One Day

Part 47 - Okay

I am back on the couch curled into a tight ball when Benson finally makes it back to my house. I hear my back door open and close and the rustle of bags as he makes his way down the hall and into the kitchen. The sound of my pantry opening and closing makes me glance up.

There are numerous bags of groceries sitting on my countertops and Benson is moving around putting things away like this is an everyday occurrence.

Feeling my stare he lifts his chin towards me. "You needed food," he says with a smile as he opens my refrigerator and puts away a gallon of milk. "I think I remembered you drinking skim so that's what I got." He turns back to his task as I shake my head.

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know," he laughs a little. "But selfishly, I was thinking about myself, too. If I'm going to be here, I need food."

His grin lifts my spirits just a touch.

"Thank you," is all I can manage. My mind is foggy and I'm not sure how I got so lucky to have him as such a good friend. What other guy would do this?

I sit up and rub my hands down my face in hopes of wiping away any lingering tear stains. I'm determined not to wallow in my self-pity but I keep finding myself back there. My thoughts are interrupted as my phone starts vibrating next to me. I reach over and my stomach drops as I read Jace's name across the screen.

Jace: Where are you?

My heartbeat picks up as I stare at the screen unsure of how to respond. Is he mad? Does he realize I've moved out? Or maybe he hasn't realized yet and he's just asking out of curiosity since I'm normally home waiting on him.

Benson sits down on the couch next to me and puts a plate in my lap as I continue to look at my phone.

"What did he say?"

I didn't even have to tell him that it was Jace. He can tell by my reaction.

"He wants to know where I am." I put my phone down next to me and take a deep breath. I glance at the plate sitting in my lap and smile at the pb&j and grapes that are staring back at me.

"Are you going to respond?" Benson asks nodding towards my phone.

I sigh. "I don't know."

Jace's lack of patience is evident as my phone vibrates again.

Jace: Where is all of your stuff? Why are your clothes gone?

I quickly type out a message before I lose my courage: You told me to get out so I did. I'm at my house.

I pop a grape in my mouth and lean against the back of the couch while I wait for his response. Benson quietly sits next to me eating his pb&j sandwich.

Jace: You moved out?

Me: Yes

Jace: Okay.

My stomach turns to ice with his response. Okay? That's it? Tears are stinging my eyes as I place my phone beside me.

"You okay?" Benson glances at me and turns his head just a bit reminding me of a cute puppy dog.

I take a deep breath and decide not to lie. "Nope, I'm not okay. But, I WILL be okay. I may have many, many breakdowns in between time, but I'll be okay."

His lips barely turn into the smallest smile, "Okay."

I manage to eat all of my grapes and most of my sandwich before Benson stands up and takes our plates to the kitchen. He's no longer wearing his normal cargo shorts and polo but is instead wearing gym shorts and a tshirt – a much more comfortable combination. I slide down into the couch and flip through channels until I find a movie that keeps my attention for more than a few minutes. Benson returns a few minutes later and lifts my shoulders taking his place at the edge of the couch with my head laying in his lap.

"I'm here if you want to talk..." His voice lingers off as he runs his fingers through my hair. "I'm not going to hound you with questions but just know I'm here if you need me."

I squeeze his knee and close my eyes enjoying the feeling of his hands in my hair. "I know..."

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