STARTED// April 28th, 2020
ENDED// July 6th, 2020
Way back in the summer of 1963, one year after Benny Rodriguez became the legend that the neighborhood called, Benny the jet Rodriguez. Darla who is the hottest girl in town's little sister, Wendy Pr...
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New York, 1972
With my hands in my denim jacket, my sneakers led me out of the stadium after watching Benny Rodriguez's baseball game, which his team won. A sharp sigh escaped my lips as I shivered from the chill in the air that wrapped itself around my slim figure, which caused my pace to quicken. I eventually arrived to my car, but only to whip around when I heard an all too familiar voice call my name--Benny. Despite the rain soaking me, a small smile still found its way to my lips.
"Benjamin." I greeted as he jogged up to me, water droplets dripping from his dark, wet hair.
"You're really gonna leave without even saying hi?" Benny asked, seeming out of breath. I sighed, licking my bottom lip. I had recently reconnected with Benny. We had both matured quite a bit with time, but Benny hadn't seemed to move on yet like I had.
"Sorry. I have an essay to finish by this weekend." I apologized, pulling my jacket closer to my body. I was studying phycology in school, which meant I had given up at baseball. I love chasing my dreams, but I'm also a realist. There aren't many women who succeed in a sport like that, so I just chose something else I enjoy. I was content with my life.
"Isn't your dorm super far away? Benny questioned with his hand running through his damp curls, causing me to nod in response, "Well, then just crash at my place. Problem solved." He suggested with a shrug.
"Look, it was good to see you again, but I don't think this is such a good idea." I told him, guilt shooting through me when I saw the look on his face. He looked like he had seen a ghost, which is what we were in a sense. It was like we were two ghosts standing in the place of who we used to be, still trying to hold on somehow.
"We haven't seen each other in, like, forever and you really think I still have feelings for you?" Benny queried, causing me to sigh again. Suddenly I felt embarrassed for even thinking such a thing. My cheeks flushed red.
"Of course not." I countered through nervous laughs. He only smiled at my embarrassment, causing childish annoyance to shoot through me. Then a comfortable silence fell over us, distant chatter was the only thing heard. I perked up, "Congrats on winning the game by the way. You did amazing."
"Thanks." He replied with a breathy chuckle. I could see his breath collide with the chill in the air. And then I swear I could see a lightbulb pop up over his head as an idea popped into his head, "If you'll allow me, I have something I'd like to show you."
I looked up at him skeptically, on the verge of a smile, "If you insist."
_____
"Go!" Benny encouraged after me as the rain continued to pour, melting onto our skin. We were jogging down the street toward an old book shop. I laughed, picking up my pace to avoid getting soaked even more. Once I pushed open the door, the familiar sound of the entry bell echoed through the mostly empty shop. Benny and I entered, causing me to furrow my eyebrows. This is what he wanted to show me?
