Stalemate // The Queens Gambit //Benny Watts x OC

Seven: Nothing To Do But Talk

C/W:
This chapter contains heavy themes of sewersl1de.  Please continue with caution and enjoy <3

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   I must have stayed on the kitchen floor for the whole next day, because when I woke up it was dark out. I sat up slowly, glancing around at my dim apartment. I stood, having to lean on the wall or else I'd collapse again, and walked to the door. I took my keys and my purse and left.

I walked about half a mile to get to a bar my mother was always telling me to go to because they were the only place that made her favorite drink "correctly" and always gave her as many umbrellas as she wanted. I went inside and plopped down at the bar, asking for an old fashioned. My mother's favorite. I took a large gulp and knew this was not going to be enough, so once I finished I just asked for a beer and laid my head on the bar.

"You stalking me or something?" Someone from my left asked. I looked up and saw, of course, Benny Watts. Four seats down from me.

Of all people? Really?

Once he saw my face his expression changed and he tilted his head in concern. "Are you okay..?"

I almost laughed at the question. Did I look okay? Obviously not, if he had to ask. I couldn't get any words out so I just shook my head slightly. He got up and came over to sit next to me. I glared a little and rested my head back on the bar. I did not want company.

"Wanna talk about it? Or is this more of a "drown your sorrows situation"?" When I didn't answer, he nodded and told the bartender to put my drinks on his tab. He sat and drank quietly next to me, barely even looking at me. It was getting annoying. I looked back to him and forced myself to speak.

"Do you mind? I'm not really in the mood for a drinking buddy." I snapped, my voice cold. I knew I was being rude but I did not care at that moment.

"Alright. Just thought I'd offer. If you change your mind I'll be here." He started to get back up and go back to his original seat but I stopped him.

"Wait. I'm sorry. You can stay."

He paused and then sat back down. "What happened?"

I didn't answer him for almost two minutes, just staring at the bar and tracing the rim of my bottle. "My mother died.." my voice was barely above a whisper but I knew he heard me as I saw his eyes go from interest to sadness. He looked back to his glass and nodded slowly.

"when did it happen?" That wasn't what I was expecting him to say but I was almost grateful. Knowing that from now on the only thing I'll get from people is pity.

"..what's the date?"

"The twenty third."

"Yesterday I guess. Somebody found her in a river.. They think she-" I clear my throat and force myself to continue "did it herself."

He sucked in through his teeth and took a sip of his drink "Jesus that's rough. Do you.. agree with that?"

I shrugged, feeling the tears come back up. I tried to force them back down but failed, a few escaping. I didn't even bother wiping them away. "I don't know.. I just saw her last week. She was good, she was happy." I held my face in my hands and shrugged again, pathetically. I figured I'd made him uncomfortable because he didn't say anything for a while, but then I felt a cautious hand on my shoulder.

"I'm really sorry.. that's about as shitty as it gets. I can't imagine how you feel right now." He said. In that moment, it was something I desperately needed to hear. I nodded and took a deep breath, forcing myself to look back at him.