I Don't Belong To You

Chapter 10

She has no clue what she's doing here.

That's a lie.

Okay, well, she has no clue why she's been here so long.

Another lie.

She sighs. She knows exactly why she's here and exactly why she stayed.

Two days ago, she had heard in passing from her little brother that his teacher, Ms. Chankimha, had left early because she wasn't feeling well.

Becky had acknowledged it in her subconscious but hadn't started to worry until she had dropped him off at school today to find that yet again, he had a substitute teacher.

And she couldn't help but wonder…and worry about Freen. No, she may not be in love. She may not be looking for anything too serious. But she still has a heart.

And it has quite the soft spot for you, Ms. Chankimha.

She looks down at Freen sleeping peacefully.

Initially, she had been terrified when Freen had passed out, falling almost perfectly into her arms.

She had looked around, lost for a moment, with a limp Freen slumped against her before finally deciding to carry her in. She hoped against hope that no one had seen that series of events, only imagining how sketchy it looked.

She had carried Freen up the stairs and placed her in bed before calling her mother in a frenzy.

After describing all apparent symptoms, Rawee had explained that it sounded like an untreated flu.

The flood of relief that swam through her was impossible to ignore.

Her mother had instructed her to pump Freen full of cold & flu medicine and fluids and let her rest until she could see a doctor.

Two hours ago, that seemed like easy advice to follow. She had found some flu medicine in the very bag that Freen was holding but the longer she sleeps, the more concerned Becky becomes.

Becky: She's still asleep. Is that normal? Is she supposed to sleep this long?

Her mother responds almost immediately, as she always does.

Mom: Sweetheart, it's fine. In fact, it's great that she's sleeping so soundly. Would you rather she have trouble getting rest?

Becky: Okay. I guess that's fair.

Mom: The only thing you need to worry about is chills or a fever. Are either of those present?

She's laying on her stomach watching Freen's chest move as she breathes slowly. She leans forward to feel her forehead. It's a little warm but certainly not a fever.

Becky: No chills I don't think. And definitely no fever.

Mom: That's perfect. Just keep doing what you're doing and call if you need anything.

Becky nods firmly, feeling better after talking to her mother.

She sets her phone back on the nightstand and lays back down, facing Freen's sleeping frame.