How to be loved

18 - Tired of hiding

HOW TO BE LOVED

18 – Tired of hiding!

It was almost ten in the evening, and the trio was still wide awake. As they neared their destination, Freen felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It had been a while since she had been home, and she was eager to see her mom and share the good news about her recent career achievements.

"Almost there," the driver announced, bringing everyone out of their conversations.

Freen looked out the window, recognizing the familiar landmarks of her hometown. She felt a rush of emotions—nostalgia, love, and anticipation.

The van pulled up in front of Freen's family home, a charming house with a well-tended garden.

"I'll open the gates," Nam exclaimed, stepping down from the van.

"You can park just right here. It's a safe place, don't worry," Freen instructed the driver.

Becky and Freen stepped down from the van and headed towards Nam, who was now waiting for them at the door.

"My mother is surely asleep now, so move silently," Freen said.

Nam nodded and turned the knob silently, but then a striking light blinded her, followed by deafening screams.

"Thieves!!! Help us!!" voices screamed.

The trio panicked, especially Freen. "Hey, hey, hey, it's us! It's me, Mama!"

"Everyone stop!" A voice towered above everyone else's. "It's Freen... my daughter."

Freen hurried into the house and embraced her mom tightly. "Yes, it's me, Mama. I missed you."

"I missed you too, sweetheart," Mama Nun replied, her voice filled with warmth.

"I was the one blinded and screamed at. Don't I get a hug too, Mama?" Nam interjected, pouting.

Mama Nun chuckled and reached out to hug Nam. "Of course, Nam. You always get a hug, you're also my daughter after all."

Nam beamed and returned the hug with enthusiasm. "I missed you, Mama."

"Oh, um... hi!" Everyone looked at the voice. "S-still here," Becky said hesitantly.

Freen chuckled at Becky's awkward cuteness. "And who's this beautifully handsome lady that we have here?" Nun asked.

"She's my boss, Mama... and also a friend. Her name is Becky," Freen said, standing beside Becky and holding her arm. "Becky, meet my mother, Nun."

"H-hi, I'm Rebecca Patricia Armstrong, but you can call me Becky. Nice to meet you, ma'am," Becky said respectfully, even bowing her head slightly.

Mama Nun smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Becky. Any friend of Freen's is welcome here."

"Thank you, ma'am," Becky replied, visibly relieved and touched by the warm welcome.

"Come in, come in," Mama Nun ushered them all inside. "You must be tired from the long drive. Let's get you settled."

As they entered the cozy home, Freen felt a wave of comfort and familiarity wash over her. Becky looked around, taking in the warm, inviting atmosphere.

"It's already late for a travel, but this is a happy surprise," Freen's mother declared as she led them to the living room, gesturing for Freen's small cousins to go to their own rooms.

"Mama Nun, we wanted to be here for your birthday," Nam exclaimed.

"A few more hours, Mom, and we get to celebrate," Freen said, hugging her mother.