Levelling the Playing Field (HD&D Sequel)

Chapter 18 - Only a Child

A/N: It's been a while, so you might want to reread the last couple of chapters before you read this.

Bennett left Davina's room with a small smile playing on his lips. He had a feeling he was going to be fighting back these smiles a lot more, but for the moment, he would just enjoy the happiness he felt by himself.

He spotted double doors at the end of the hallway and presumed they led to a balcony. Bennett took a deep breath, he could use some cold air right now and a moment to himself to gather his thoughts. So much had happened he didn't know where to begin to process it.

Meeting the doors, Bennett opened them to a mid-size balcony, almost half hidden by a sycamore tree. There was a single emerald green rocking chair in one corner, which looked soft and worn. Bennett could picture each of the girls using it as a hideaway, each in their own way.

He could see Tessa sitting and painting the sunset, Arya curled up with a book, or Davina staring out into the horizon.

Bennett snorted, thinking about how Davina kicked him off a balcony a few hours ago. Then he found himself smiling again unconsciously. He had to get it together. Otherwise, he'll end up as a bumbling blushing mess like the other two.

He stepped onto the balcony and made his way to the edge, leaning on his elbows and looking toward the skyline. He breathed in deeply, his chest still hurt from before, and he was attempting to find a position where it didn't hurt to breathe.

"How are you feeling, Tess?" He spoke out loud, still looking out to the horizon.

There was a shuffle and a muffled laugh. He got it right, and he was pleased with himself. Bennett knew they would have this conversation sooner or later.

Tessa walked towards him and mirrored his stance, looking out into the horizon. The moon was still full, giving the night air of importance.

"Not bad, considering everything," She answered. There was a moment of silence, and Bennett knew what the next topic of conversation would be. It was long overdue.

"Who would have thought you would be a gang leader?" Tessa mused more to herself than him. Her face was still light and airy, but her eyes were sunken, tired and held a sadness he didn't like to see.

Bennett hesitated a moment, unsure of how to proceed. She seemed like she wanted to make light of the situation, so he followed her lead.

"Well, I couldn't have just been any gang member, now can I?" He replied in her tone.

"Always gotta be at the front, I see, attention whore," Tessa nudged him with a knowing smirk.

Bennett snorted in response.

She went quiet for a moment, her face utterly void of emotion. Bennett observed that her eyes seemed to be playing her memories like a movie.

"You remind me of him more and more every day," She said quietly, finally delving into the conversation they'd both been dancing around.

"Tessa," Bennett looked at her, unsure how to continue.

"That's not a bad thing, you know," She flashed him a quick smile before turning to face the night sky. "You'll do better. I know you will."

It seemed like Bennett was being forced to feel every emotion tonight, come face to face with everything he had kept lying to himself about. The sadness, anger...guilt.

"Please don't leave me," She said barely above a whisper. She had to pause to take a breath as she continued to sob.

The ground in front of her was blurred as tears covered her sight. She only made out his silhouette walking away.