Becky stared at the gate of Freen's house, her heart was pounding rapidly and loudly, making her feel like it was about to beat right out of her chest anytime.
She heaved a heavy sigh, lifting her trembling hand to attempt to ring the doorbell.
With her eyes closed, she finally did.
Minutes passed, with her head hanging low, her heart pounding so hard on her chest, she felt like fainting. Was it excitement? Was it fear? Or was it longing that she felt inside? She had no idea. All she knows is she wanted to see Freen and their Jisoo. She missed them both so much.
Nervousness is an understatement for what she is feeling right now. She can literally feel her heart in her throat. It's like she would vomit anytime, because of how hard it was beating.
To be honest, she has been rehearsing what she would tell Freen since the day she had an 'okay' from her doctor to go back to Thailand. She knew that the life that she's going back to now has no assurance. She is actually not even sure if she still has a life to go back to, but she has to try. The days that she was far from them made her realize more how much she loves and longs for them.
Becky just wishes that Freen would open the door and let her in, let her explain everything-why she had to leave, why she stayed away for so long. She knew it wouldn't be easy, and Freen had every right to be angry, but Becky had to try. She couldn't bear the thought of losing them-of losing Jisoo.
The door creaked open, and Becky's heart skipped a beat, expecting to see Freen. But instead, it was Faye, Freen's older sister, standing there with a look of surprise. In her arms was Jisoo, head on her aunt's shoulder, obviously still sleepy.
"Becky?" Faye's voice was laced with shock and relief. "You're back?"
Becky's eyes immediately filled with tears at the sight of Jisoo. "Faye... I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to just show up like this. Is Freen home?"
Faye shook her head, stepping aside to let Becky in. "No, she's out looking for you with some of our friends. She's been worried sick ever since she found out that you left your family's mansion."
Becky's heart clenched with guilt. She had no idea Freen had been searching for her. She walked into the house slowly, her eyes never leaving Jisoo, who was now beginning to stir in Faye's arms. The baby blinked up at Becky with wide, curious eyes, and Becky felt her heart swell with a mix of love and regret.
"She's gotten so big," Becky whispered, her voice trembling. "Can I... can I hold her?"
Faye smiled gently and nodded, carefully transferring Jisoo into Becky's waiting arms. As soon as she felt the familiar weight of her daughter, Becky's tears spilled over. She hugged Jisoo close, her hand gently cradling the back of her head as she pressed her lips to the baby's soft hair.
"I've missed you so much, my sweet girl," Becky whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here..."
Jisoo made a soft cooing sound, her tiny hand reaching up to grasp Becky's finger. The simple gesture nearly broke Becky's heart. She couldn't believe how much she had missed in the months she was away, and it tore her apart knowing that she had missed so many precious moments with her daughter.
Faye watched them quietly, giving Becky the space she needed to reconnect with Jisoo. After a few minutes, she spoke up softly. "Freen's been through a lot, Becky. She didn't understand why you left, because you didn't even say goodbye. She kept on blaming herself, and it's been really hard on her."
Becky looked up at Faye, guilt and pain evident in her eyes. "I know. I should have handled everything differently. I thought I was doing what's right, but I was just being selfish. I didn't want her to reject me again. I wanted to keep my distance so they wouldn't have to see me struggle... but I see now that I just made things worse."
Faye nodded, her expression compassionate but firm. "You was hurt by the thought of losing you, Becky. And she's been doing everything she can to hold it together for Jisoo. And she never stopped looking for you. Please, Becky. Please, tell me, are staying this time?"
"I am," Becky said quickly, her voice full of conviction. "I'm not going anywhere, Faye. I'm going to do whatever it takes to make things right."
Faye gave her a small, encouraging smile. "I believe you. And I know Freen will too, once she sees you."
Becky nodded, determination settling in her chest. She looked down at Jisoo, who had fallen asleep in her arms, and gently rocked her. "When will Freen be back?"
"She should be home soon," Faye said, glancing at the clock. "I'll call her and let her know you're here."
Becky's heart raced at the thought of seeing Freen again, of finally having the chance to explain everything and ask for her forgiveness. As Faye stepped aside to make the call, Becky sat down on the couch with Jisoo, holding her close and silently promising that she would never leave them again.
Minutes later, the door opened, and Becky looked up to see Freen standing there, breathless and wide-eyed as she took in the sight of Becky holding their daughter. Freen's eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions - shock, relief, and something else that Becky couldn't quite place.
Seeing how the two surely had a lot to talk about, Faye quietly exited the the house to give them privacy.
"Becky..." Freen's voice was barely a whisper, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Becky stood up slowly, Jisoo still cradled in her arms, and took a tentative step toward Freen. "I'm here, Freen," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Freen's eyes filled with tears as she closed the distance between them, her hands reaching out to gently touch Jisoo's cheek before pulling Becky and their daughter into a tight embrace. For a long moment, they just held each other, the weight of their separation melting away as they finally found their way back to each other.
"I've missed you so much," Freen whispered, her voice breaking as she buried her face in Becky's shoulder. "I was so scared you wouldn't come back."
"I'm so sorry. I'm so---"
"No. Oh, no. No. No, Becky. Do not apologize, please. It's not your fault. This is all on me. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Oh God! I just can't imagine what you had to go through alone. I was so afraid, bb. I thought I lost you. I thought I'll never find you again." Freen was now sobbing, with her forehead resting on the younger girl's, one hand secured gently on the back of her head and the other on her hip.
"It's okay, Freenky. Please, stop crying. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere this time." The two of them melted in the embrace, silently basking in the familiar warmth that they missed so much, their hearts beating together as one.
"I'm here," Becky repeated, her own tears flowing freely as she held onto Freen and Jisoo as tightly as she could. "I'm home."
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Sorry for being MIA. Hope this can make up to it. 😛
