How to be loved

30 - Rain stopped falling

HOW TO BE LOVED

30 – Rain stopped falling

Freen pulls the car to a gentle stop in front of Becky's condo, her hands gripping the steering wheel as if letting go of it would mean letting go of something much more significant. The weekend getaway had been everything she didn't know she needed—relaxing, fun, and filled with moments that brought her closer to Becky in ways she hadn't anticipated. But now, the end of their time together feels like an abrupt halt in a story that neither of them is ready to close.

Becky sits in the passenger seat, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her phone. She's aware of the proximity to her front door, just a few steps away, but she can't bring herself to leave the warm, comforting space of Freen's car. The weekend had been magical, with each moment shared creating a connection she hadn't expected to find, especially not with Freen. The thought of stepping out and back into her routine feels strangely lonely now.

The silence between them isn't awkward, but rather, it's filled with the weight of what neither knows how to say. Freen's heart beats a little faster, the words she wants to speak tangled up with uncertainty. She sneaks a glance at Becky, who seems equally lost in thought, her lips curved in a soft smile as she gazes out the window.

Finally, Freen breaks the silence, her voice softer than usual, laced with a hint of hesitation. "So... I guess this is it?" She tries to sound casual, but there's an unmistakable note of reluctance in her tone.

Becky turns to face her, her eyes bright with an emotion that mirrors Freen's own. "Yeah," she replies, her voice just as soft. "Back to reality, I suppose." But neither of them makes a move to end the moment, as if prolonging it could somehow hold back the end of the weekend.

Freen's hand hovers over the gearshift, but she doesn't shift into park. Instead, she lets out a small sigh, the kind that carries with it all the things she's too shy to say out loud. "You know," she starts, her words carefully chosen, "we don't have to end it just yet."

Becky's heart skips a beat, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" she asks, her voice filled with cautious hope.

Freen turns to look at her fully, her eyes softening with a smile. "I mean... it's still early. We could... I don't know, grab a coffee, or maybe just take a walk? If you're not too tired, that is."

Becky feels a flutter of happiness at the suggestion, the warmth spreading through her chest. "I'd love that," she answers, her smile growing wider. "I'm not ready for it to end either."

Freen's smile mirrors Becky's, the relief evident in her eyes. "Great! There's this cute little café a few blocks away. They have the best hot chocolate, and I know how much you like it."

Becky's eyes light up, a playful twinkle in them. "You noticed that, huh?"

Freen chuckles, her gaze softening even more. "I notice a lot of things about you."

There's a brief pause, the air between them charged with the unspoken connection that's been building all weekend. Becky's cheeks flush slightly at the comment, a mixture of shyness and happiness bubbling up inside her. "You're pretty observant, Freen."

"Only when it comes to people I care about," Freen replies, her voice gentle yet sincere.

Becky's heart melts at the words, the butterflies in her stomach dancing with joy. "I guess that makes me lucky then," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Freen's heart swells at Becky's words, the urge to do something more, to be closer, almost overwhelming. But for now, she's content with the shared smiles, the gentle teasing.