Mathematicians and Scientists (Saanvi×Ben)

Chapter 10: It's Not What You Think

Saanvi

I can't believe any of what just happened.  I just told Ben I liked him....and he likes me back.  My heart can't even handle it.

We continue to do research and I get chills with every accidental touch. Around 2 A.M., we give up on looking through Ben's pages. We drew every connection we could, but we are unsuccessful in linking Griffin to 828 along with figuring out where this bombing is to happen. 

"Well, it doesn't seem like we're going to find anything tonight...I mean, this morning. I should go. We both need sleep."  I say.

"No, you shouldn't drive this late. You can sleep on the couch if you'd like. Just with the Xers and all...I'd hate for something to happen to you."

"Yeah. You're right. " I reply.

We both head out into the sitting room. He grabs me a pillow and a blanket and puts it on the couch. He lays the blanket out nicely and then gently touches my back.

"Goodnight, Saanvi. If you need anything,  don't hesitate to wake me."

"Goodnight." I say.

I look into his eyes one last time before he heads to his room. I let out a sigh as he closes the door. A lot can happen in just a few hours. 

***

I wake up to the sound of a knock on the door. I look up and the clock reads 8:17. Who's even up this early on a Friday. 

"Ben, it's me. Cal insists he needs to talk to you."

Shoot. It's Grace.

I see Ben's door open, and him run out.

"Oh God, I can't even imagine how this is going to look to Grace," he groans. Then adds, "But honestly, I don't really care. "

I just stay sitting on the couch.  This is gonna be awkward. 

He opens the door.

"Hi Grace, Cal, what's up?"

I see how he blocks the door from opening.  He doesn't want to let her in which is...understandable.

"Cal insists he needs to see you. He refuses to go to school, and says it's something only you can understand.  Can we come in? "

"Umm...sure. " I hear him say.

He opens the door and they walk in. I can't describe the tension of the moment when she fixes her glare on me.

"This is-" Ben starts to say.

"Saanvi?" She asks. "What are you doing here?"

"We were doing some research last night. It was late so she stayed the night. Anyways...this is about Cal."

" No, we're not moving on from this. I don't buy this little research act. What os this? Some kind of one night stand? Or is it a thing," She looks at me " so, you think now that we're divorced it's your opportunity to be with him. How  naive. Just because you're my son's doctor doesn't mean I have to like you. "

I ignore the insults. Grace is...well Grace is Grace. I see the look on Cal's face. He's terrified by his mother's raised voice.  But, I can't help but feel like he knows something that he's not saying.

"Grace," I finally pipe up," you don't have to like me. But, you do have to listen when I tell you that this is not what you think. Now, please calm down. There is no reason for any kind of yelling...especially in front of Cal. He's been through enough."

As soon as I say enough. I get a calling.  A different one.

STOP HIM

When the callings ends, I look up. Based on the looks on Ben and Cal's faces, I'd assume they heard it too.