It's Complicated… Chapter Eleven: The Option

Author's Note: I know I usually switch POVs every chapter, but I wanted to make this in Ivan's POV.

Ivan's POV

I wait for a few minutes outside of Freya's door, but she doesn't emerge from her house. Finally, I just leave.

I'm just crossing the bridge when Freya comes rushing out. She takes my arm. "Ivan."

"Are you running late, today?" I ask, subtly trying to shake her grip. I don't succeed, but Freya releases me seconds later.

She mumbles, "I-I needed to tell you that I'm happy for you. It's good seeing you smiling."

"Thank you?" I respond, making it sound more like a question than an appreciation. "I mean, uh. Thanks."

She insists, "I mean it. You two are—"

"Hey guys," Anita calls from behind us. We both spin on our heels to face her. She beams at us.

Freya smiles. "Good morning, Anita. How are you doing?"

Anita blinks multiple times. "Uh, I'm good. Thank you." She pulls out a slice of pizza. "I got this for you. Joan and Marian said to say hello to you. So, hello."

"Thanks, Anita." She accepts the food. "I love pizza."

Anita turns to me. "And Ivan, I have an herb salad." She hands me the dish and bounces on her heels.

"Thank you." I take her hand and gently squeeze it. "See you later, okay?"

She salutes. "Got it. Bye, Freya, have a good day at work." She leaves.

"Gosh, she's so nice. That's the kind of girl you deserve, Ivan. I mean it." Freya starts walking and I do, too.

I stop her. "Freya, have you ever thought about moving?"

"Moving?" she repeats. "You mean, away from Zephyr Town?"

"Yeah. That's it."

She asks, "Why, do you want to get rid of me…?"

"No, that's not what I meant," I reply. "I mean… Anita always makes me happy. I want that for you, too. You deserve it."

She chuckles, and then realizes I'm serious. "You mean it? You want me to leave the only town I've loved in my life?"

"It's not like that. Look, Anita and I were talking about it and she only wants you to find love and live. Truly live."

She shakes her head. "I'm not cut out for that. I told you."

"With the right person, I know you will. I know it. Besides, just because you move doesn't mean you'll never see us again. You can always visit or call or something."

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine the way I am. I'm living. I'm living the life I want to."

She doesn't sound convincing, but I don't push it. "We'd better get to work. I'll talk to you later, Freya."

She gives me a small wave and heads to her job.