When I Met You in the Summer

7

Another summer came, but this time things were different. Ben arrived at Cam's house late into the season, and when he did, he had a cast on his arm. The usually spirited reunion was subdued, a shadow hanging over the summer that hadn't been there before.

When Miranda saw Ben for the first time that summer, her concern was immediate. "Ben, what happened?" she asked, her eyes wide with worry as she noticed his cast.

Ben looked away, his expression dark. "I got my friend killed," he muttered, refusing to elaborate.

Miranda's heart ached at his words, but she respected his silence, knowing that pushing him might only cause more pain. She tried to be there for him in other ways, offering her presence and support, even if he wasn't ready to talk. Later, when she had a chance to talk to Cam, she learned the truth.

"Cam, what happened to Ben?" Miranda asked, her curiosity and concern getting the best of her.

Cam sighed, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "It was a joyride gone wrong," he said quietly. "Ben and some friends took a car out for a spin. They crashed. Ben's friend ended up in a coma. He's not dead as in his grave , but...it's serious. Kid probably won't ever wake up."

Miranda's heart sank. She couldn't imagine the guilt and pain Ben must be feeling. She knew she had to be there for him, to support him through this difficult time, even if he didn't want to talk about it.

The next time they met by the tree, Miranda reached out to Ben, her voice gentle. "I'm here for you, Ben. Whenever you're ready to talk, or even if you just need someone to listen, I'm here."

Ben looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude and pain. "Thanks, Mandy," he said softly. "I appreciate it." He placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

As the days went by, Miranda stayed by Ben's side, offering silent support and understanding. She didn't push him to talk, but she made sure he knew she was there for him. Slowly, Ben began to open up, sharing bits and pieces of the accident and his feelings of guilt.

"It's just...I can't shake the feeling that it's all my fault," he admitted one evening, his voice trembling. "If I hadn't suggested we stand, if I had just been more responsible... Maybe your mom was right about me, like when I suggested you stand on my bike. I'm reckless."

Miranda placed a comforting hand on his good arm. "Ben, it was an accident. You couldn't have known what would happen. Blaming yourself won't change anything. What matters now is making sure you learn from this."

Ben nodded, taking in her words. "You're right."

As the summer days passed, Miranda continued to support Ben in any way she could. She didn't push him to talk about the accident, but she made sure he knew that she was always there for him. Slowly, Ben began to open up, sharing bits and pieces of his feelings and fears. 

Though the summer was different from those before, it brought them closer in ways they hadn't expected.

One sunny afternoon, as Miranda and Lana were lounging in Lana's backyard, Lana turned to Miranda with a curious expression."Hey, Mandy can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?" Miranda replied, looking up from the book she was reading.

"Is Ben your boyfriend?" Lana asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Miranda felt her cheeks flush a bit at the question. She glanced away, trying to gather her thoughts. "No, he's not my boyfriend," she said finally. "He's just a really good friend."

Lana raised an eyebrow. "Just a friend? I mean, you guys seem really close, and the way you look at each other..."

Miranda sighed, setting her book aside. "It's complicated, Lana. We've known each other for years, and we have this special connection. But with everything that's happened, especially this summer, I don't know if we're ready for something more. And besides, he doesn't live here."