Chapter 11

Mason’s POV

I watched Ben from a distance as he and some of the other boys played with a frisbee. I sat under a tree with Carol.

“It’s weird that Ben can easily order people to do stuff.” Carol said to me. I turned and sure enough Ben was directing people where to stand.

“Yeah. I’ve noticed that too.”

“I have a theory.” Carol turned to me. “What if Ben is a runaway?” She said. “Think about it. He doesn’t talk about his family. He suddenly comes to town out of nowhere. And his accent. It just doesn’t add up.”

“True that. And it doesn’t make sense that he kissed me after the party.” I said. Carol let out the loudest screech in existence. I covered my ears and the boys turned to look at us.

“How!? Why?!” She quickly muttered out.

“He was drunk. Just kissed me. And then he threw up.” I recalled the memory.

“Oof! And did he mention it afterwards?”

“Yeah. I just told him we should stay friends.”

“Nu-uh. Tell you what. We’re going to the movies tonight. And Ben is coming. Come to my house before and we’ll choose an outfit that’ll make you look dashing.” She snapped her fingers.

“I guess. I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?” I said.

Ben had agreed to go to the movies. While he was out with Dylan, I was at home looking for an outfit. Carol and I have gone through my wardrobe and have found nothing.

“What is this?” She held up a cardigan.

“It’s a cardigan?” I said.

“Get rid!” She threw it. I caught it while Carol went deeper. She pulled out a light blue crewneck sweatshirt. “THIS!” She held it up.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Defo! He’s gonna look at you and go ‘Damn Mase, you look amazing!’.” She said.

I obliged and put on the outfit we (more like Carol) chose. We met up with the boys at the theater. Ben was there holding Dylan in a chokehold. I just stood back and watched until Dylan surrendered.

“What’s going on here, boys?” Carol asked.

“Dylan bet that I wouldn’t beat him in a wrestle match.” Ben stood back and looked at me. His eyes bulged out. He trailed down and back up. I waved at him and he waved back.

“Shall we see a movie?” I asked.

“Umm, yeah. I’ll pay for everything.” Ben said. He bought tickets and snacks for us. Luckily not many were coming to the theater so we had extra time to fool around.

“Ben, you’ll sit next to Mason.” Carol said who decided she wants to pick where we sit. She winked at me when we sat at the edge. So here I was, Ben next to me. Shoulders touching in the dark.

“What’s this movie?” Ben asked in my ear.

“Umm, a superhero movie.” I said back.

“Cool. Cool.” He said. “By the way, you look amazing.” He added. I slouched back in my seat and internally slammed my head.

“You two! Movie’s starting!” Carol said to us from her seat. We shut up and turned to face the screen.

For the first 30 minutes, it was just occasional glances at one another. I brushed my hand accidentally on his. His fingers twitched and I felt them slightly extend like he was reaching out. I was enjoying toying with him a bit.

Ben picked up his drink and sipped it. I made the mistake and grabbed his hand when something was on screen that scared me. The sudden action made Ben drop his drink which landed on my sweater.

“Shit! Mase! I’m sorry!” He said. He got napkins and patted the liquid but it wasn’t drying. Everyone turned to us. Carol was amused.

“It’s fine, Ben. I’ll just go to the bathroom.” I said. I got up and awkwardly walked to the bathroom. I took off my sweater. My shirt was still dry, thank God. But this sweater, which I purposefully wore for Ben, was now ruined.

“Mase?” Ben walked into the bathroom. He looked at my sweater. “Shit! I’ll buy you a new one! I promise!” He said.

“It’s fine Ben. I’ve had this for years.” I shivered from the cold. Ben took off his jacket.

“Have mine. It’s the least I can do so you don’t freeze to death.” He put his jacket over me. It was a bit big but cozy and warm. And it smelled like him.

“What about you?” I asked.

“I’m fine. Used to the cold.” He said. Which doesn’t make sense cause he’s from Cali. I know some places are cold, but not that much. So how can he be used to the cold?

“Thanks, Ben.” I said. “I’ll be out in a minute.” I said. Ben nodded and walked out. I looked at myself in the mirror.

This jacket is… nice. Very nice. And looks expensive. I smelled it again.

His scent brings a sense of comfort.

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bye! i love you all!

<3