The Unspoken Currents

The Unseen Corners

The smell of grilled meat and the distant murmur of laughter greeted Freen as she stood on the threshold of Becky's backyard. This wasn't her usual scene—large gatherings, smiling faces, and the buzz of people mingling effortlessly. Yet here she was, stepping into a world that felt both surreal and strangely familiar, all because Becky had asked her to.

Becky's family barbecue was in full swing, with clusters of guests scattered around the yard, engaged in animated conversations. Freen took a slow breath, trying to steel herself for the onslaught of social interactions. She wasn't used to this, the warmth and casual elegance that seemed to permeate every corner of Becky's life. It was as though she'd stepped into another world—one where everything appeared perfect on the surface.

"Come on," Becky said, giving her a reassuring smile and a gentle tug on the arm. "You'll be fine. Everyone's really nice. Plus, there's a whole buffet table of food."

Freen gave a small, appreciative smile, though inside, a knot of anxiety tightened. She followed Becky through the crowd, noticing how everyone's eyes seemed to follow Becky, offering smiles and waves. Becky returned each one with the perfect blend of warmth and poise, but Freen could sense the subtle shift in her demeanor, the way her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Freen wondered how many times Becky had done this—put on a show for the sake of others, hiding what she truly felt.

"Freen, this is my mom," Becky said, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Mom, this is Freen, the friend I've been telling you about."

Mrs. Armstrong turned towards them with a smile that could have lit up the whole backyard. She was impeccably dressed, her hair styled perfectly, and her posture straight and graceful. The epitome of a perfect hostess.

"Freen, it's so lovely to finally meet you," she said, extending her hand with a warmth that felt almost rehearsed. "Becky has told me so much about you."

Freen shook her hand, managing a polite smile. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Armstrong." The warmth of her tone was almost too perfect, like something practiced for these exact situations.

Becky's mother glanced at Becky, her eyes softening. "I'm glad you could make it. Becky has been looking forward to this all week." There was a hint of expectation in her voice, a suggestion that Becky should be playing the role of the enthusiastic daughter.

Freen noticed the way Becky's shoulders tensed slightly at her mother's words, the subtle shift in her gaze as she looked away for a split second. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture, but Freen caught it. She had grown accustomed to reading Becky's unspoken words, the little signs that hinted at more beneath the surface. This was more than just a family barbecue—this was another performance for Becky, another role she was expected to play.

"Thanks for having me," Freen replied, trying to ignore the strange undercurrent in the interaction. There was something unsettling about how perfect everything seemed, as if any imperfection would disrupt the delicate balance of this world.

"Well, enjoy yourselves," Mrs. Armstrong said, her smile not wavering. "There's plenty of food, and if you need anything, just let me know." With that, she drifted away to attend to other guests, leaving Becky and Freen standing there in the midst of the perfectly manicured gathering. For a moment, they watched as Mrs. Armstrong moved gracefully among the guests, each interaction as smooth and polished as the last. Freen couldn't help but wonder how much of it was genuine and how much was just for show.

"You okay?" Freen asked quietly, glancing at Becky.

Becky sighed, her smile faltering slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... these things can be a bit much sometimes."

Freen nodded, sensing there was more to it than just the crowd. But before she could say anything, Becky's face brightened with an idea.

"Want to escape to the library?" she suggested with a mischievous grin. "It's quieter there, and besides, I have something I want to show you."