Bloody Noses & Crack'd Crowns

Chapter 34

I DO NOT OWN THIS STORY. All credit goes to TheWeaverofWorlds on ao3

On Wednesday, Ben and Beverly moved her things over to the Urises. The house was much bigger than Aunt Jean's apartment, and quieter too. This was not because Andrea or Donald enforced solemnity on their house, but rather that the house was inhabited by three quiet people. Even so, there was no hiding Stan's excitement when he greeted them at the door.

"Long time no see, Uris." Beverly said, pulling him into a hug.

"I know. I can't wait until we can all hang out again. I miss all of us being together." Stan gave her a tight squeeze before letting go.

"Me too."

"Hi, Stan."

"Hey, Ben. Sorry to be stealing away your girlfriend."

"She deserves better than a living room couch."

"Here, let me get your bag." Stan reached for one of the bags in Beverly's arm.

"Thanks, Stan. I really appreciate your parents letting me stay here."

"Of course. Mom was dying to do something, and I realized with everything going on with Ben's move it might be easier to have you stay here. Has your mom put in an offer yet?" Stan addressed the question to Ben as he began leading them through the house.

"Not yet. She wants to soon though. I think she still has to go to the bank and get approved for a loan," Ben said. "She can't even begin the adoption paperwork until she owns the house."

"Is she stressed about it?" Stan asked.

"I think so, but she won't show it. She's so happy, and she wants to make sure that Eddie isn't worried about things falling through."

Stan hummed.

They had reached the attic now, and Stan opened the door. The entire floor had been finished a couple years ago, turning it into a guest suite for when Andrea's sister and her family came for Rosh Hashanah. The majority of the space was devoted to a queen sized bed and wardrobe, but there was also a pullout couch by the stairs with a little screen for privacy. A full bathroom had been added as well.

The entire space was light an airy. Stan watched as Ben's eyes traced the exposed woodwork with interest.

"Stan, it's marvelous," Beverly said, looking at the skylights and large windows.

She went to the sliding glass doors and stepped out onto the small porch.

"I'm glad you like it so much. You're welcome to stay as long as you need."

Beverly's smile drooped a little.

"What's wrong?"

She turned around and leaned on the railing.

"My mom wants me to move back to London."

Stan looked to Ben who showed no signs of shock, she must have told him already – no surprise there. "Do the others know?"

Beverly shook her head.

"When does she want you to go back?"

She shrugged. "She didn't say exactly when, but I don't think she wants to stick around here."

"Oh."

Beverly forced a smile, "Hey, stop that. You look like a little old man when you furrow your brow like that."

"I can't help it. Do you want to go?"

Beverly looked away, back at the treeline.

"I'm going to get the rest of your stuff from downstairs," Ben said. He left them alone.