Mathematicians and Scientists (Saanvi×Ben)

Chapter 12: Decorating with Art

Saanvi

I wake up to the sound of my parents talking downstairs. I look at the time.
It's 7:00.

Who is awake and talking at 7:00 on a Saturday?!...apparently my parents. I really need to get my own place.

I try to go back to sleep,  but give up around eight. I get out of bed and get ready for the day.

I never know what to wear on Saturdays. I'm not dressing for work, but I feel weird wearing casual clothes. I decide on jeans and a nice fuchsia longsleeve shirt. I start to head downstairs and remember it's supposed to be cold today. I throw on a black leather jacket as well.

"Good Morning!" My parents greet me as I come downstairs.  They're so enthusiastic. 

"Good Morning." I say trying to match their enthusiasm.

"Where are you off to on a Saturday morning?" My mom questions. They know I have quite the lack of friends. 

"I'm actually going to spend time with one of my coworkers. He's decorating his apartment and could use  a hand."
It's weird to call Ben my coworker, but I don't want to make them suspicious.

"Well have fun honey. Let us know how it goes."

I say goodbye and leave. I text Ben when I get to my car. It's not quite 9 yet, and I'd feel awful if I showed up before he was awake. 

Hey, I'm on my way over. Just wanted to make sure it's not too early. -Saanvi

He texts back before I even pull out of the driveway.

Perfect! See ya in a few. -Ben

I catch myself starting to think about Ben and how he grabbed my hand. I know it's ridiculous,  but I have had these feelings for a while, and I've had to suppress them. I just keep replaying that moment in my head....the way he looked into my eyes.

I push the thoughts out of my head when I get to Ben's apartment.  I don't want to be weird, especially around Cal and Olive around. I'm suddenly worried about making a good impression on Olive.  What if she doesn't like me? What would Ben think if his kid doesn't like me? I know I worry too much, but it's ingrained in me.

I walk up the stairs to Ben's apartment. I stand outside the door for a moment. I hear Cal giggling and it sounds like they are running around. I hear Ben do a fake scream and both of the kids start laughing. He's such a good dad.

I knock on the door. The laughing stops, and I feel bad to have disturbed their fun.

"Saanvi! Come in!," he says as I walk in, "This is Olive and Olive this is Saanvi."

"Hi." We both say to eachother.  I really don't know what more to say so I am glad when Cal interrupts the conversation.

"And this is Art!" He says while holding up a green, stuffed dragon.

"Well, hello Art." I say. Cal makes art hug me and I laugh.  He is just so adorable. 

"So, we are going to decorate today which means we need to head to the store so go get shoes and water." He tells the kids. Once they leave he adds, " Olive is shy...give her a bit, but she'll warm up to you. She was excited yiu were coming."

" Well I am excited to get to know her. I'm sure she is a great girl.  And Cal, he's so precious. "

We just kind of stand there for a minute taking everything in. This idea , that we can have happiness amidst everything with 828, it's truly wonderful.

"So ,where do you want to go?" Ben asks.

"Maybe that Home Decor store few blocks away... What kind of theme do you want for your apartment?"

"Hmm...maybe airplanes? Ooo. Or we could do 828. We can just have that everywhere.  "

"Sounds kinda stressful." Is all I can say. Is he serious?

But then I see that slight smile. Of course he's joking. I laugh. The kids walk into the room.

"So, what kind of theme should we give your dads apartment?" I ask them as we walk downstairs to the car.

They give about 100 suggsetions, including legos, floral, super heros, stripes, fish, and pretty much every other random thing you can think of. Finally,  we decide on a rustic theme.

The car ride over to the store is exciting.  Olive and I bond a bit over music. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift so I know every word to her songs. Cal brought Art into the store and pushed him around in the cart which just added to the excitement. Ben just seemed so calm and happy. I rarely see him not in problem solving mode.

We get back and have our decorating party. We listen to music and dance. We finish decorating and play games. Time literally flies. It gets away from us. We completely lose track of it.

....Because next thing I know, it's 8 O'clock and Grace is knocking on the door to pick up the kids.

"Ben! Open the door."

"Coming!" He replies.

I just sit at the table finishing the game with the kids while he talks to her. She finally comes into the room and just glares at me. She looks around but doesn't say anything.  "

"Saanvi came over and we had a decorating party!" Cal blurts.

Of course. That kid. Grace shoots me another nasty look.

"Is that so?" Is all she replies. "Let's go kids, get your stuff. "

Cal and Olive follow Grace to the door, but then Cal turns around and runs over to us. He digs through his bag and pulls out Art.

"I want you guys to keep Art here whenever I'm away. Just to remember me. "

"Thanks, bud. Love you!" Ben replies.

Then they're gone, and we are left there alone.

"Thank you so much for coming over Saanvi.  I think the kids really love you."

"No problem. And I like them. You've done such an amazing job with them. "

He smiles and just looks at me for a minute. 

"You look so pretty like that. I'm so used to seeing you in work clothes. This is nice." He says almost shyly.

"Well, if things work out, maybe you'll be seeing less of the work clothes. I may be developing a social life. "

We talk and laugh for a few hours.  Ben teaches me to play a card game called Spades. It's perfect. 

Well...it was. Until Ben's phone rings.

"Ben. We have a problem.  Cal is missing, and I need you to get over here. "