Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Chapter 18

Benny's POV

I can't express how bad I feel for June. I don't know if I'm more angry or sad about the whole situation. I mean I simultaneously just want to hold June, but also punch someone in the face. It was a weird mix of emotions, but I was working through it. Besides, I was more focused on being there for June than anything else.

I left June's house at around dusk and Avery was the only person I saw when I got home.
"Where are mom and dad?" I asked her.
She shrugged nonchalantly. "Business again."
"They are never here," I sat down next to Avery on the couch. "I think you deserve more credit for raising me than they do."
"I will gladly accept the title of your surrogate mother," she laughed. "So...So how's June?"
"She's obviously seen better days, but she's trying her best," I said.
She frowned. "Is she herself at all?"
"No, not at all. She barely talks and she doesn't make fun of anyone, not even me. You can just see how upset she is by looking at her face," I explained. "I hate seeing her like this."
"Of course you do. You care about that girl more than anything else in the world," she said. "Even more than baseball, and that's saying something."
"Yeah," I smiled. "Hey, can I ask you for some advice?"
Avery sat up and turned towards me. "You know you always can. What's up?"
"If you saw two of your friends, I don't know let me think of something completely random...kissing, would you talk to them about it?" I asked.
She thought for a moment. "I would politely bring it up once, but then leave it alone if they don't want to discuss it."
"That sounds like a good idea," I said.
"Great, now tell me who these hypothetical friends are?" She chuckled.
Her directness made me laugh. "Nancy and Bertram."
"Was not expecting that pairing," her jaw was almost on the floor.
I laughed harder. "To be honest, none of us were at first."
She raised an eyebrow. "At first?"
"I eventually figured out that they liked each other," I said.
"I need to see this," she stood up. "Why don't you invite everyone for a sleepover this weekend? You can make a whole day out of it. I doubt mom and dad will be home, so I'll supervise. I'll get to see this couple in the making."
A lightbulb turned on in my head. "That might help June feel better. You know, everyone hanging out together and things going back to some sort of normal for her."
"I like what you're thinking Benny," she started walking into the kitchen. "You tell everyone the plan and we can start preparing for the big night." I don't know why she referred to it as the big night, but I liked where things were going. I think it was gonna be good.

I couldn't wait for the weekend to come. All I wanted was to cheer June up, or at least try to. A smile on her face was all I was asking for. It would be fun to hang out with everyone else too, and Avery was gonna get some kicks out of it. I honestly think everyone is gonna have a good time this weekend.

Author's Note: Chapter 18!! I'm glad to write scenes with Avery again, I really missed her tbh
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! 😊❤️
As per usual, I proofread but if you discover any typos please let me know! 👍