Flight of Hope
“…I need to talk to you about something real quick.”
Saint's expression shifted, curiosity flickering behind his composed demeanor. Freen hesitated for a split second, her nails digging into her palms. The words were there, tangled on her tongue, waiting to be spoken. But once they left her mouth, there would be no turning back.
She exhaled sharply. "It's about N'Becky. And about… everything."
Freen bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the floor. "P’Saint, I... I need a favor."
His eyebrows arched slightly. "Go on."
"I need a few days off. Just three or four. And I want to keep it private—no media, no announcements. Just... quiet."
Saint studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "Are you okay? Is something going on?"
She hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “I wanna go to Becky. Being apart from her has been more challenging than I anticipated. I thought I could manage the distance, but it’s starting to affect me. I need to see her—face-to-face. Clear the air and... just be there. I think it would help both of us.”
Saint nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "You miss her."
A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at Freen’s lips. “Yeah. I just feel like being there would help put things in perspective—for both of us. We’ve been through a lot, and I don’t want the distance to make things worse.”
Saint’s gaze softened. “I get it. Sometimes, being there in person makes all the difference. I’ll check the flight options and text you the details. I’ll handle your schedule while you’re away.”
Freen’s shoulders relaxed, a hint of relief washing over her. “Thank you, P’Saint. I really appreciate it.”
He offered a supportive nod. “Take care of what you need to. Sometimes, showing up is the most important thing you can do.”
Freen gripped the steering wheel as she navigated the bustling evening traffic, a small, hopeful smile forming on her lips. The conversation with Saint had eased something heavy inside her, and now her thoughts raced ahead, already picturing Becky’s face when she showed up unannounced.
As the car paused at a red light, Freen dialed Mama Nun’s number, putting the phone on speaker. The call connected quickly, Mama Nun’s familiar voice filling the car.
“Hey, Nong,” Mama Nun greeted, warmth evident in her tone.
Freen couldn’t help the way her smile grew. “Ma, I’m coming home, but I need your help with some packing.”
Mama Nun hummed knowingly. “I was wondering when you’d call. Let me guess—you finally decided to go to England?”
Freen blinked in surprise, a soft laugh escaping her. “How did you know?”
“I’m your mom. You’ve been walking around like a ghost lately. I knew it was only a matter of time before you packed your bags and chased after her,” Mama Nun teased lightly.
Freen’s cheeks warmed. “Yeah, you’re right. I just... I can’t keep doing this from so far away. I need to see her. Can you help me pack?”
Mama Nun’s chuckle was soothing. “Of course. I’ll take care of Fluffy while you’re gone. I’m heading home now to help you get everything ready.”
The light turned green, and Freen continued driving, the knot in her chest loosening. “Thanks, Ma. You’re the best.”
As Freen drove back home, excitement bubbling inside her, she tapped Nam’s contact and put the phone on speaker. The line barely rang twice before Nam picked up.
“Hey, Freen? You okay?” Nam's voice was cautious, a hint of worry in her tone. She hadn’t forgotten how shaken Freen had been the night before.
Freen took a breath, trying to keep her voice steady. “Hey, I just wanted to let you know... I’m going to England.”
There was a beat of silence before Nam burst out laughing. “Wait, seriously? Did you finally grow a brain and decide to go see Becky?”
Freen rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile spreading across her face. “Yeah... something like that.”
“Oh my gosh, about time! You’ve been moping around like a lovesick puppy for weeks,” Nam teased, relief evident in her voice.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Freen grumbled, but a small laugh slipped out despite herself.
Nam was relentless. “Admit it—you’re smiling right now. All giddy and in love.”
“I’m not,” Freen lied, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her.
Nam snorted. “You totally are.”
Freen couldn’t hide it anymore. “Maybe... I just feel like I’m finally doing something right instead of just missing her all the time. I need to see her, Nam. I need to make things right.”
Nam’s tone softened, even if the teasing remained. “Good. Becky’s gonna be so happy when she sees you.”
Freen’s heart skipped a beat at the thought. “That’s the plan.”
Just then, her phone buzzed with a text from Saint. She glanced at it—flight details confirmed.
“Looks like Saint sorted out the flight,” Freen murmured.
Nam hummed approvingly. “Nice. Everything’s falling into place.”
As Freen pulled into the driveway, Mama Nun appeared at the door, waving her over. Freen parked and stepped out, still on the line with Nam.
“Did you tell Becky yet?” Mama Nun asked as Freen approached.
Freen shook her head, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Nope. I’m going to surprise her.”
Mama Nun chuckled knowingly. “Good call. She’ll love that.”
Nam snickered through the phone. “Look at you being all romantic and spontaneous. Who are you and what did you do to the real Freen?”
Freen just smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days. “Yeah... I guess I’m just really happy to be doing this.”
Meanwhile in England:
Becky sat cross-legged on her bed, her phone clutched tightly in her hands. She’d been staring at the screen for what felt like hours, trying to work up the courage to call Freen. The conversation with Krit kept replaying in her mind, over and over—his words, his tone, the way he looked at her. She had to tell Freen. She couldn’t keep it a secret.
Her thumb hovered over Freen’s contact.
“What if she misunderstands? What if it hurts her more?” Becky whispered to herself. But she knew it didn’t matter—hiding it would only make things worse. Transparency. They promised.
Steeling herself, Becky pressed the call button.
It rang once. Twice. Three times. Then finally—
“Hey, babe. Can’t talk right now. Busy with some stuff. I’ll text you later, okay? Love you.”
Becky blinked, staring at the screen as the call disconnected. Freen’s voice had sounded lighter than usual—almost happy. It was a relief, but also... confusing.
She checked her messages.
Freen: Hey, love. Just swamped with work. I’ll call you later. Miss you.
Becky let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Freen was okay. That was good. But... why did she feel like something was off?
She typed out a quick reply.
Becky: Okay, babe. Take your time. Love you too.
Becky tossed her phone onto the bed, rubbing her hands over her face. Why did she feel so restless? Usually, just hearing Freen’s voice calmed her down.
But not this time.
She picked the phone back up, staring at Freen’s message again. Becky didn’t know why, but something in her gut told her that whatever Freen was doing wasn’t just work.
And that nagging feeling wouldn’t let her rest.
The sky was just beginning to lighten as Freen pulled her suitcase through the quiet airport, Mama Nun walking alongside her with a warm smile.
“I packed all her favorites,” Mama Nun said, patting the top of the luggage. “Snacks, some of my curry paste, and that instant milk tea mix she loves. Made it just right for Becky.”
Freen couldn’t help but grin. “You really didn’t have to do all that, Ma.”
Mama Nun waved a hand dismissively. “Nonsense she is far from home and missing us she needs this.”
Freen laughed, her heart swelling at the thought. “Yeah, probably.”
As they reached the security checkpoint, Freen pulled Mama Nun into a tight hug. “Thanks for everything. I’ll call you once I land.”
Mama Nun squeezed her back. “You take care. And tell Becky I said hi. Oh, and I already let Mama Rawae know you’re surprising Becky. She’s happy about it—said it’s about time.”
Pulling back, Freen nodded, her smile softening. “I just... I need to see her. I feel like it’s the only way to really fix this. Being apart is harder than I thought.”
Mama Nun cupped her cheek, giving her a reassuring look. “You’re doing the right thing. Go to her, make things right. Becky loves you—don’t forget that.”
Freen’s eyes glimmered with determination as she nodded. “I won’t.”
With one last wave, she headed through security, her heart pounding with both excitement and nerves. The thought of seeing Becky again was the only thing keeping her steady, a guiding light through the uncertainty.
A little while later, she settled into her seat on the plane, tucking her bag under the seat and glancing out the window as the sun finally broke over the horizon. The plane hummed to life, and Freen let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
For the first time in days, she felt genuinely hopeful. She could picture Becky’s face when she arrived—surprised, maybe even a little stunned, but hopefully happy.
Freen leaned back in her seat, a small, content smile tugging at her lips. This was the right decision. She was sure of it.
But even as the plane taxied down the runway, Freen couldn’t help but feel a pang of anticipation. Would Becky be ready to see her? Would this really help them heal?
Her phone buzzed one last time before takeoff—Saint’s message, confirming everything was in order for her time away. Freen turned it off, tucked it into her pocket, and closed her eyes as the plane began to ascend.
No matter what, she was going to fight for them. For their love.
And for the first time in days, Freen allowed herself to feel hopeful.