Thousands of Birds

~Part 15~

"Another one please"

"Khun... you are ordering too much..."

          Freen was in the bar... She sighed heavily, thinking about how to save Becky.

"I need it..."

          Freen groaned,

"Just one more"

          The bartender hesitated but he poured another drink. As Freen sipped her drink, she felt for not being there for Becky when she needed her the most. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Heng standing there.

"Freen, what are you doing here?"

          Heng was worried and asked gently. Freen looked close to Heng, then,

"Who are you???"

"Oh my god! I am Heng, your friend. You look dizzy"

"Oh... Hennng! I am just having a drink"

          Freen replied. Heng sighed,

"Freen... tell me the reason??"

          Freen rubbed her eyes,

"It's Becky, she's sick. She has lung cancer..."

"Oh... finally, you know"

          Freen stared at Heng,

"What do you mean??"

          Heng looked uncomfortable,

"Yes, I knew... but Nong Becky made us promise not to tell you. She didn't want to worry you while you were away..."

          Freen began angry... She frowned and,

"So... everyone knew except me??"

"Calm down... Relax Freen"

          Heng put his hand on Freen's shoulder...

"I will call Nong Beck now"

"No... Heng wait..."

         But Heng already called Becky... Heng ignored Freen and put the phone to his ear.

"Hello, Nong Beck... Freen is in the bar..."

          Heng spoke with Becky for a moment, then he handed the phone to Freen.

"Teerak..."

          Freen heard Becky's weak voice...

"I'm sorry..."

          Freen took a deep breath,

"Why didn't you tell me??"

"Can you come back home, please??"

"I'll be there soon..."

          Freen stood up, then grabbed her car key and Heng stopped her.

"Freen, you are drunk!"

"I am fine..."

~~

          When Freen returned to Becky, she was really angry.

"Beckkkyy!!"

          Becky hugged her and Freen looked at her. Becky noticed the tears from her eyes, then,

"Beck... why didn't you tell me? I thought you were just stressed. Why would you hide something like this from me?"

          Becky looked at Freen,

"I didn't want to add to your worries. I thought if you were focused on your competition, it would be better for you"

          Freen's anger melted into tears as she sank into the couch.

"I wanted to be there for you, Beck. I wanted to know what was happening. I should have been here with you, not just hearing about it from someone else"

"I am sorry... I'm scared of what's happening and what might happen"

          Freen leaned closer,

"I'm here now. We'll face this together okay?"

          Becky kissed Freen softly, knowing that she would be okay when Freen was near her.

~~