Benielle: It's Complicated

Twenty-Nine

*Rider talks through Ben's door*

Rider: "Come on man. You've been cooped up in there for days."

Ben: "So what? Lots of people like staying home."

Rider: "But not you. Can you at least let me in? I don't like having to talk through a damn door."

*Ben unlocks the door then sits back down in the living room*

*Rider opens the door and steps in*

Rider: "Really? I have to let myself in?"

*Ben glances over at him and smirks*

Ben: "Oh my god. You complain like a woman."

Rider: "I must have gotten that from you. You're always bitching about something."

Ben: "Meh. That's a stretch."

Rider: "Um what have you been doing these past few days? Complaining and moping."

Ben: "I'm not sad, I just have no energy."

Rider: "That's nothing a beer can't fix."

Ben: "I don't even want a drink."

Rider: "Holy shit, you are broken."

*Ben laughs*

Ben: "Despite what you may think, I'm not an alcoholic."

Rider: "I know, or else I'd be one too. Will you at least come out with me?"

*Ben checks the time*

Ben: "What, where?"

Rider: "Michael's barbecue. He's only been planning it forever. How the hell did you forget?"

Ben: "Shit! So I guess I am drinking tonight. Who's gonna be there?"

Rider: "Don't make me name everyone. Cast, crew, husbands, wives, parents, kids. This thing is huge."

Ben: "Ugh! So I have to look decent."

Rider: "Put on a fresh shirt and let's go! My wife and kid are meeting us there."

*Ben quickly changes, cleans up his face and hair, then heads over to the barbecue with Rider*

*Will Friedle spots Ben and Rider when they arrive*

Will: "Ahh! If it isn't my two favourite boys!"

Ben: "WILL! My night is already made!"

*The guys all hug*

Rider: "We're just missing Matty Lawrence and then the whole clan is back."

Will: "I don't think he's coming. Friggen sucks."

Ben: "It's okay. You've got us. Who else do you need?"

Will: "I mean, I love you guys, you're my brothers, but... where's Danielle at? She's my girl!"

Ben: "Wait, she's not here yet? HA! She's probably not coming. She never comes to our events."

Rider: "Okay we are so not getting into this tonight."

*Sabrina shows up to break the awkward moment*

Sabrina: "Will! Always great to see ya!"

Ben: "What? What about us? Where's my greeting?"

Sabrina: "I see way too much of you! Oh hey Rider."

*Sabrina flashes Rider a smile and Ben glares*

Ben: "I feel so unwelcome at this party. I know your parents are here. I'll tell on you."

Rider: "Shut up. I'm her parent. Hey daughter, what's up?"

Sabrina: "Not much with me, but I think I saw your real family enter through the gate. They're probably lookin' for ya."

Rider: "Thanks! Catch you later guys."

*Rider sees his wife and son and goes over*

Rider: "Hey babe! I'm glad you made it!"

*He gives her a kiss*

Alexandra: "I came by to see you but I'm not feeling too well."

*Rider takes the baby from her arms*

Rider: "Sit down hun. Want something to eat or drink?"

*She takes a seat on a lawn chair and puts her hands on her head*

Alexandra: "I'm feeling really light headed."

*Rider kneels down*

Rider: "When did this start?"

Alexandra: "Earlier today. I should have called you. I was even scared driving over here."

Rider: "Damn it. I'm sorry. I was with Ben."

*She doesn't respond and closes her eyes*

Rider: "Babe I think we should get you checked out."

*Rider looks over to Ben and calls him over*

Alexandra: "No Rider, I don't want to ruin your night."

Ben: "What's going on buddy?"

Rider: "She's not feeling well. Have you had any drinks yet?"

Ben: "Nope, my system is clean."

Rider: "Can you watch my little guy? I know it's a lot to ask on a night like tonight but... We're going to go to the hospital and I don't want to take him there."

Ben: "Woah. Okay, yeah, for sure. I know how to be a dad."

*Ben takes the baby from Rider's arms and grabs the diaper bag*

Alexandra: "I really appreciate this, Ben."

Ben: "No problem. Feel better, okay? Keep me posted."

*They leave and Ben decides it would be best to just take the baby home*

*Ben bumps into Danielle on his way to the car*

Ben: "Oh hey, you made it."

Danielle: "How long was I gone for? Did you have a kid?"

Ben: "Ha! This is Rider's little guy. His wife got sick so I'm taking care of him. I figured it'd just be better to keep him at home. I wasn't feeling it here anyway."

Danielle: "Oh okay. I'll come with you."

Ben: "You just got here. Don't you want to say hi to everyone?"

Danielle: "Once they see me, I'll never be able to leave. Plus, there's always next time."

Ben: "Hmm. I guess so."

Danielle: "Umm... do you not want me to come with you?"

Ben: "No... I mean... It doesn't mater... Come if you want to."

*Ben starts walking towards his car as Danielle, confused, decides if she should stay for the barbecue or follow Ben home*