Gone

Chapter 3

Upon arriving back in St. Paul, after their honeymoon, Ben and Brexley quickly made their way to their new home. Opening the door, Ben insisted that he carried Brexley across the threshold."Please, Bexley. It's a tradition, we have to do it." Ben said as he put his luggage down. "Oh, alright. I guess, just don't drop me." Brexley replied, also setting her luggage down. Picking her up, Ben pretended to drop her. "Ben." Brexley shouted as she slapped his arm.That afternoon, as she and Ben were sitting on the couch reading, Brexley began to think about how far she had come since running away.

Brexley's first day of work went about as well as a first day of work can go. It started when she arrived to work about five minutes early, jumping right into the flow of customers coming through, gazing at products they wished they could afford, teen girls and women looking at the cosmetics, men staring at the sports equipment, boys longingly gazing at the video games. Brexley thought about how much better this was than it would be had she stayed in Temple. That was how most of her day went and Brexley was ready to go home by the time 5:00 rolled around. I'm so glad that I went through with this, the people here are so happy and friendly. My apartment is within walking distance, if it wasn't I would have no other way to get here, because I can't afford to pay for the bus. As she helped women and children with clothes they tried on, Brexley couldn't wait until she got off that night. Glancing down at her wrist, where her watch sat, Brexley found that her shift had ended two minutes ago. Finishing up with the last customers in the dressing room, Brexley put away the last of the unwanted clothing and left for home.

After Brexley had been living in St. Paul for about two and a half months she realized it would be awhile before she would be able to finish her education. While Brexley was eating in the cafeteria, on her lunch break, she was trying to think of how she could possibly finish her education with her busy schedule, when a boy , who looked to be about sixteen, had chocolate colored hair, and was fairly tall, came and sat down next to her"Hi," the boy said. "Hi," Brexley said, startled as she was jolted jolted from her thoughts. "You looked a little lonely so I thought I would say hi." "Oh, well thank you." "I'm Ben by the way." "I'm Brexley." "Brexley, now that's an interesting name." "Is that a bad thing?" "No no, that just makes it easier for me to remember." Brexley just nodded her head and went back to eating her lunch, as Ben did the same. I wonder if this kid works here, or if he's just a really friendly customer who happened to be wearing a red shirt and khaki pants today.

"Do you work here Ben," Brexley asked after sitting in silence for a couple minutes. Looking up Ben replied, "Yeah, I just started last week." Okay. Are you enjoying it so far?" "It's alright, although I have to admit the customer isn't always right," Ben said with a boyish grin. "No, they aren't, but you can't really tell them they are wrong" Brexley replied, including a little giggle. Looking at her watch, Brexley noticed that she had five minutes left of her break. Getting up to throw away her trash, Brexley turned to Ben and said, "Well, I'd better get back to work." "Maybe we could do this tomorrow," Ben asked. "I'd like that." "Okay. This booth, at 11:30, tomorrow." "See you then." With that Brexley walked back to the dressing rooms and Ben walked the opposite direction.

Three weeks later Ben and Brexley were still meeting for lunch every day. One day Brexley walked into the cafeteria to eat and saw Ben sitting in their booth with a discouraged look on his face. "What's wrong Ben," Brexley asked, quickly walking up to him. "Nothing's wrong, I just have a question to ask you and I don't know how you'll react to it." "I'm here, ask away," Brexley said with curiosity bubbling inside of her. "We've been friends for a little while now and I feel like we've grown pretty close over that time. I was wondering if you would like to join me at the movies on Saturday," Ben spilled in a hurried, nervous tone. "Of course. Did you think I would say no," Brexley replied. Ben just nodded, resting his arms on the table, a calmed look covering his previously discouraged face. "When do you want me to pick you up?" "Which showing did you want to go to?" "Oh, uh, how about the 7 o'clock showing?" "That sounds good. Pick me up at a quarter to." "Alright, just text me your address later." "Okay." With that, the conversation ceased and they ate the rest of their lunch in silence.

Ben and Brexley continued to meet for lunch every day and they also went out to the movie theater every Saturday night. For months this continued then one day Ben told Brexley that he was going to pick her up a little early because he had something important to tell her, but it had to wait till Saturday. I wonder what on earth he has to tell me that he couldn't have told me at lunch. I guess I will find out tomorrow night.

Arriving home Saturday morning, after running her errands,Brexley decided to tidy up her apartment a little bit, just incase Ben came in. I wonder what movie we are going to see. What should I wear? I'd better get ready. While she was cleaning the living room, Brexley decided to take a shower. Entering the bathroom Brexley turned the shower on and went back to finish cleaning the living room while the shower warmed up. After the living room was cleaned, Brexley walked into the bathroom to shower. As Brexley began to wash her hair, she thought about the relationship between her and Ben. We've been friends for a little while now,and I really want this to turn into something more. Maybe I'm taking this too far. I wonder if Ben even likes me like that, or if he's just keeps inviting me out as a friend. I really like him, plus he's not that bad looking either. After Brexley stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body, she went into her small bedroom to find an outfit. She gathered a few options and laid them on her bed to examine. No, I can't wear this, it's too casual. Throwing a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt aside. This would be...nevermind this is too formal. Tossing a burgundy, lace dress behind her. Ooo, I'll wear this. Picking up a pair of jeans and a band t-shirt, and entering the bathroom, Brexley began to get dressed and do her makeup and hair.

Once she was dressed, her hair and makeup were done, and her apartment was cleaned, Brexley sat down to read. Not ten minutes later a ring pierced the air, realizing someone had just rung the doorbell, Brexley stood up and quickly walked to the door. Patiently waiting outside the door was Ben, clad in a gray t-shirt and jeans, with a small bouquet in his hands.