her for falling in love with a woman. Besides, I know this girl. She's an exemplary student, a council president, and a high achiever."

"And?" his father pressed. "What do your parents do?" he directed the question at me.

Becky dropped her utensils, locking eyes with her parents. "If you want to leave, then leave."

"We came here to reconcile with you, Becky. We can't believe you'd choose that woman over us. Don't you want to come home with us?" her mother implored.

"She's going home with you," I intervened.

Both Becky and Richie turned to me, surprised.

"Who said that?" Becky questioned, her brow furrowed. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here with Freen."

I rose, gesturing for Becky to follow me upstairs for a private conversation. Locking the door behind us, she regarded me with a fierce glare.

"Freen, we've only been dating for a week! Just a week, do you hear me?" Becky exclaimed.

"They're trying to reconcile with you. You've wanted their attention, right? Now they're willing to give it to you!" I countered.

"I don't need their attention anymore. I have you. You're enough," Becky asserted.

"I can't offer you anything, Becky. Can't you see that?" I questioned.

"Did I ask for anything?" she shot back, frustration evident.

"This discussion is over, Becky. Go back to your parents."

It pained me to make this decision, but I couldn't stand in the way of her reuniting with her family. I didn't want to hinder her from receiving the attention she so desperately craved. Besides, our relationship was still in its infancy.

"But if I go back, I'll lose you, Freen," Becky halted me in my tracks, enveloping me in a tight embrace from behind. "I want you in my future."

"Then let's meet in the future," I suggested, gently extricating myself from her grasp. However, Becky pinned me against the wall, her eyes ablaze with fury. This wasn't the gentle, innocent Becky I knew; she seemed like an entirely different person.

"Don't push me away, Freen. I've been chasing you from the start. Don't push me away now," she warned.

"I'm trying to do what's best, Becky. This isn't just about us. If your parents can't accept me, what can I do? Should I change who I am for you? You deserve better."

"Can you be better for me?" she pleaded, holding back tears.

"I don't love you that much," I lied. In reality, I loved her with every fiber of my being. But I couldn't bear to stand in the way of her reconciliation with her family.