Thousands of Birds

~Part 12~

          After the ceremony, she went to the supermarket to find something special to send to Becky. Her heart was pounding, she hadn't called Becky yet. After walking around the market, she saw a beautiful bouquet of handmade flowers. She knew Becky loved flowers, especially roses. She also picked up a small, handcrafted card and wrote a heartfelt message.

"Dear my love,

I won the first competition! Your love and support mean the world to me. I can't wait to come back home to you.

Love, Freen"

          Freen carefully packed the flowers and card into the box and headed to the post office.

~~

          Meanwhile, back in Thailand, Becky was at her office, busy with the papers and couldn't think about Freen. She missed Freen terribly but she didn't have break time to talk with her. Chris knocked on the door, then walked inside her office, holding a package.

"Boss, this just arrived for you"

          Becky's eyes lit up, she pointed to her desk.

"Just put it down"

"It's from Khun Freen na ka"

"Phi Freen??"

          She asked, still focused on her work.

"Yes, it's from her"

"Just put it. I will open later"

          A moment later, she got a call from Freen. She picked it up,

"Hello, Phi"

          She put on a speaker and focused on her work.

"Teerak, did you get my flowers?"

"What flowers?"

"The package!"

"Oh... I've been so busy, I didn't open it yet"

          Becky opened it immediately and saw the bouquet inside. And she read the message, then,

"Congratulation!"

          Becky sounded cheerful but then she focused on her work again.

"Thanks, Teerak... Are you busy or something?"

          Freen's voice showed a bit worry. Becky frowned,

"Yes, yes... I am so busy right now"

"Fine... then I will talk to you soon. Love you!"

"I love you too..."

          After hanging up the phone, Freen was worried about Becky. If felt like Becky had changed... Freen's mind – "Maybe because of the pressure she got". She called Heng immediately to tell the news.

"Hello Freen! Congratulation! Now, you have to go to Vietnam for another 2 months!"

"Wait, that's such a long time"

"Why?"

"No no, that's amazing, Heng. But..."

"Do you want to let go of this chance, Freen?"

"No, nope. I will go..."

"I will book the plane and you have to go there in the next few days"

          Freen took a deep breath.

"Yes..."

          She whispered.

~~

          At night, Freen dialed Becky's number. She hoped the conversation would be supportive and open.

"Phi Freen"

          Becky's voice sounded tired.

"BecBec, I just got some news"

"What's up?"

"I'm going to be in Vietnam for another 2 months for another competition"

"2 months? That's quite a while"

"Yeah, it's a long time. I've been feeling like things have changed between us and I'm worried this will make it worse"

           Becky sighed,

"Well, I've been busy too. It's not just you"

          Freen's heart sank,

"I didn't mean to make it sound like it's all your fault. I just..."

"Phi... I'm tired today... can I hang up?"

"Sure... I love you"

          As they ended the call, Freen felt a heavy weight on her chest. She felt uncertain about how their relationship would handle the distance...

~~