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

Thirty nine: A Plan

    I was supposed to be leaving the next day, but before I did, I had to see Beth again. I stopped by her room once I got back to the hotel after the talk with Benny, and once she saw I had been crying a little she immediately invited me in. She sat me on the bed and gave me a caring and concerned look, almost motherly. It was comforting.

"What happened?" She asked. I sighed and tried to recall everything in order. once I had explained everything, she looked a bit frustrated and it worried me.

"What? Do you think he'll hate me forever now?"

"No.. I don't think he hates you, Adelaide. I think he's hurt in multiple ways,  and probably got his ego a bit bruised in the process, but he'll forgive you, if he hasn't already."

"You think he already might've?"

"I think there's a chance. He did say it. Even if it didn't sound like he meant it, he probably wants to. And if he wants to, there's no question he's going to eventually. Benny always gets what he wants. So don't worry."

"Maybe.. but even so, what if he always resents me? I don't know what's going to happen but I know that no matter what, it can't be the same as it was."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want it to be the same as it was? These feelings obviously aren't one sided. So if everything just went back to normal, would that not bother you at all?"

She had a valid point and I thought about it for a minute. "I guess it would.. No, you're right, I don't want it to be the same. But how am I going to make that happen when I can't even tell him??"

"You really are damaged, aren't you?" She said with a smirk. I threw a pillow at her. "I'm sorry, I meant that in the best way possible." She laughed.

"But.. you're right. Maybe I should just go home and stop thinking about Benny. Cut off contact. Maybe that'd be better for everyone."

"No. Trust me, that'll only make both of you miserable. The first step to healing is facing the issue. This is it. I really think he's what's going to heal you, Adelaide. I think this is going to heal both of you."

I stared at my hands, replaying those words in my head, and I smiled a little. "Yeah.." I said softly. "Okay, so what do I do now?"

"We have a tournament tomorrow, we're playing each other. It should be before your flight, so come. Sit in the back but be there. I'm going to talk to him afterwards and then I'm going to come back to New York with him when we're done with everything else, which will give you time to work yourself out. I'm going to work on him, so he's more open to giving you another chance and hearing you out. But don't screw it up this time, okay?"

"I thought you both only had two games here?"

"Nope, two tournaments. Does that sound good?"

"The lady I talked to really did not care about her job then. But yes, perfect. Thank you again for doing this, Beth."

"No problem. It's about time that bastard found someone like you." I grinned and gave her a small hug. We talked for a few more minutes then said goodnight and I walked back to my room. I had a feeling this was going to work and right now, I was just thanking the world for people like Beth.

***

Beth and Benny's game today is at 12:30 and my flight is at 2:30, so I'm hoping it'll be quick. Me and Beth get there together and I find a seat in the back while she goes to find Benny. I tap my foot nervously, annoying the man next to me, but I don't notice because I'm too focused on what's going to happen over the next month. Beth's plan could either a work exactly as intended, or backfire totally. I was nervous for both options.

My attention went back to the game as Benny and Beth walked onto the small stage, shaking hands, and sitting down. Once they were both ready, Beth started the clock, and the game began.

Beth was playing strong until Benny managed to trade queens. After that, her following moves weren't as well thought out, but I could already see she was going to win. As always. Benny knew it too, but he didn't seem upset by it.

The game lasted an hour total, and by the time Benny offered his hand in defeat, they were both smiling. It was more of a fun game between old friends than a competition. They both walked off stage and I got up to go back to my room. As I was walking out I saw Beth and Benny having a hushed conversation in a corner, probably trying to stay hidden from the press. I remembered what happened last time and fled the building as quickly as possible.

After packing up my things and giving my room key back, I got a taxi to the airport and luckily arrived on time. I boarded the plane, a little sad I didn't get to say goodbye to Beth—or Benny, even under the circumstances—but I knew I would see them both soon, so I wasn't too upset. I thought I would read for a while, but I was so exhausted from everything, I fell asleep before I could even get my book out.

***

I woke up to the plane landing in the New York airport. Home again, hurray. I groggily unbuckled and got my things once the captain told us to do so, and as usual, a bunch of tired, sore, grumpy people walked down into yet another airport. I went through as quickly as possible and got another taxi to my apartment. Being able to sit without anyone squeezed in next to me was nice, and I let myself stretch out and wake my muscles.

The spacious ride didn't last long, since my apartment was only a few miles away from the airport, and the rather blunt driver told me to get out and the cost of the drive. I paid him, with a small tip so hopefully he would be less grouchy for the next passenger. I made the long trek up the stairs and when I finally reached my door and I sighed with relief. I went to unlock it but as I did, I found it was already unlocked.

I started to panic a little, knowing for sure that I locked it when I left. I took a deep breath and took off my heel, holding it so I could attack any intruders inside. I quickly opened the door ad looked around. I didn't see anyone from a where I was standing, and it didn't look like anyone had robbed me, so I lowered my guard a bit and walked inside.

"Addy!!" A voice called from the right. I yelped and pointed my shoe at them, only to see Jamie and Macy sitting on my couch. I took a moment to catch my breath and put my shoe back on.

"Macy? What the hell, why are you here? How did you even get in??" I asked, extremely confused.

"Sorry, but we had been waiting for a while and it was getting cold. I just picked the lock, no harm done."

"You picked the lock?? How and- why do you know how to do that?"

"My dad taught me." She said simply. As if it were common sense, every father shows his daughter how to become a successful thief. I decided not to ask.

"Okay so what are you doing here?"

They both stood, hands clasped together, excited looks on their faces. I suddenly felt very uneasy.

"We wanted to ask you.. to be one of our witnesses." Jamie said.

"What, are you planning a murder?" I joked. They exchanged a look and I hoped they weren't actually going to say yes. Macy came up to me and grabbed my hands, glee radiating from her.

"We're eloping!!"