When All Is Said And Done

Chapter Six: A Moment Of Truth

Benny's heart raced as he looked into Frida's piercing, beautiful eyes. "Frida, what are you doing here? I was about to come to you. You'll miss your flight."

She shook her head, a determined look settling on her face. "Benny, there's something more important to me than catching that flight right away. We need to talk."

Without another word, Benny gestured with his hand towards the studio and they moved back inside, this the early morning light filtering through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. The intimacy of the space seemed almost overwhelming now, filled with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

Frida took a deep breath, steadying herself. She needed to be strong, and she knew she could do it. It was well within her power to confront the man who had caused her so much pain, and now was her opportunity. "Benny, I'm here because I simply can't wait around to make my feelings clear. Last night, having the conversation with you, taking our walk... When we..." Frida's voice trailed off as she spoke. She took caution not to seem weak in front of him, she didn't want that. She continued, "If you think that you can call me here, put on your charms, kiss me and expect that we can just pick things up like they were, you're wrong. It's completely unrealistic. You can't play with my emotions like that and I certainly can't just jump back into anything with you Benny. I won't. I need answers. I need to understand why you cheated on me. I need to understand why you think it's ok to try to dive into my life again when so much time has passed us by."

Benny looked at her, his eyes filled with regret. "Frida, in my heart I know that there is no excuse for my actions. Everything I did, it was inexcusable. I've spent so many years wondering how I would explain it to you, but it was honestly a moment of weakness. In those days, I felt like I was powerful, untouchable even. The success that we had... it made me cocky. My attitude became toxic and I recognise that in hindsight. I lost sight of what was important and I was weak enough to give in to temptation with another woman, and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I destroyed our relationship for the sake of a shortlived fling and I know that I destroyed your feelings in the process. Every day, my guilt reminds me."

Frida's gaze towards him hardened, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. Did he honestly just say that?  "A moment of weakness? Benny, do you have any idea how your betrayal affected me? You shattered my trust, my sense of self-worth. I spent years trying to understand why I wasn't enough for you. Every day, I woke up feeling like I had failed, like I was somehow to blame for YOU cheating on ME." Her words echoed through the room, her voice raised. For a moment, there was total silence. Her words hung in the air.

Her words cut Benny deep, each one a sharp reminder of the pain he had caused. He knew he deserved every second of this moment and he truly felt ashamed for that. Benny felt his chest tighten, guilt washing over him. "Frida, I know I hurt you. I can't even begin to apologize for the damage I did. An apology... it just isn't enough to fix it, I know that."

Frida shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's not just about the apology, Benny. It's about you understanding that I never needed you in all this time. I built a life without you. I found my own strength, my own path. A kiss and a moment of weakness last night don't change how I feel. My trust in you is shattered." Frida looked down, her heart was heavy but she felt relief that she could vent her frustration and her anger like this. The only person she had ever expressed these feelings to was her best friend, Görel. Saying them to Benny, in his space, his studio, his environment, it felt like a relief for her. A weight was being lifted from her shoulders, even if the moment itself felt as heavy as a ton of bricks.

Benny tried to reach for her hand, but this time she pulled away, her resolve firm. "You say you've changed, but how can I believe that? Why didn't you make any effort to reach out to me in these past ten years?"