Ode To Freedom

Fem

"Are you feeling alright?" Agnetha asked softly, her brow furrowing with concern as she took in the pallor of Frida's face. "You seem a little shaken." Worry etched across her features, she reached out, her hand gently brushing Frida's forehead, searching for any hint of a fever.

"I'm fine," Frida replied, her tone weary, almost dismissive. "I just need a drink." Her voice was flat, but she made her way to the bar with purpose. "Something strong, please," she added, her composure returning momentarily.

In that moment, Filippa stumbled over, clearly tipsy, laughter bubbling up as she twirled in delight. "Mom!" she exclaimed, giggling. "This is the best party ever!" She took another carefree sip of champagne, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I'm glad, love," Frida said, forcing a smile as she watched Filippa twirl away, her daughter's laughter ringing in her ears. The festive scene around her—the shimmering lights, the music, the joyful chatter—felt distant, as if she were observing it all from behind a fog. Agnetha remained close, concern still etched on her face.

"Are you really okay?" Agnetha pressed, her voice soft yet insistent. Frida blinked, as if shaking herself from a daze.

"I'm fine," she repeated, her tone firmer this time. She took a long sip from her drink, the alcohol burning its way down her throat, though it did little to quell the storm brewing inside her. "It's just... a lot."

Agnetha regarded her knowingly, stepping closer. "It's about Benny, isn't it?"

Frida felt her stomach clench. She hesitated, her gaze drifting to where Benny stood across the room, laughing with some guests. Since the kiss they shared earlier, he hadn't approached her, but his presence loomed heavily in the air. "I don't know what you're talking about," Frida replied quietly, turning her gaze back to Agnetha. Yet the lack of conviction in her words was unmistakable.

Agnetha sighed, placing a gentle hand on Frida's arm. "You don't have to pretend with me, Frida. I've known you both too long. I saw the way he looked at you earlier, and I know you felt it too."

Frida's breath hitched in her throat. She stared at Agnetha, torn between relief and fear at being so easily read. "It's complicated," she finally whispered, her voice barely rising above the music.

"Isn't it always?" Agnetha replied softly. She squeezed Frida's arm in a gesture of comfort before releasing her grip.

Before Frida could respond, Filippa reappeared, this time dragging Jonathan along, both of them slightly exhausted but filled with laughter. "Mom! You have to come dance with us!" Filippa insisted, tugging at Frida's hand and pulling her toward the dance floor. Initially resisting, Frida glanced back at Agnetha, who offered an encouraging nod. With a reluctant sigh, Frida let herself be drawn into the swirling crowd, her body moving to the beat while her mind remained elsewhere.

As Frida danced with Filippa, her daughter's carefree laughter surrounded them, but even in the midst of the lively music and celebration, she couldn't shake the heavy feeling in her chest. Her gaze flitted across the room, landing on Benny, who stood near the bar with a glass in hand, looking away from her. Normally, his smile could light up the darkest corners, but tonight, his face was inscrutable, devoid of warmth. For a fleeting moment, she thought their eyes might meet, but Benny never glanced her way. He barely clapped for Filippa as everyone else erupted in applause. A chill had settled between them, more palpable than the kiss they had shared earlier. Frida's chest tightened as she realized how distant Benny had become. She initially believed it was a consequence of the kiss, but now she feared it ran deeper.

Jonathan playfully bumped into her, pulling her from her thoughts. "Come on, mormor! Smile! It's a party!" he teased, blissfully unaware of the tension coursing beneath her surface. Frida managed a forced smile, though it barely reached her eyes. As the song ended, she excused herself, slipping away from the crowd and back to the bar. She craved air, space—anything to soothe the knot tightening in her stomach.