Remember This

Chapter 10- Arynn

I wake up and start getting ready for the day. I throw on some lounge clothes because I doubt Bennett will want to do anything but relax. I text him anyway.

Me: Good morning, B.

He answers almost immediately.

Bennett: Good morning, A.

Me: What's on the agenda for today?

Bennett: I was going to ask you the same.

Bennett: Coffee?

Me: You know the way to a girl's heart.

Bennett: Pick you up in 30.

Knowing Bennett, we're not going to a chain coffee place. So, I change and put on light makeup, that way I'll at least look a bit put together. After the past couple of months, Bennett being here is just what I need. Especially, since Isla leaves today. Now I have someone else to bother.

As I wait for Bennett to pull up any minute now, I think about last night. I kissed him on the cheek. I've never done that. I wish I could blame it on being tired, but I'd be lying. It felt right. But it's not a big deal. It certainly doesn't mean anything. Not that he would think it means anything. It's not like I shoved my tongue down his throat. I could never do that. My phone buzzes.

Bennett: Let's go, Big Head.

I sigh, grab my purse and head down to his car. Bennett is dawning his signature apparel: a hoodie and jeans. So predictable.

"Café Light?" I ask.

"You know it." He says as we pull off.

Soon we're pulling into the cute little coffee shop not too far away from my house. I mostly come with Isla, but Bennett and I always come when he visits. It's not very big, probably about 10 tables or so. We order our coffee and I get a bagel. I go to pay but, of course, Bennett stops me. I let out an exasperated breath and let him pay. There's no point in trying to stop him.

We sit in a booth in the back of the café. It could easily fit another couple of people, but no one is here. It's nice. And I realize Bennett is sitting kind of close to me. I've never minded being so close, but something about his proximity is doing something to me. But I don't want him to move.

Bennett takes a drink of coffee and I realize that I've been staring at him. If he notices, he doesn't say anything. It's just a regular day. Act like it.

"So, tell me. Anything new about life in Tennessee?" I ask, bumping his arm lightly with my own.

"Nope, not really. It's just like high school here, but with more cowboy hats and blondes." He shrugs.

I laugh. "Well, have you met anyone special yet?" He looks at me weird for a split second.

"Nope. None of them are my type."

"Oh. And what is your type?" I ask, incredulously.

"Why? Trying to figure out if you fit the criteria?" I swat his arm.

"Absolutely not. Just trying to keep up with your interests."

"Well, what about you? Still on your vow of abstinence?" He asks, laughing.

"I never said anything like that. All I said was that I'm focusing on myself. I spent a lot of the last 2 years so wrapped up in doing stuff for Devon, or because of him It's time for me to do stuff for me." I say, releasing a deep breath after.

"I know, A." He pauses. "Just because you're focusing on yourself, doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself."

Is he serious? What is he talking about?"

"Bennett. I'm not saying you're wrong. But you know I'm not like that. Are you taking your own advice?" I ask accusingly.

"I'm trying to." He takes a drink. "Mostly, I do what Reid tells me."

"Yeah, and I'm sure that's such great advice." I scoff.

"Hey, sometimes he can be pretty profound. He's had some golden lines."

"I'll have to take your word for it."

We sit in a companionable silence for a bit. Just enjoying each other's presence and coffee. I end up splitting my bagel with him. I think about what he said. Bennett's never been one to shy away from talking about sex. And it's definitely not the first time he's said something like that. He's big on we're young and should have fun and as long as it's safe. I love that for him but the one and only time I've tried, it didn't work out for me. You'll know its just physical but then he'll start acting like it's more. He'll want you to do girlfriend things and when you do the same to him, it's always 'we're not together, remember?'. It's too much and still ends up hurting in the end. So, I've decided not to. It's easier for everyone.

Maybe Bennett has a point though. I would never tell him that, of course. But its my senior year and I'll be leaving come next fall. Why not have fun and just enjoy that last semester before a new chapter begins? I could do that. I can make out with someone and it not mean anything. I just have to find someone who I find attractive and who thinks the same of me.

I look over at Bennett. He has lots of great qualities. Physical and otherwise. He stands at least a foot taller than me. He's so much taller than Devon. His jawline is sharp and makes his features look harsh when he isn't smiling. But he's always cracking jokes, so you get to see that beautiful smile all the time. He has these soft looking plump lips. Puberty hit him like a monster truck. When I first met him, I thought he was cute. But this Bennett is more than cute. When I said that Bennett was hot 2 months ago, I wasn't just saying it because he said I was. I said it because it's true. I've seen and heard girls talk about him. He knows he isn't ugly and yet has some sort of humility about him. Maybe it's because I make fun of him so much. Someone has to keep him humble.

He must be deep in thought because I see his jaw tense. I wonder what he's thinking about. I don't think about it too long because all of a sudden Bennett jumps to his feet and holds out his hand.

"Come on." He says. Taking his outstretched hand, I ask.

"Where are we going?"

"You ask too many questions. Don't you trust me?"

"Of course, I trust you, Bennett. But that doesn't mean I don't question your decisions."

He laughs. "Come on, A. You know I'd never let anything happen to you."

He's right. And he's always been like this. Just another great quality of his. We drive in the direction of the park. Bennett and I have spent a bunch of time here, especially freshman year. We'd just sit and talk about everything. Most times, we'd end up talking about me. He's a good listener and I'm a good rambler. I remember one day we were out here freshman year after school. We had been talking for a while, about what I can't remember. All I remember is how bad I wanted him to kiss me, and I really thought he was. He was giving me all the signs. He kept looking at my mouth, kept scooting in closer. Just when I thought he would do it, he got a "text" and had to leave. It would've been my first kiss and I so desperately wanted it to be him. It ended up being 2 months later with a boyfriend and he told me I was a bad kisser. Romantic, right?

We pull into the parking lot and get out of the car. Bennett goes to his trunk and pulls out a blanket. Immediately, we head to our usual spot. It's under a big tree so there's some shade. We lay the blanket down and sit, both sighing.

"I've missed this." I say, laying my head on his shoulder. He lays his head on mine.

"Me too. Your big head is a great cushion." I punch him in the arm.

"Jerk. Why am I even still friends with you?" He gives me a gorgeous smile and faces the park.

"Because you love me." I turn my head and take in his profile.

You have no idea.