Stella

Chapter 2

Stella

Chapter 2

I had only had twenty minutes, but that's all I need. I quickly ran into my bathroom when I finished texting Vicky and turned the shower on. I had already set my shampoo and conditioner on the edge of the tub and ducked my head, washing out my hair of all the grime and dirt.

I grabbed the shampoo and maneuvered my hair to not get the floor or my body wet. I washed and rinsed my hair then applied conditioner. I was done with that in less that five minutes. I grabbed a towel from the side and wrapped my hair up, determined to blow dry it once I got changed and washed my face.

I ruffled through what was left in my suitcase and grabbed an old The Story So Far shirt that I had 'borrowed' from my brother a couple years ago. I checked my phone to see if Vicky had replied but there was nothing. I'll call her later.

I pulled my black jeans on and put the shirt on over the towel still around my hair. I ripped the towel off and through it into the hamper I had set beside the bathroom door.

Plugging my hair dryer in, I noticed I only had about ten more minutes. I ran the dryer over my head and decided to let the rest air dry, letting it sit in light waves.

Why am I doing this? This was Ben Bruce. I couldn't just go up to him. What would I say?

My thoughts were on overdrive. I grabbed my phone and wallet and ran down the stairs. Then something dawned on me.

I didn't even know where 3rd avenue was.

Pulling up a quick map on my phone, I navigated my way there and found it was a few short blocks from my apartment.

I walked there in five minutes. I looked in the window and saw him sitting there with another guy. Ben looked just as he did this morning at the airport but the second guy looked to be a few years older. He had a beard and a mop of brown hair.

I walked into the cafe and was instantly greeted by the smell of fresh made coffee. Decided on trying to act normal, I walked up to the counter and ordered some coffee and a pastry.

"That'll be $4.35," the cashier said.

I started digging around in my wallet when I heard a voice behind me. "I got it."

I turned around to see Ben right behind me. My breath caught in my throat. I no longer saw him as the stranger who helped me. More as a guitarist for a famous, rock 'n roll band my best friend worshiped.

"Hi.." I mumbled, trying to stay normal.

Ben handed the guy a five dollar bill and told the to keep the change.

"Hello," he replied, smiling. "I can tell from your awkwardness that you've gathered who I am."

I nodded my head as we moved down the line. My throat was constricting and I could feel a line of sweat coming on. Ben laughed, my nervousness obvious.

"No need to be so quiet." He shrugged. "I'm glad you're a fan."

I looked at him and I could feel word vomit coming on. I thought about my talk with Vicky earlier and tried to imagine her in this situation.

"I-I'm not just a fan.." I mumbled. "Your music saved my best friends life, and you inspired me to start playing guitar."

I didn't know where all this was coming from, but my face turned cherry red once that was out. I looked down at the floor and could feel Ben staring at me.

"I don't know how to respond to that but I'm flattered," he replied.

"Ben! Get your fat ass over here!" Someone yelled from across the cafe'. I looked and saw the guy Ben was sitting with earlier. The one and only Danny Worsnop.