The New Romantics: Benjamin's POV

Chapter Two: "Let's Go"

My only thoughts were of Elizabeth and the surprise I had planned for tonight as I got in my car and drove to her apartment on Baker Street. I had hardly left my driveway when I decided I needed some music. Using one hand to plug my phone in I opened the Spotify app and pressed shuffle on my favorite playlist.

The first song that played made me smile. It was quite possibly my favorite song because I felt like it described Elizabeth and I perfectly. It was 'Tear in My Heart' by Twenty One Pilots. I hummed along as I drove to 221b. The song was soon over and I continued to sing along to my favorite songs up the the moment when I parked the car near Elizabeth's flat.

Before I got out I straightened my tie and checked to make sure my suit hadn't gotten wrinkled on the way over. Deciding that I looked fine, I got out and walked to the door but stopped short a few yards away. There was a guy around my age standing at the door. He was talking to Elizabeth who appeared to be upset. She hadn't seen me yet so I watched for a while, wondering if I should go to her rescue or come back in a few minutes.

I now wish I had come back later, but no. I just had to come to my girlfriends rescue. I walked over the Elizabeth and the guy, pretending that I didn't see him as I came within earshot of their conversation, "...everything we used to do." I heard him say. What was that supposed to mean? I thought. Did they have a history? I don't remember Elizabeth mentioning him before. At this point Elizabeth saw me. She looked back at they guy, "Listen, Branden, it was great seeing you again but I'm actually getting ready for a date." She said to him but the guy, Branden apparently, didn't move.

By this time I was a few feet from them. "Hello, Sweetheart." I said with a big grin as I pulled her into a side hug and kissed her forehead. She seemed tense but I brushed it off and turned my attention to Branden. Forcing my friendliest smile, I greeted him. "Hello, I'm Benjamin, Elizabeth's boyfriend." I held out my hand as he smiled and shook it, "I'm Branden." He said but I got the feeling he and Elizabeth weren't telling me something. I would have to figure it out later, for now I would worry about whether or not this Branden dude would effect my date with Elizabeth.