Between Us Three (G!P FREEN)

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Armor

Third Person POV

The day stretched on as the trio wandered through the park. Aya flitted around like a butterfly, her energy seemingly endless. Freen followed her closely, her hands ready to catch Aya if she stumbled or fell. Becky trailed behind, her arms crossed and her face set in its usual stern expression.

"Be careful, Aya! Don't climb too high!" Becky called out as Aya scrambled up the jungle gym.

"I'm fine, Mommy!" Aya yelled back, her giggle echoing through the park.

Freen glanced over her shoulder at Becky. "She's fine, Becky. Let her explore a little."

Becky narrowed her eyes. "You're too relaxed. What if she falls? What if she-"

"She won't," Freen interrupted gently. "But if she does, I'm right here. You need to trust me."

Becky huffed but said nothing. Trusting Freen had never been easy, not after everything they'd been through.

As if the universe wanted to test Freen's words, Aya slipped while climbing the jungle gym. She let out a small yelp as her foot missed a rung, and for a split second, Becky's heart stopped.

But Freen was faster. In one swift motion, she caught Aya before she could hit the ground, cradling her gently.

"You okay, kiddo?" Freen asked, her voice calm despite the adrenaline rushing through her veins.

Aya sniffled, her big eyes welling up with tears. "I-I think so."

Becky was at their side in an instant, her voice sharp. "I told you to be careful, Aya! Why don't you ever listen?"

Aya's tears spilled over, and she buried her face in Freen's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Mommy."

Freen shot Becky a look. "Hey, take it easy. It was an accident."

Becky crossed her arms, her face hard. "If you had been watching her more closely-"

"I was watching her," Freen interrupted, her patience still intact. "And I caught her, didn't I?"

Becky opened her mouth to argue but stopped when she saw the way Freen was holding Aya-gently, protectively, like she was the most precious thing in the world. Becky sighed, her anger deflating.

"Fine," she muttered. "Let's just sit down for a while.

The three of them found a quiet spot under a large tree. Aya clung to Freen, still shaken from her fall. Freen held her close, murmuring soothing words until her sniffles subsided. Becky sat a few feet away, her arms wrapped around her knees.

"You didn't have to snap at her," Freen said softly, breaking the silence.

Becky glared at her. "I wasn't snapping. I was worried."

"There's a difference between being worried and being harsh," Freen replied, her tone calm but firm.

Becky's jaw tightened. "Don't act like you know everything, Freen. You're not the one who's there for her 24/7."

Freen flinched at the words but didn't let them deter her. "You're right. I'm not there all the time. But that doesn't mean I don't care, Becky. I love Aya just as much as you do."

Becky didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the ground.

After a while, Aya, now calmer, looked up at Freen with wide eyes. "Daddy, why does Mommy get mad at you a lot?"

The question hit both adults like a brick. Freen blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Becky stiffened, her cheeks flushing.

"I-I don't get mad a lot," Becky stammered, clearly flustered.