When All Is Said And Done

Chapter Two: Echoes Of Yesterday

Benny asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and cautious hope. His eyes, those mesmerizing eyes that had once captured her heart, searched her face for answers.

Frida took a breath, steadying herself. "I've been...good. Busy. You know how it is." She offered a small, rueful smile, her eyes softening as she gazed at him. Was that too cold? Too sharp? She thought to herself. She couldn't help but notice her own hesitation in her voice. Quickly she attempted to soften her tone a little, "And you? Are you still composing every day? You know, even after all these years I could instantly recognise that this song was one of your own."

A flicker of a smile played on Benny's lips. "I've been travelling a lot in places I never thought I'd see." He paused, a shadow of something unspoken passing across his features. "But it's not the same without you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Frida's heart ached at the implication, the years of separation and the loss of their shared dreams pressing down on her. She had missed him more than she cared to admit, had felt his absence like a phantom pain that never quite left, but she had never forgotten the intensity of the heartbreak he thrust upon her when he cheated. She remained there looking at him without a word. She wanted her silence to speak for her and in this precise moment, it did just that. How do you presume to find those words appropriate after all this time? After all you did? She thought to herself. She allowed her expression to soften a little and she gave him a knowing look.

Benny held her gaze. His expression a mixture of relief and longing. "I admit, I had hoped that maybe you felt the same as I did... about our time apart... about what could have and should have been..."

Frida swallowed hard, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. "Every day," she admitted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But life...it has a way of pulling you in different directions. A betrayal will do that to you." She instantly felt a feeling of self pride for not allowing herself to immediately cave in to emotions and let Benny see her vulnerable. Yes, 10 years had passed by, but the pain of his actions remained.

Before Benny could respond, a woman in a striking red gown approached, her smile bright and her eyes curious. "Benny, darling, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you." She glanced at Frida, her smile faltering for a split second before she extended a hand. "I'm Lydia, a friend of Benny's. We've been working together on his album, haven't we honey?" Lydia glanced at Benny, his expression now glazed with embarrassment he was desperately trying to hide. He looked down and said... "Yes... Frida, this is Lydia. She's... well, she's my-"

"Come on, love! Let's get another drink and have that dance, shall we?" Lydia tugged his arm with a smile beaming across her face. She was of a similar height to Frida, with a dainty figure and a bright smile. Her golden blonde hair flicked across her shoulder as she gave Frida a playful wave and a smile before leading Benny away. Before he could move further, in the second before he departed from that bubble with Frida... he gave her a look that would stay with her that night. He looked at her with regret in his eyes... but still, he walked away.

The night air felt cool and crisp as Frida stood on the terrace, the city lights twinkling in the distance. Inside, the sounds of laughter and music from the gala continued unabated, but out here, it was peaceful. She wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort in the solitude.

Görel, Frida's best friend and confidante, approached her with a concerned look. Görel's golden blonde hair blew softly in the evening breeze as she handed Frida a fresh glass of champagne and leaned against the railing.

"Frida, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?" Görel asked, her tone gentle yet probing, her eyes searching Frida's for the answer.

Frida took a sip of the champagne, the bubbles tickling her nose. She sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her emotions. "I saw Benny tonight. We talked."

Görel's eyes widened with surprise. "Benny? He's here? I didn't even know he was in town. He told me he was visiting Björn in London"

Frida nodded, her gaze distant. "Neither did I. It was a shock, to say the least."

Görel studied her friend closely. "What did he say? How are you feeling about it?"

Frida took a deep breath, the painful memories surfacing with a clarity that was almost cruel. "Everything came flooding back, Görel. The good, the bad, every memory came back in waves. We made beautiful music together, and for a while, everything was perfect. But then..."

She trailed off, the words catching in her throat. Frida looked down at her glass, a feeling of embarrassment, almost shame, came over her. She hated that. She hated the way his betrayal made her feel, even now. And yet, she couldn't help but be intrigued by a feeling of wanting more than that brief interaction with him that she just had. So much had gone unsaid, and unresolved feelings had already started to resurface.

Frida's voice grew quieter, tinged with bitterness. "Then he threw it all away. Not just our professional dreams, but our personal relationship too. He cheated on me, Görel. Even now the pain is raw just from seeing him again"

Görel's eyes flashed with anger. "I know, my dear. I can never forget how it pulled your life apart... You were devastated. That broke my heart too"

Görel reached out, placing a comforting hand on Frida's arm. "You had every right to feel that way. What he did was beyond cruel. But what did he say now? What does he want?"

Frida looked down at her glass, swirling the liquid absentmindedly. "He says he wishes things had happened differently. That he's thought about his actions every day since. I think he wants another chance, Görel."

Görel's eyes narrowed, her protective instincts kicking in. "And do you believe him? If that's what he wanted, do you think he deserves that chance?"

Frida shook her head, conflicted. "I don't know. Part of me wants to believe he's sincere, that he could've changed. But another part of me is terrified of getting hurt again."

Görel sighed, her expression softening. "It's a lot to take in, I get that. But you need to think about what's best for you, Frida. You've worked so hard to build your career and your life after what happened. You deserve happiness and peace. You need to decide if it is truly in your best interests to have him in your life in any capacity. Even just a little chat has shaken you... What do you think that tells you?"

Frida leaned against the railing, the weight of her friend's words sinking in. "You're right. I've spent so long trying to move on, trying to forget him. And now, he's back, stirring up everything I've tried to bury."

Görel smiled gently. "Maybe this is an opportunity for closure. To finally put the past behind you, even if that means walking away for good. But whatever you decide, I'll be here for you."

Frida looked at Görel, gratitude filling her heart. "Thank you, Görel. Your support means the world to me."

Görel pulled her into a warm embrace. "Always, Frida. Now, let's get back to the party. You deserve to enjoy tonight, no matter what."