How to be loved

21 - I've got a secret

HOW TO BE LOVED

21 - I've got a secret

Becky sat at a cozy outdoor table of the charming city café, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on her. She sipped her coffee and turned the pages of her book, fully immersed in the story. The soft hum of conversations and the clinking of cups created a comforting background noise, adding to the tranquility of the moment.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed a figure approaching. A young woman with an easy smile and confident demeanor stopped by her table.

"Hi there," she began, her voice smooth and inviting. "I couldn't help but notice you. You have a really captivating smile."

Becky looked up, her eyes meeting the woman's. She returned the smile, polite but reserved. "Thank you. That's very kind of you to say."

The woman pulled up a chair and sat down without waiting for an invitation. "I'm Alex," she said, extending her hand. "I was wondering if I could get your number. Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime?"

Becky's smile remained, but it didn't reach her eyes. She shook her head gently. "I appreciate the offer, Alex, but I'm not looking for anything right now. I hope you understand."

Alex's smile faltered, but she pressed on. "Are you sure? I mean, it's just coffee. We could talk more, get to know each other better. You seem really interesting."

Becky's polite smile turned firmer. "I'm sure. Thank you, though."

Alex sighed, clearly reluctant to give up. "Well, if you ever change your mind, I'll be around."

As Alex walked away, Becky returned to her book, the brief interruption already fading from her mind. Moments later, Freen appeared, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she slid into the seat Alex had vacated.

"Let me guess," Freen said with a grin, "another one trying their luck?"

Becky chuckled, closing her book. "Yep."

Freen laughed, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "That makes it seven for this month alone. Excluding Mitch from Dior's marketing team, who doesn't seem to back out."

Becky shrugged, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Oh, who's counting? And I've rejected her too, twice actually."

"I am. I will count until you finally love again," Freen responded. "And well, Mitch doesn't seem to mind your rejection."

Yes, Freen had been counting, acutely aware of her own feelings, but she kept them carefully hidden, respecting the time Becky needed to heal. She knew she liked Becky, but she thought it wasn't the right time, nor was she ready, nor was Becky ready.

"Huh! Not happening. Love is not for me. Told you, this girl right here"—Becky pointed at herself—"cannot be loved. I've accepted that. Especially by someone like Mitch; she just needs a casual girl in her life. Now let's go."

Hearing those words, Freen felt a pinch in her heart. She didn't believe that. Not at all. She knew Becky deserved all the love. But she didn't know how to make her believe it.

They had spent countless days together, their conversations flowing effortlessly, sharing stories, dreams, and quiet moments. Freen cherished these moments, her heart both hopeful and hesitant, as she observed Becky's journey from heartbreak. She had been there to lend a shoulder, a comforting word, or a simple, heartfelt presence. But as time passed, Freen couldn't deny the growing affection she felt. Especially when people like Mitch showed interest in Becky. She wished she could express her feelings, but she struggled with the fear of disrupting the delicate balance of their relationship or if she could give the love Becky needed to believe that she was meant and deserving of love.