FAR FROM ERIS • FreenBecky •

TWENTY - THREE

-We have to stop meeting like this- Becky said, coming out of the Flower Shop when she noticed Freen leaning against the shop window. -I hope you came to look for me and you weren't here waiting for a dealer or something.-

-Wow, there goes my secret drug dealing spot,- Freen said, making a face. -Now I'll have to find other vices.-

-Maybe I can help you with that,- Becky smiled. Freen slid a little against the glass as she tried to stand up. -Have you ever tried french fries with sugar syrup?-

-What?- Freen certainly didn't expect that question.

-It's one of my confessable vices.-

-Well, I don't want to know what the unconfessable ones are.-

Becky shrugged with a feigned innocent look and smiled broadly at Freen, who was starting to melt against the glass. -Then tell me, what drug can I sell you?- Becky asked. Freen laughed.

-Well, any that would make me lose the embarrassment I feel coming to ask you this, really,- Freen said, looking at the ground while swinging her arms at her sides.

-It's about going to get the materials? I think it's great,- Becky said.

-But how do you know?- Becky really could read minds. There was no other explanation.

-Irin told me.-

-Irin? Have you talked to Irin?- Freen knew she was having another incoherent conversation. After how well her last conversations with Becky had gone, now it seemed that she had gone back to the start line.

-Yes, Freen, with Irin- Becky smiled. -Are you okay?-

-Yes, yes, of course, everything's fine- Freen said, straightening up. -I didn't know Irin had your phone number- Was Becky Irin's type? She felt a shiver down her spine and quickly shook her head from side to side to push that thought away.

-She doesn't have it,- Becky replied, observing Freen's nonverbal cues with great curiosity. Was she jealous? -It seems she found my messenger pigeon- she joked.

-Oh- Freen said, feeling a discomfort in her stomach that she didn't know how to handle.

-Freen, hey,- Becky stepped a couple of steps closer, but Freen moved to the side.-Listen, if you don't want me there, I can tell Irin that I won't go, it's okay.-

-No, no, don't worry. We can always use help for these things. I suppose Irin told you, but we're meeting tomorrow at nine thirty at the bookstore. We'll spend the night out, so get a backpack. A suitcase. A bag, well, I don't know where you usually carry your things.-

-Freen...-

-I'll see you tomorrow then,- Freen said, turning around. -Good night, Becky.-

-Good night,- Becky muttered, but Freen had walked away so fast that she didn't hear her.

**