LOVE DOESNT COST A THING - BENJ NIELSEN

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Benj was at his dad's mechanic shop. His dad would make Benj go with him to work every Saturday so he could teach Benj about cars and how to fix them if he ever needed to. Benj sat at a table, watching as his dad and coworkers fixed people's cars in their dirty clothes. A car pulled up. A white Porsche. Benj could tell whose car that was from anywhere. Nadia Adams's car.

And it had quite a bit of damage in the front... what the hell did Nadia do? Nailea stepped out of the car and walked inside, looking around. Holy shit, Nailea? What is she doing here? Did she crash her sister's car? Benj's dad walked over to Nailea. "Hey there! Can I help you with anything?".

"Hi I um, was wondering how much it would cost to get all of this fixed...". "Well let's take a look here, shall we?". Benj's dad observed the damage to the car. "Benj, get me that clipboard and pen on the counter son!". Nailea looked over to the boy. He grabbed the clipboard and pen and handed it to his father. "Benj?" Nailea said as he was about to go sit back down.

"What are you doing here? Is this your dad?" Benj nodded. "Yep". Benj looked at the front of Nadia's messed up car. "How did that happen?". Nailea sighed. "Yesterday I went out with Monica and Alexia. And Monica made me crash into a tree".

"Yikes...". Nailea sighed. "I know right". Benj's dad walked over to Nailea. "The cost for your car to get fixed is going to be 1500 dollars". "$1500? Are you serious?" Benj nodded. "Do you have a parent or anyone you can discuss the payment with?". Nailea shook her head. "No.. my parents are on a business trip and my older sister just went out of town".

"Well, maybe you can call them and discuss it over the phone? Whatever your decision is, I'll be right here" He said as he walked away. Nailea rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Where the hell am I supposed to get 1500 dollars from?". Benj felt bad for Nailea. He wishes he could do something. Nailea looked at the broken glass in the front of the car.

Benj came up with an idea. Maybe he could help her. If only she could help him. He got up from his chair and walked over to Nailea. "Soo, when is Nadia coming back?". Nailea shrugged. "I think on Tuesday or in a week. Shit, I don't remember..". "Well I think I could help you with your car troubles...". Nailea looked Benj up and down. "You're gonna pay $1500 so I can get this car fixed?".

"Oh no. I don't have that kinda money.." Nailea sighed. She was trying to think of ways for her to get this fixed before Nadia could come back into town. Maybe she can ask her parents for $1500. No that won't work, they ask too many questions... "I can try to talk my dad into fixing it for free..". Nailea looked back at Benj. She felt a bit of relief. Could he really do that for her? "Really?" She smiled.

"Yeah maybe. But, under one condition..". "If you can...". Shit. He couldn't believe he was about to ask her this. But he wanted to prove something to his friends. And prove that he can bring a girl to Koosh's party in a few weeks. That's if she says yes and everything goes well... "Be my girlfriend for a couple of months...". Nailea furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Be your girlfriend? Benj, I just met you a few days ago". "I know, I know. But if you can be my girlfriend or at least pretend to be my girlfriend. I guarantee you that I can convince my dad to get Nadia's car fixed by Monday for free. Nailea thought about it. Was she really about to do this? Was this her only option? I mean, where the hell would a 15-year-old come up with 1500 dollars? Unless she was like a really good drug dealer or something...

Nailea sighed and got up. "All right fine. I'll pretend and only pretend to be your girlfriend, for a week". "Uhhh, can it actually be for like a month or something. Or maybe until after Koosh's party...". Nailea raised her eyebrows at him. "Really. You want me to do that just for a fucking party?"

"No no, I'm just trying to make an agreement with you so you can get your car fixed! Besides, this just might be the only option you have...". "Fine, I'll pretend to be your girlfriend for a month or whatever". Benj smiled. He was definitely blushing. Hopefully, Nailea didn't notice it. "Great. I'll talk to my dad and see what I can do. Just stay right here!". Nailea nodded.

Benj walked into his dad's office. After a few minutes, he came back outside with his dad. "All right fellas, get this car inside, and let's get to work. Gotta have it done by Monday!". The workers nodded. Nailea laughed. Benj walked over to her. "What did you tell him?".

"Well I told you that we were dating. He seemed pretty happy. And I told him that you loved and cared for me very much and I wanted to repay you and him fixing your car would be the perfect way!". "Wow. Can't believe he fell for it". Benj laughed. "I know right. I think he was just really happy to hear that I have a girlfriend!".

Nailea laughed. "So it'll be done by Monday?". Benj nodded. "Great. I'll come by before school to pick it up". Before she was about to walk away, she hugged Benj. "Thank you so much, Benj! You're a lifesaver!". Benj smiled as he hugged her back. Her scent filled his nose. She then pulled away from the hug. "See you Monday!" She said with a big smile on her face as she walked away.