I Don't Belong To You

Chapter 30

Beware of the flashbacks - they're italicized

She returns to work the following Friday feeling brand new. It's a strange feeling, but for the first time in...forever (?) she feels like she's exactly where she's supposed to be.

She'd been walking on cloud 9 since they left Dr. Hopper's office last Thursday. They'd made strides while in his office but come miles over a quiet, hours long dinner.

He'd assigned them homework that they were eager to start so over a shared plate of nachos, they'd taken the 5 love languages quiz.

Becky had ranked highest in physical touch and acts of service, while Freen's languages seemed to be words of affirmation and quality time.

Becky's strong nod after she'd tallied her scores was comforting. She knew that look. It was Becky's 'absorbing' face. She was taking in the information, much like she had that afternoon as they discussed likes and dislikes in Freen's bed, so that she could do something with it later.

"No wonder we couldn't make it work. There's no overlap AND your biggest love language is my worst quality. I suck at talking about feelings."

She laughed good naturedly, so Freen joins in, seeing her point on that.

"Well, that's why we're doing this. Now that you know...you know?"

"Yeah."

"So I think....I just need to hear that you care. You can't just spend a day with me and make me feel like it means everything to you, then tell me, or someone else, otherwise. That makes me feel unloved."

It's brutally honest but that's what Dr. Hopper had asked of them. To be honest and upfront about their needs.

"I get that. And I think for me, the words just aren't enough, you know? I've heard people say they love me. And, I mean like, don't get me wrong! My...," Becky leans in and whispers, what feels like, conspiratorially, "My heart literally always skips a beat when I hear you say it. I just...I think so many people have said one thing and done the other, that like you said, it's confusing and it makes me feel like they didn't mean any of it. You tell me you love me and you want me to be happy, but then you send me away to another home. So...okay," she clears her throat, "I'll be better about matching my words with my actions."

The urge to take her hand is strong and knowing that touch is Becky's love language gives her the confidence she needs to do it.

"I mean it, Bec. I love you. And...I know that's...a lot for you to take in, but I mean it. And I can do more to show that, as opposed to just saying it, if you need me to prove it."

She watches Becky swallow thickly and stare at their laces fingers. "No, I-I feel it. That's all the proof I need."

They had wrapped up shortly after that and Becky drove her home, dutifully getting the door for her before walking her up to her door. They stood on the stoop for a moment before she just decided to go for it, pulling Becky into a tight, intimate hug.

"I won't lie, I'm glad that physical touch is your love language...I love this."

Becky sighs into her neck and squeezes her tighter. "I know. Me too."

"Okay, I'll see you later?"

"Yup, let me know if you need anything, okay? Otherwise, I'll see you Saturday."

"I certainly will. Goodbye Bec."

"Goodnight."

She's not expecting the whole group over, but Saturday morning rolls around and it feels like her doorbell never stops ringing. First, it was Becky and Irin, walking in with gallons of paint.