When All Is Said And Done

Chapter Eleven: Moving Forward

Benny and Frida carried their breakfast into the living room, the sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the room. They settled on the sofa, their plates balanced on their laps, and began to eat, their bodies close and their movements in sync.

Benny looked over at Frida, his eyes filled with a tender affection. "You know, it's been so long since we've had a morning like this," he said, his voice soft.

Frida nodded her head, taking a bite of her toast. "It feels like a dream," she replied. "I never thought we'd find our way back to each other."

Benny reached over and took her hand, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. "I'm so glad we did. I don't want to waste any more time, Frida. I want to spend as much time with you as I can while we're here."

Frida smiled, her eyes misting with emotion. "I'd like that too, Benny. We have so much to catch up on, and I'd love to do that with you."

Benny squeezed her hand gently, his gaze was fixed on her. "I want to know everything about your life now. What makes you happy, what you dream about. I want to get to know you all over again."

Frida's heart swelled at his words. "And I want to know everything about you, Benny. I've missed you so much."

They ate in comfortable silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. Benny broke the silence, his voice full of hope. "How about we start with a walk around the island today? There are so many beautiful places I'd love to show you. This isn't my first time in Mallorca you know!"

Frida's face lit up. "I'd love that. It's been a while since I've explored the island. It'll be like an adventure."

Benny chuckled. "An adventure sounds perfect. We can take our time, no rush. Just enjoy being together."

Frida nodded, her smile warm. "That sounds wonderful. I've been so caught up in everything that I haven't taken the time to just... be."

"Well," Benny said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "today is all about us. No distractions, no interruptions."

Frida leaned in and kissed his cheek, her lips lingering for a moment. "I like the sound of that."

They finished their breakfast, the conversation flowing easily between them. Benny talked about his music, the new compositions he was working on, and the joy he found in creating. Frida shared stories of her time in Mallorca, the friends she had made, and the peace she had found on the island. As they spoke, the connection between them deepened, their words weaving a tapestry of shared memories and new beginnings. Benny couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how natural it felt to be with Frida again, as if no time had passed at all.

"You know," Benny said, his voice tinged with wonder, "I still can't believe you're here with me. It feels like a second chance... I always hoped for that but I never thought it would truly come."

Frida smiled, her eyes shining with emotion. "It is a second chance, Benny. And I don't want to take it for granted, and neither should you. Everything has to be different this time if we can even try to make a new beginning together."

Benny nodded, his expression serious. "Neither do I. I want to cherish every moment with you, Frida. I want to show you how much I've changed, how much I still love you."

Frida's heart ached with a mixture of love and longing. "I can see that, Benny. And I want to believe in us again. It'll take time, but I'm willing to try."

Benny's eyes softened, and he brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her fingers. "That's all I can ask for."

As they stood to clear their plates, Benny looked at Frida with a playful grin. "Ready for our adventure?"