Decisions, Freda and a plan

The Movie

The movie was interesting but, I couldn’t enjoy it. Mark is holding my hand, but I’m feeling guilty, as I know that Freda is alone. Am I happy with Mark? Is this what love is supposed to feel like? Torn between my boyfriend and my best friend, I need a plan. Is Freda being unreasonable? She can’t expect me to put my life on hold for her. I know I need to talk to Mark, but he is happier when it’s just the two of us. Freda gets in the way, a third wheel.

Watching him staring at the screen, eating popcorn, a flutter goes through me. This man is special, I’m sure of it. I can’t forsake my future happiness for Freda. However, what sort of friend am I to think like this? Freda is lonely, do I know anyone that could make her happy?

Mark

I’ve always loved ‘Star Wars’, since seeing the first film on VHS, I was hooked. The concept of it pulled me in with its space ships and light sabres. The Jedi and the Sith. Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi. Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, the friendships, Han Solo and Wookie, Chewbacca. The robots R2D2 and C3P0 and now BB8. We are watching ‘The rise of Skywalker’ and though I’m enjoying it, I can sense that something is wrong with Ruby.

She’s been quiet all weekend, I’ve asked her about it and her answer is “nothing”. I know she’s close to her best friend and I hope that she’s okay. Whatever’s happening, Ruby is not saying and thinking about it is distracting me from the film.

We’ve been getting on well and I hope we have a future but I’m fearing that Freda might be an issue. Living so far away from each other doesn’t help. I love the New Forest and can’t imagine leaving it. Will Ruby move here? I don’t know, but her best friend, I’m sure will present problems if she does.

Ruby

Glancing at Mark, I squeeze his hand. In the dark cinema I can’t see his face properly, but he loves ‘Star Wars’ so I’m sure he’s enjoying it. Then as the credits go up and the lights come on, I can see that he’s not smiling and something is not right.

“What Mark, what’s wrong?”
Putting his arms around me, he says,
“Let’s get out of here. Pub?”
Taking his hand, I nod, we need to talk.

Ten minutes later we are at the ‘Royal Goose’ ordering beer and wine. I feel sick now, hoping he will listen and understand. The noise of the other customers makes it difficult to talk, but we cuddle up closely at a table in the corner.
Putting the drinks down, Mark now reaches for my hand.
“Ruby, you know I love you, don’t you?”
“Yes, and I love you too.”

“Then tell me what’s wrong and don’t say nothing.”
Scared of how he might react, I now tell him.

Finally talking

“It’s Freda, she’s finding it hard me spending so much time with you. I’m her best friend and I’ve always been there but since we’ve met, I’ve been neglecting her.”
“Okay, I think neglect is a little harsh, you know that you do have a life outside of Freda.”
“Yes, but Mark, you know she’s had problems and I’ve always been there. I don’t think the stuff with ‘Baby Blue’ helped.”
“That wasn’t my fault, and we did get her music back.”
“Yes, true but it still caused a few issues, we need a plan, she is lonely and she needs me.”

Mark sipped at his pint. Pausing as a young couple walked past our table.
“So, what are you saying?”
“Mark, I don’t know. I want to be with you, but I also want her to be happy.”
“Hmm, I’ve an idea. Next week, how about you bring Freda up to my place.”

Rory

I thought about this, “Why, what are you thinking?”
“As well as showing her the beautiful surroundings, she might like to meet my mate Rory. Rory is a school teacher, he is calm, patient and he could be good for her. He split from his girlfriend about eight months ago and they might be good together.”

“Could it work? It sounds too easy.”
“I think we can only introduce them and see what happens. It either will or won’t work, let’s find out.”

“And why have you not mentioned Rory before?”
“Because it’s only in the last week that I’ve thought maybe he is ready to move on. Rebound is never good, but now Katie is in the past. Freda might be his future, but bear in mind he lives in the New Forest, so a big step maybe for her if it does work out”.
“So, I’m assuming you have no intention of moving here one day?”

A plan

“I don’t know, I love my home town. Come on Ruby, let’s see what happens. They might hate each other, one step at a time.”

Feeling a pain in my tummy, anxiety, I’m sure this plan would worry Freda. Running it through my mind, I know Mark is right. However, for it to work would be too good to be true.

“Okay, but I’m not mentioning Rory till just before they meet. She will be anxious and may refuse to come.”

My brain was racing now, finishing my wine, Mark picked up my glass, and headed to the bar for another. Watching him walk away I knew we had to make this work, regardless of Freda I couldn’t afford to lose Mark.

Written for Grammys grid – first sentence – The movie was interesting but..

For more see Time with my best friend Freda – part 10, this is part 11