Because She Loved Him

Temptation Part II

It was a somewhat subdued group that made their way down to breakfast. Agnetha did her best to hide her turmoil. She was not sure how much Benny and Frida had heard, she knew they were her closest friends but she still could not help but feel humiliated.
Bjorn tried his best over the course of breakfast and several cups of coffee to make it seem that nothing had happened and nothing was wrong. He didn't want Benny and Frida to feel uncomfortable. They played along as did Agnetha but it was clear that there was a black cloud over the four at the table for a variety of reasons. Agnetha because she wanted desperately for Bjorn to show a little empathy over how she was feeling, she didn't understand why he was so angry when she had compromised. If she had her way they wouldn't be touring at all, Benny was concerned for both Agnetha and Bjorn. He puzzled over why Bjorn was being so obstinate, so driven when they had achieved so much already. He worried that Bjorn did not comprehend what he stood to lose, Benny had already experienced the break up of a relationship where there were children involved and he did not wish the same for his best friend. Frida felt so sad as she contemplated the fact that Bjorn took Anna for granted now, she worried how Anna would cope if what Benny said was true and Bjorn felt bored. She dreaded to think what would happen if Bjorn left Anna behind. Bjorn for his part was set on keeping up appearances, he would not admit to himself that he had overreacted, he could not admit that he had acted rashly and without thought. To him it was important that things remained the same. He knew that Anna would eventually do as he wished. He knew that because she loved him
After breakfast everyone cleared away and Agnetha rang her parents to see how the children were. She was delighted to hear that they were fine and having a great time. Her dad told her there was no hurry and actually Mona and her mum were wanting them to stay tonight as well. Agnetha was absolutely torn. She desperately wanted to see her children, she missed them terribly but she knew that today might turn out to be very challenging and she and Bjorn may be long delayed. She considered her options and felt that it would be best for the children to stay where they were in case something did happen. She sighed and wondered if life would always be like this. She closed her eyes and shook her head sadly. She spoke to Linda and made sure that Christian heard her voice. Her only consolation was that both of them seemed very happy to be at their grandparents.
When Agnetha came off the phone she realised that everyone was nearly ready to go. She apologised quietly and hurried to put her outdoor things on. Frida followed her and gave her a gentle hug. They smiled at each other and Frida said " it'll be ok Anna, we will all get through this. Stress, pressure and tiredness bring out the worst in everyone"Agnetha nodded" I know, it'll be fine" she agreed. Agnetha wasn't really feeling very well either but she pushed it to the back of her mind and put it down to the stress of the morning.

They all got into the car Agnetha got into the back with Frida and Benny sat in the front with Bjorn. As Bjorn started the car he remembered the bunch of flowers and to make conversation in the car he said " I bought the flowers into the house this morning, I forgot to lock the car last night and when I went to check it this morning I found them on my seat, so whose ever they are don't forget them later. Frida and Agnetha looked at each other confused and Frida said "they're not mine" "nor mine" said Agnetha. Bjorn looked at Benny " Well don't look at me" he laughed. "They are definitely not mine!" Bjorn frowned and said " well that's ridiculous, they must be one of yours" Benny laughed and said " you bought Anna flowers and forgot them? Real smooth Bjorn" Agnetha's eyes lit up and her lips curved into a small smile. She didn't care if he had forgotten, it had been so long since he had bought her flowers. "Thank you Bjorn" she said quietly. Bjorn didn't even stop to consider his next words "I didn't buy you flowers! I'm not so stupid that I would forget that, why would I buy you flowers??" The words hung loudly in the silence of the car and Agnetha was absolutely crushed. Agnetha made a tiny sound of distress that Bjorn did not hear and then said far too brightly " well, what a mystery that is then. Never mind" Benny kept looking straight ahead, he knew if he looked at Agnetha he would see her pain.He felt terrible for giving Bjorn the opportunity to say such a thing.  Agnetha sat doing her absolute best to act like nothing was wrong. Her lips trembled when she felt Frida thread her fingers through hers and squeeze tightly but she did not break. That would have to wait. She squeezed back and looked out of the window as they drove. She never saw a thing for the whole journey.