Book 2: So, this is Forever
11 – Five more minutes!
Freen and Becky arrived home got home just after six in the evening.
"Hey, babe, Anna made your favorite salmon for dinner. Sorry I couldn't cook it myself, but I wanted it ready when we got back since I know you're tired," Becky mentioned as they entered.
Before Becky could take another step, Freen pulled her close. "Babe, no need to apologize. You've done more than enough. Thank you, baby, for being there for me, especially today," Freen said, and they shared a sweet moment, pressing their foreheads together in silence.
As they stood there, Freen and Becky shared a quiet, comforting moment, feeling the warmth of each other's presence soothing the day's stresses.
After a brief pause, Freen gently pulled away, cradling Becky's face in her hands. "I appreciate everything you do for me, baby. Today was a lot, and having you by my side made it better," Freen expressed with gratitude in her eyes.
Becky smiled, her eyes reflecting the deep affection she felt. "Of course, babe. You are my wife, and I am yours; I'll always be here for you," she reassured.
"Dada! Dada! Dada! You're home!" The continuous scream of excitement from their daughter interrupted their moment.
They exchanged a knowing smile and welcomed their daughter with open arms, the joyous sound of her laughter filling their home with warmth and happiness.
They exchanged a knowing smile and welcomed their daughter with open arms, the joyous sound of her laughter filling their home with warmth and happiness.
Freen lifts Zea into her arms, "Hi, sweetheart. Are you happy to see me?"
"Yes Dada. You are home, so the bad guys are gone?" Zea innocently asked
Freen chuckled, "Yes sweetie, Dada made sure they are gone. So they can't hurt us"
"Yey! I'm so happy you are home Dada!" Zea exclaimed
"Hmmmm... Are you forgetting you're Mommy, since Dada is home?" Becky interjected in the conversation with a playful pout facing their daughter
Zea gazed at her mom, her eyes widened, and then she let out a mischievous giggle. "Oops, sorry, Mommy! I'm happy you're home too, but Dada's the superhero, right?"
Becky feigned contemplation for a moment. "Well, I suppose Dada is a superhero, but let's not forget Mommy is pretty super too!"
Freen chimed in with a grin. "Absolutely, Zea. Mommy is my superhero. She makes everything better."
The family enjoyed a carefree moment, savoring the joy of being together. As the evening unfolded, they savored the dinner, relishing the moment of being reunited as a family after six months of agonizing pain, during which they believed Freen was gone forever.
Amidst the gentle clinking of utensils and the comforting warmth of shared dishes, the family found themselves immersed in a conversation that flowed like a soothing melody.
Breaking the poignant silence, Freen turned her gaze towards Becky, gratitude shimmering in her eyes. "I can't believe I'm sitting here with you both. I missed this so much."
Becky responded by reaching for Freen's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We missed you too, more than words can say. It feels surreal having you back."
Zea, chiming in with the innocence only a child could bring, added, "Mommy was really sad when you were away, Dada. Now Mommy's beautiful smile is back because you're back, Dada."
Becky and Freen exchanged incredulous glances, as if their four-year-old daughter had just uttered the wisdom of someone far beyond her years. The profound impact of Freen's return was evident not only in the joyous reunion but also in the subtle observations made by the little one, weaving an unspoken narrative of the emotional journey the family had traversed.
"So you think Mommy's smile is beautiful?" Freen asked, a playful twinkle in her eye.
"Yes, Dada, you always tell me that. And I agree with you!" Zea responded with the certainty only a child could possess.
Freen couldn't help but blush at her daughter's candid agreement, caught in the act of expressing her admiration.
Becky, witnessing the exchange, couldn't contain her amusement and let out a cheerful giggle, turning the moment into a lighthearted celebration of shared affections.
Freen, still blushing, decided to play along with a grin. "Well, I guess I have a point, don't I? Mommy's smile is indeed the most beautiful thing in the world."
Zea beamed, pleased with herself for participating in the banter. "See, Mommy? Dada agrees!"
Becky chuckled, her eyes reflecting the joy of the moment. "Alright, you two. Finish your dinner so we can all rest."
The family continued to share light-hearted conversations, enjoying the remaining moments of their reunion dinner. The clinking of utensils and the laughter filled the air, creating a soundtrack of happiness.
As they finished their meal, the sense of contentment lingered, wrapping around them like a warm blanket. With hearts full and smiles bright, they looked forward to the peaceful rest that awaited them after six long months of yearning for this moment.
___________
Becky's POV
"Hey, babe, I just need to make a quick phone call," my wife said as we entered our room.
"Sure thing, love. I'll jump in the shower," I replied.
After finishing my shower and night routines, I found Freen in front of her laptop.
"Oh, you're done!" she exclaimed. "Sent!" With a satisfied smile, she closed her laptop. "Time for my turn in the shower. Can't risk my wife kicking me out of bed on our first night back together," she teased.
I chuckled at Freen's teasing, finding solace in the familiar rhythm of our playful banter.
As Freen disappeared into the bathroom, I couldn't help but appreciate the simple joys of being reunited and the lightness that had returned to our shared space.
After a few minutes, Freen emerged from the bathroom, her damp hair cascading in loose waves. The soft glow of the bedside lamp highlighted the happiness reflected in her eyes.
"You seem happy," I observed.
"I am happy, my love. I'm delighted to be home with you and Zea," she responded, her smile radiating warmth.
As she settled in, Freen whispered, "I missed this, missed us."
"I missed us too," I replied.
She nestled into my chest, and I could feel the gentle rise and fall of her breath. In the quiet of the night, our heartbeats seemed to sync, creating a melody of connection that spoke volumes without uttering a word. The warmth of her presence was a balm to the lingering ache of the time spent apart.
Under the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the curtains, we existed in a sanctuary woven from shared breaths and whispered promises. Freen's presence was a familiar echo, a melody that resonated with the essence of us.
"I never want to spend another night without you," Freen murmured, her voice a tender caress against the silence.
A smile curved on my lips in response. "Me neither. This, right here, is where you belong."
She lifted herself, closing the gap between us, and kissed me. I responded with all of my heart. Our kiss was soft, without rush or pressure, just the expression of the profound love we felt for each other. In that moment, our lips spoke a language of connection, reaffirming the bond that had withstood the test of time and distance.
Freen's lips lingered on mine, creating a gentle symphony of passion and tenderness. Our breaths harmonized in a quiet rhythm, blending seamlessly with the night's serene melody.
Her kiss was a delicate dance, a slow exploration of shared emotions. There was a sweetness that transcended mere physical connection; it was an exchange of the profound love we had carried in our hearts during the months of separation. The taste of longing transformed into the exquisite flavor of reunion, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of our shared history.
As our lips met and parted in a dance of affection, the world outside our haven ceased to exist. Time slowed, and each fleeting moment held the weight of eternity. In the quietude of our kiss, we rediscovered the nuances of each other's touch, as if our lips were tracing the contours of a love story written in the stars.
The room, our sanctuary, witnessed the beauty of a love rekindled, a love that had withstood the trials of absence and emerged even stronger. Freen's fingers gently traced the curve of my face, caressing my cheeks with tenderness.
When our kiss finally yielded to the tender pull of shared breaths, we rested our foreheads against each other.
"I love you, my enchanting wife," she uttered.
"And I love you too, my beautiful handsome wife," I replied, our words a whispered affirmation of the profound connection that had weathered the storm and emerged into the calm embrace of this cherished moment.
I anticipated my wife would take things further on our first night together, but instead, she eased herself onto the bed, pulled me close, and whispered in my ear, "Good night, my love. Dream of me."
Not that I am disappointed, but more in disbelief. She typically initiates intimacy, especially if she's been missing me. Perhaps she was genuinely exhausted. I shrugged the thought from my mind and chose to appreciate the simplicity of the moment.
I shifted my focus from what could have been to what was—an intimate moment painted in the hues of love and acceptance. The warmth of her body pressed against mine, the rise and fall of our shared breaths makes my heart so full.
As I closed my eyes, I let go of any lingering disbelief, surrendering to the beauty of the present moment.
Abruptly, the serenity of the night fractured under the weight of Freen's anguished plea, "Please don't kill me!" The words pierced through the room, slashing through the tranquility like a jagged blade. My sleep disintegrated in an instant, replaced by a heart pounding with urgency, and a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Confusion seized me as I hastily sat up, eyes grappling with the darkness that enveloped us. Beside me, Freen was entangled in the sheets, her eyes wide with terror. The room echoed with the rhythm of her rapid breaths, tension hanging thick in the air like an unspoken presence.
"Freen, what's happening?" I urgently questioned, my voice infused with concern.
She gazed at me, panic etched on her face. "I... I had a nightmare. It was the moment I was shot by Heng's men."
I observed her trembling form, tears tracing a silent path down her face, the nightmare yanking her back to that harrowing life-and-death moment.
Reassurance surged within me as I grasped the source of her distress. I reached out, enfolding her in a comforting embrace. "It was just a nightmare, you survived, baby. You're safe here with me." My arms cocooned her, a shield against the lingering echoes of the dream, as we traversed the delicate bridge between the haunting past and the sanctuary of our shared present.
"Is this the first time you've had that nightmare?" I asked, waiting for her sobs to subside.
She eased away from the hug, leaning against the headboard of the bed. "I've been having it since the day it happened. The frequency lessened when I returned to the U.S., even more when I could watch you, and the least when I got to be with you. So, now that I'm home, I believe it will soon fade away," she declared with a hint of determination.
In that moment of reflection, the weight of Freen's emotional struggle became palpable. I couldn't fathom the depths of her pain, the loneliness she endured in the aftermath of the incident, and the haunting specter of nightmares that followed.
The realization of the enduring suffering my wife had been silently shouldering since the incident, reliving it in the torment of nightmares, struck me with a profound sense of empathy. She had faced this ordeal alone for all that time, unable to run to me for comfort or seek solace in my embrace.
The pain she endured, both in the past and the haunting echoes of her dreams, resonated deeply within me, evoking a profound sense of anguish for Freen. The helplessness of not being there to hold her and offer comfort intensified the ache in my heart, fostering a heightened understanding of the silent battles she had been fighting.
A surge of determination welled within me—an unwavering commitment to be there for her now and in every moment to come. I wanted to be the anchor she could turn to, the solace in her storms, and the unwavering support she deserved.
Leaning in, I gently brushed away the remnants of tears on Freen's cheeks. "You don't have to face this alone anymore, my love. I'm here for you, through every nightmare and every waking moment. We'll navigate through it together."
Her eyes, still bearing the traces of fear, met mine, and a glimmer of gratitude flickered in their depths. I held her gaze, silently promising to be a steadfast presence in her life—a source of comfort and strength.
I pull her to an embrace and she snuggled more into me still silent. I tightened my embrace, offering a sense of security in the midst of her turmoil. "Have you talked to someone about it, maybe a professional who can help you navigate through these dreams?"
She sighed, a heavy breath that hinted at the weight of her internal struggles. "Not yet. I thought it would fade with time."
A decision solidified in my mind. "Let's talk to someone together, Freen. A professional might be able to help you understand and work through these nightmares. You don't have to face them alone."
She nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm here for you," I whispered.
"Thank you," she replied, and as the burden of our shared struggles began to lighten, we drifted into a peaceful slumber, enveloped in the reassurance of each other's presence.
______________
Becky's POV
I woke up bathed in the warmth of sunshine on my face, a pleasant sensation accompanied by the subtle feeling of something weighing me down. Slowly opening my eyes, I discovered Freen hugging me tightly, her arms wrapped securely around me, and her thighs pressed against my own. The closeness was both comforting and endearing.
"Who's the bear now?" I playfully mumbled to myself, a soft smile dancing on my lips. Freen, still in the embrace of sleep, seemed to find a sense of security in holding me close. The room was filled with the gentle morning light, casting a soft glow on our peaceful haven.
Taking a moment to relish the intimacy of the morning, I marveled at the simple joy of waking up entwined with the person I loved. Freen's embrace, though snug, radiated a tenderness that made the weight on me feel like the most cherished burden.
With care not to disturb her tranquil repose, I gently shifted, but Freen, sensing my movement, hugged me even tighter. "Baby, five more minutes, please," she pleaded, her voice carrying a mix of warmth and a desire to linger in the embrace of morning serenity.
"Alright, five more minutes, then I have to get up, okay. I have to prepare for the office, babe," I gently informed her.
She nodded, still with her eyes closed. As I let her savor her precious five minutes, I traced soft caresses across her face, reveling in the tenderness of the morning. Leaning down, I planted a gentle kiss on her head, a silent expression of love that lingered in the serene air.
"Hmmmm," she sounded. Then I felt her hand slowly enter my shirt, the touches delicate and tender, traversing my skin until her hand found my bare breast, as I wasn't wearing any bra.
She opened her eyes and looked at me playfully. "I missed my favorites," she declared, now playfully toying with my nipples, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The room, bathed in the morning glow, held an air of intimacy that blended with the playfulness of our shared connection.
My wife closed the gap with a gentle kiss, her lips meeting mine in a tender embrace. The warmth of her kiss sent a ripple of affection through me, and I couldn't resist reciprocating, savoring the sweet connection unfolding between us.
As the warmth of our shared affection deepened, a thought entered my mind, "So it's gonna happen now."
Her hand continued its exploration, tracing delicate patterns on my breasts. Freen, with a trail of kisses, moved to my neck, and I couldn't help but let out a soft moan in response to her intimate actions.
My hand traveled from cupping her face to her shoulders as I savored the feelings she stirred within me. When my hand reached the side of her stomach, my wife suddenly stopped. She lifted herself gently and pecked a kiss on my lips. "Time to rise up. We can't have you late for the office." And just like that, she rose from the bed, as if she did not lit a fire in me, leaving me with the lingering warmth of our shared morning passion.