A Gentle Collision

Chapter 24

Freen woke up earlier than usual, the quiet of the house making her feel more isolated than ever. Her father had left early again, just like every Sunday. But today, the emptiness seemed more pronounced, as if it was a constant reminder that something was missing in her life—her father’s presence, her sense of security, and, above all, her relationship with Becky.

Freen had convinced herself that today would be different. She had been waiting for Becky to show up, telling herself that maybe this time, Becky would be there. But even as the minutes passed, the anxiety in her chest grew. What if she doesn’t come?

She shook her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. Becky has her own life. She’s just busy. I need to stop worrying so much.

But no matter how much she tried to rationalize, the thoughts kept creeping back in. What if it’s something I did? What if she doesn’t want to see me anymore?

Then, the doorbell rang.

Freen’s heart skipped a beat. She rushed to the door, almost tripping in her haste. When she opened it, there stood Becky, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Relief flooded through Freen, and before she could stop herself, she threw herself into Becky’s arms. The wave of joy that followed was overwhelming, and Freen’s voice came out in a mix of relief and frustration as she pulled back.

“You’re so stupid for not coming yesterday!” Freen said, hitting Becky lightly on the chest.

Becky let out a soft chuckle, unbothered by Freen’s words. “Yeah, yeah, I know. You missed me, didn’t you?”

Freen flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks burning as she opened her mouth to argue. But before she could, Becky leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper.

“Baby, are you going to calm down for me?”

Freen froze, her breath catching in her throat as the words sent a rush of heat to her face. She stepped back slightly, trying to regain some composure. What was that? she thought, still reeling from the unexpected softness in Becky’s voice.

Becky raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

Freen could only shake her head, her heart still racing. “Wh—what was that?” she stammered.

“Nothing,” Becky said, her grin widening. “Just teasing.” She brushed a lock of Freen’s hair from her face, her touch gentle. “But I’m here now, so let’s go. I figured we could spend the day at my place.”

Freen nodded, too relieved to question it. “Okay,” she whispered, feeling the tension begin to lift as Becky led the way.

---

The afternoon passed in a blur as they arrived at Becky’s house. The warm, inviting atmosphere was a stark contrast to the coldness Freen had left behind at home. Becky’s home was calm, yet there was a buzz of comfort in the air—one that Freen hadn’t felt in a long time. She settled onto the couch, grateful for the chance to be in a space where she didn’t feel judged, didn’t feel like she had to pretend.

They sat in a quiet, comfortable silence for a while, until Becky finally broke it, her voice serious but gentle.

“I was away yesterday because I was brainstorming, thinking of all the ways to get you out of your father’s wrath,” she said, her words carrying a weight Freen wasn’t expecting.

Freen sighed, the familiar sense of frustration creeping back in. “Becky, you don’t have to—”

“I know,” Becky interrupted softly. “I know it’s not my problem, but I care about you, Freen. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

Freen let out a long breath, feeling the weight of Becky’s words settle in her chest. “I appreciate it, but I’m not ready to deal with this... with you helping me, not yet. It’s not that I don’t need help, I just... I don’t know how to let you in on this yet. I’m not ready for anyone to get involved.”

Becky’s expression softened, and she leaned in slightly, her eyes meeting Freen’s with a quiet sincerity. “I’m not trying to push you, Freen. I’m just trying to be here for you. To understand what you’re going through, to make sure you don’t feel alone in this.”

Freen swallowed, fighting the lump that had formed in her throat. She didn’t want to hurt Becky. She didn’t want to push her away, but it felt like every time Becky tried to help, Freen became more guarded, more afraid of being exposed.

“I just can’t let you fight my battles for me,” Freen whispered, looking down at her hands, trying to steady herself. “I can’t. It’s not that I don’t want you here, but I just... I need time. Time to figure things out on my own.”

Becky didn’t speak for a moment, and for the first time, Freen felt like she could finally breathe again. There was no pressure, no expectation. Just the quiet support Becky had always offered. Finally, Becky spoke, her voice low and understanding.

“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here. No matter how long it takes,” she said, her tone soft but unwavering.

Freen nodded, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she met Becky’s gaze. Maybe, just maybe, she could let Becky in—when the time was right.

For now, though, it was enough just to be here, together, in this moment.

"Want to watch something?" Becky chuckled, trying to ease the tension. Freen understood and shifted closer to Becky "But not for long" she murmered