Levelling the Playing Field (HD&D Sequel)

Chapter 3 - We're Friends

"Tess?" Bennett blinked.

Declan was taken aback, to say the least. Not once had Bennett mentioned knowing what seems to be Declan's future wife. It really was a small world.

"The one, the only," She replied. A lazy smirk replaced her initial shock. She leaned on the table with her arms crossed, looking up at Bennett expectantly. "You alright, Bent?"

So they knew each other by nicknames? Declan had to get to the bottom of this, not liking the scenarios his brain was already coming up with. Bennett's shock wore off too and was replaced by his usual blank face, which made it impossible for Declan to read what kind of relationship they had.

The two continued to stare one another down. Both seemingly forgetting Declan was there.

He cleared his throat, and they both finally snapped their heads towards him. He gave Bennett a pointed look, which he eventually got. Bennett cleared his throat.

"Tessa, this is my friend Declan," he motioned to Declan, who nodded in response. "Declan, this is Tess, an old friend of mine," he motioned to the redhead.

Tessa looked back at Declan and smiled. "It's nice meeting you,"

"And you," Declan said awkwardly. He felt as if he was intruding.

The bell rang, signalling the start of the next class, Declan was going to be late, but right now, that was the last thing on his mind.

"I'll see you around," she said to Bennett, an earnest look in her eye. She then turned to Declan. "And I'd love to take you up on that offer if you're still up for it."  Smiling playfully at him.

"Anytime," he responded, mirroring her smile. With that, she left the classroom.

Declan turned to Bennett. "You and I are going to talk later," he said before he left too.

*******

Bennett was deep in thought. He was packing up his things, the last period bell had just rung, and everyone else sprinted out of the class as fast as they could.

During lunch, the three new transfers were seen eating lunch together. It was assumed they all knew each other beforehand and were friends.

The classroom was empty. He just managed to put his notebooks in his bag when he stopped to look up.

"I was wondering when you'd sense me,"

The voice came from behind him. Tessa leaned against the doorframe. Watching him pack up.

"I was wondering when you'd come to find me," 

"Nice little school we have here," Tessa began ignoring his last comment. "Although, it's nothing compared to the private schools were both accustomed to, huh Bent?"

"It's quaint," He answered, turning around to face her. So much had changed since he last saw her. Her face was slimmer. She was taller. Her hair was tamer, falling in long waves. She looked grown, of course she did, she probably thought the same of him too.

The person he'd known, the child he'd known, no longer looked like the person standing in front of him. Nor did she look like her grown daughter. No wonder Bennett didn't recognise Gabrielle.

Tessa raised her eyebrows at his unusual choice of word. The usual spark of mischief was prominent in them. "That's one way to describe it. But you're right. It is different, isn't it,"

"What are you doing here, Tess?" Bennett needed to know, he knew he sounded a little rash, maybe rude, but this was bigger than it looked.

"What? You don't want me here?" She feigned offence, her eyes practically sparkling. The lack of colour meant Bennett could almost see himself in them. He then realised how close they were both standing to each other. "Isn't that funny though, I was about to ask you the same question. What are you doing here, Bent?"