A Gentle Collision

Chapter 22

The morning sunlight crept through the blinds, casting soft shadows on the walls of Freen’s room. She slowly blinked awake, a familiar warmth settling in her chest. The world outside seemed to hold its breath, and for a moment, Freen felt like she could just lie there forever, free from the weight of her father’s oppressive silence. But that wasn’t the reality.

She forced herself out of bed, running a hand through her hair, pushing aside the thoughts of Becky that had come unbidden during her sleep. She had a routine to follow, a life to get through, but there was something different today—something in the air, something that made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t in ages.

As her father left for work, Freen felt a strange sense of relief, the door slamming shut behind him, signaling the few precious hours she had all to herself. She’d learned to cherish this time when she could exist without the looming shadow of his disapproval.

Freen quickly got ready, a flutter of excitement stirring within her as she pulled on her jacket and checked the clock. Becky was coming today. It wasn’t a question of if anymore; it had become a routine, something to look forward to, something she needed.

She found herself pacing the living room, glancing toward the door with increasing impatience. What was it about Becky that made time seem to stand still, yet race forward all at once?

The doorbell rang, and Freen’s heart skipped a beat.

She opened it to find Becky standing there, a mischievous grin on her face. “You look like you’ve been waiting forever,” Becky teased, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “Is that how excited you are to see me?”

Freen felt a flush rise in her cheeks, her heartbeat quickening. “Shut up,” she muttered, half-smiling despite herself. Becky had this way of making her feel nervous and giddy all at once, a feeling she couldn’t shake no matter how hard she tried.

They didn’t waste time, heading out into the city, their hands brushing together in those little, accidental moments that Freen could never quite ignore.

As they walked, they talked about everything and nothing—Becky making her laugh with silly jokes, her teasing remarks that made Freen’s heart race, and the way she’d flirt in such an effortless way.

At one point, Becky leaned in, her voice low, and Freen’s face turned scarlet. “You know,” Becky said, her breath warm against Freen’s ear, “you’re actually kind of cute when you blush like that.”

Freen shoved her away lightly, her laughter laced with embarrassment. “Stop it, Becky.”

But Becky wasn’t done. She didn’t let up, her playful and daring words wrapping around Freen like a delicate thread, one that tugged at her in ways she couldn’t explain.

They continued walking, the sun slowly beginning to dip, casting a golden glow over the park they had wandered into. The familiar hum of the city had faded into the background, replaced by the quiet sounds of birds and distant chatter. But inside, Freen was restless, her thoughts tumbling over each other like a storm threatening to break.

It was then, in that peaceful park, that something snapped inside her. It wasn’t the teasing, the flirting, or the way Becky’s presence seemed to ignite something in her. It was something deeper, darker—something she’d been hiding for too long.

Without warning, the tears came, hot and unbidden, streaking down her face. She wasn’t sure where it came from, this sudden, overwhelming wave of emotion. She sank down onto a nearby bench, her knees weak as the weight of everything pressed down on her chest.

Becky was there immediately, kneeling in front of her, a look of concern clouding her usual playful expression. “Hey, hey,” she murmured softly, her hands gently taking Freen’s in hers. “What’s going on? Talk to me.”

Freen’s chest heaved with the intensity of her emotions, the release of months, maybe years, of bottled-up pain. It wasn’t just her father, it was everything. The loneliness, the silence, the feeling of being trapped in a life that wasn’t her own. The guilt. The anger. The frustration. She wanted to scream, but all she could do was sit there, silently crying.

Becky didn’t speak for a while. She just sat beside her, pulling Freen into her arms. It was gentle at first, but soon Freen felt the warmth of Becky’s embrace enveloping her, like a shield protecting her from the storm inside her mind.

“Oh, baby,” Becky whispered softly, her voice full of tenderness, “it’s gonna be okay.”

That one word, “baby,” hung in the air, an intimate sound that echoed in Freen’s chest. It made her heart skip a beat, and something deep inside her surged, something raw and desperate. But she swallowed it down, unwilling to admit it even to herself.

Becky pulled back just enough to look into Freen’s eyes, her gaze searching, soft but steady. “You don’t have to keep it all in,” she murmured, her hand gently brushing away the tears from Freen’s face. “I’m here for you, okay?”

Freen nodded, though her throat felt tight, the words she wanted to say stuck somewhere deep inside her. “I just… I don’t know how to deal with all of this.”

“You don’t have to deal with it alone,” Becky said, her voice low and soothing. “Not anymore.”

For a moment, it felt like the whole world had stopped. Freen let herself sink into the comfort of Becky’s arms, her face pressed into her shoulder as she tried to hold back the torrent of feelings that threatened to break free. She was embarrassed, ashamed, and yet… somehow, in that moment, she felt something else. A sense of safety, of being cared for in a way she’d never experienced before.

“I don’t know what to do,” Freen whispered, the words catching in her throat. “I feel so… lost.”

“You don’t have to have all the answers right now,” Becky replied gently. “Just take it one step at a time. And I’ll be right here with you.”

The words hung between them, and Freen felt a tremor of something new—something she couldn’t name, but something that made her heart race. She pulled back slightly, looking into Becky’s eyes. There was something in her gaze, something soft and unspoken, but Freen couldn’t quite understand it.

And then, as if sensing her confusion, Becky gave a small, reassuring smile, one that made Freen’s pulse quicken. “You’ll be okay,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “I promise.”

Freen nodded, but deep inside, she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure of anything anymore. The future felt uncertain, but for the first time, she wasn’t facing it alone.

Becky stood up, offering her hand to Freen. “Let’s get you home, yeah?”

Freen hesitated for a moment, still feeling the weight of everything inside her. But then, without thinking, she took Becky’s hand. And just like that, everything seemed a little bit more bearable.

As they walked back through the park, the night air cool against her skin, Freen felt a small flicker of hope. Maybe it wasn’t going to be okay right now, but somehow, with Becky by her side, it felt like it might one day be.