How to be loved

8 - We can be friends!

HOW TO BE LOVED

8 – We can be friends!

Becky felt defeated, her head bowed, staring at the sink's counter, trying desperately to stem the tide of tears threatening to overwhelm her. The dimly lit restroom provided a semblance of privacy, but she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a handkerchief being extended towards her. She hesitated, not wanting to acknowledge the gesture, not wanting to expose her raw emotions to anyone else. But the kindness in the gesture tugged at her heartstrings.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of the restroom's ventilation.

The handkerchief didn't retract. Instead, the person offering it spoke again, their voice gentle yet insistent.

"Please, take it. Keep it. Like the other one you have from me," said the voice, which sounded familiar, piquing Becky's curiosity.

She wiped away her tears with trembling hands and cautiously glanced up at the mirror, her gaze meeting the eyes of the stranger.

Recognition dawned slowly. It was Freen, the model from their previous project. Embarrassment flooded Becky's senses, mingling with gratitude and confusion.

"If you're embarrassed, don't be. You may be the head, the manager, but you're also human. It's okay to cry," Freen offered a reassuring smile, meeting Becky's gaze in the mirror.

Becky managed a weak smile in return, her defenses crumbling under the weight of Freen's understanding.

Becky remained silent, having no energy to argue. "Anything that I could help you with?" Freen asked softly. Still, Becky was silent, so Freen continued, "Do you need a friend to talk to?" she offered softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Becky chuckled at the word "Friend." The word may mean different for Freen, but to her it's her girlfriend's name, who's now the cause of her pain beyond measure and the mere mention reminded her of the betrayal of her lover.

Freen was a bit surprised by the chuckle—offended, even. "Okay, I guess you couldn't see me worthy as a friend. At least take the handkerchief," then she turned to walk out of the restroom.

"Wait," Rebecca finally spoke up, "you said, the other one, what do you mean?"

Freen turned to face her fully, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "You don't remember? I saw you crying in a restroom before, just like tonight. And I offered you a handkerchief then too." Her voice was tinged with sadness, a reflection of the shared vulnerability between them.

Becky clearly realized and remembered the moment Freen just mentioned. "Oh yeah, I remember now," she softly said.

"Oh okay," Freen responded.

"That's why you looked familiar," Becky continued, "Thanks for this," finally getting the handkerchief Freen placed on the counter for her, "for the second time around."

Freen smiled at Becky's action. "You're welcome. Now, I'll leave you to it," she said and turned towards the door.

But then Becky reached for Freen's hand. Both of them were caught off guard by Becky's action.

"I'm... I'm sorry for grabbing you," Becky said, her voice trembling. "It's just that..."

"Hmm? Just what?" Freen asked, waiting for Becky's words.

"Can you walk with me?" Becky finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

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Freen hesitated for a moment, studying Becky's earnest expression. Finally, she nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Of course," she replied, falling into step beside Becky as they made their way out of the restroom and towards the shore few meters at the front of the bar, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the sand filling the night air.