How to be loved

How to be loved

52 – I'm sorry

Becky's POV

What on earth! 

Jane, living in the same building as me? This is definitely not good. I'd just explained everything to Freen, reassured her, and now this happens? It's like the universe is playing a cruel joke on me.

I glanced at Freen, trying to read her expression. I wanted to reach for her hand, feel that familiar warmth and connection between us, but her grip in mine was looser than usual. The silence between us grew heavier with every second in that crowded elevator. Freen's posture was tense, her eyes distant, and I knew she wasn't okay.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last stranger exited two floors before mine. As the elevator doors slid shut, I quietly sighed, relieved that we were alone, yet nervous about what to say to break the tension.

When we reached my floor, I tried to catch her eye, but Freen just walked beside me quietly. My hands shook slightly as I fumbled with the keys to my unit, my mind racing. She's upset, right? I could feel the weight of her silence, and I knew we couldn't just brush this off. Once inside, I closed the door, took a deep breath, and turned to face her.

"Freen," I began softly, trying to sound calm, "can we talk about this?"

She didn't respond right away. Instead, she moved toward the window, crossing her arms. I hated that look on her face—the one that said she was overthinking, getting lost in her thoughts. I hated that this was happening because of Jane.

"I'm not mad," Freen finally said, her voice low, almost as if she was sorting through her emotions. "It's just... strange. Jane, here, out of all places?"

"I know," I said, stepping closer to her. "Trust me, I didn't see this coming either. I'm just as surprised as you are."

She looked at me then, her expression softening slightly, but her eyes still held uncertainty. "It's not that I don't trust you, Beck," she said quietly. "I just... I wasn't prepared to run into your ex, and now she's living here? It feels like the universe is messing with us."

I let out a small laugh, trying to ease the tension. "Yeah, it's a pretty weird coincidence. But that's all it is—a coincidence. It doesn't change anything between us."

Freen sighed and leaned against the window. "I know I'm probably overreacting. I just don't like the idea of her being around all the time. I mean, you'll be seeing her at work, and now she's just... here, in the same building. It's hard not to feel uneasy."

I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Baby, I completely understand. I'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed. But I promise, I'm not going to let her presence change anything between us."

Freen turned in my arms, finally looking into my eyes. She didn't seem angry, just unsure, vulnerable even. "Are you sure it won't get complicated?"

"Positive," I replied with a soft smile. "I'm all yours, and I'll make sure you know that every single day."

A small smile tugged at her lips, and I knew I was getting through to her. "You're really good at this, you know," she teased lightly. "Saying all the right things."

I chuckled and leaned down to kiss her forehead gently. "I mean every word, baby."

She finally relaxed into my embrace, resting her head against my chest. "I know you do. I just hate that she's around. But I trust you, Becky. I really do."

I held her close, relief flooding through me as the tension between us started to melt away. "Thank you for trusting me, Freen."

She pulled back slightly, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Alright, I'll stop sulking... if you pass my little test."