Musically Yours, Ben

Chapter Eight - Crossroads

Do you know that feeling when you can't let go of something? It's like you know that you want or need something so specific and you can't see it any other way. This is how I felt about Ben. We have known each other since we were six and we have become so comfortable with how we spent our time. I can't let go of that!

I didn't know how to deal with it. Should I get advice from someone? Do I tell Ben how I feel? So, first I had went to my mom. I felt a little one on one woman talk could clear up the fog for me. 

*Scene - Kitchen

I came down stairs from my room feeling super nervous. I had peeked through the door crease to see my mom starting up dinner for that night. With a bundle of carrots in her hand really to be cooked, I decided to be released by the shadows. 

I walked into the kitchen and made brief contact with my mom. I sat down in the chair and stared at my fumbling fingers. Finally I spoke but in a very unsure tone. "Hey mom?"

"What honey?" she asked as she dropped the carrots in the boiling water. She then took a glance at me and spoke again. "Are you okay? Is there something wrong? Are you sick?"

"No, I'm not sick. I actually wanted to ask you for some advise..." I then felt sick to my stomach. I didn't know why. I was just telling her about Ben. But, there was something more than that. I just couldn't put my finger on it. 

"Oh!" She answered in shock. Before I knew it, dinner was let go and my mom was sat across from me. "Advise about what?" Now she sounded concerned.

I took a big breath. "Well, Ben told me that he is moving. Actually he wrote me a letter. I just can't let him go. We spent all of our lives together being it by having a play date or going to the movies. I don't know what to do."

"Oh Cameron! I am so sorry. Lucy never told me!" All of a sudden my mom stood up and gave me a hug. When she let go, words flowed out of her like water out of a faucet. "What you need to do is talk to Ben and work something out. There is always a way to keep a friendship in this day and age!"

"Thanks mom. I think I am going to stop at Ben's house right now before dinner."

"Dinner! That's right!" Smoke then emerged from the oven.

*Scene - Ben's house

I stood at the front door wondering if I should press the bell. Soon I just pressed it. Something I do when I am not sure of doing something is to do it without thinking about it. Foot steps were heard close to the door. The door swung open and I was greeted by Ben.

"Hi." I said shyly. 

"Hey." Ben responded feeling embarrassed. 

"Can I talk to you about something?" 

He looked confused. Maybe even scared. "Sure. Come on in." Ben held the for me as I entered his home that wasn't going to be his anymore.

Right when you walk through the door, you are greeted with a long hallway that leads to the kitchen. I followed the path of sorrow and sat down.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asked to fill the silence.

"I'm good. Just take a seat. This is about us." I demanded but in the nicest way possible, so he took the seat next to me. His eye were set on my with his undivided attention. I knew he wouldn't speak first, so I started. First I took his hand and held it in both of mine. I figured this would be a sense of comfort. "I need to tell you about how I feel and before you say anything, let me explain. When I read that letter, I couldn't believe it. My life crashed. You are my only friend! We need to find some way to keep in touch and see each other."

"I have been feeling the same exact way. It took me a while to write that letter." He took a pause to catch hold of himself and then he started again. "I wrote about fifteen drafts!" He chuckled and I joined in. "We will e-mail! I promise I will send you an e-mail every day!"

"What about seeing each other in person?" I asked.

"That's what the summer is for! We will still be in the same state, just like an hour or two away. I know these great college summer classes we can take this summer at the library. Also, we are going to colleges that are basically right next to each other the upcoming school year. Don't worry Cam, I wouldn't let a great friendship slip away."

A single tear streamed down my face. I felt so weak and embarrassed. Ben didn't seem to think so.

"Don't cry!" he struck. 

Soon I found myself in his embrace. I wasn't teary anymore. It took me back to Christmas when we were hugging by my tree.