The Mysteries Of Baker Town

Part 6: Getting to Know Ben

     As I am about to enter the house with the mysterious boy I hesitate. What do I even know about this boy? Or this cabin? He turns his head towards mine and let's go of my hand.

     "What's wrong?"

     I look down at my shoes. And then I shift my head down to the brown creaky floorboards that are the front deck. I can't possibly come out and say that I'm nervous to go in some strangers house. He will think that I'm crazy or weird and unattractive and..

     "Hey.."

     I look back up from my daze to see the boy. His face is kind and his eyes sparkle. His smile.. that same smile.. just a smile is all it takes for me to come forward.

     "It's just.. I'm nervous. I mean I don't even know your name and--"

     "Ben.. it's Ben"

     "Ben. Ok.."

     I say to myself that I can trust this boy and I know I can. I smile and take back his hand in mine. He smiles back and I can see his perfect dimples show as he does. Awww.. I sigh. He grabs the door handle and lowers his head as he opens the door as quiet as possible.

     "Ok.."

     He leads me to the brown plush couch in the living room and turns on a tall lamp by a side table. I sit down and start to observe my surroundings.

     The upstairs seems small. Maybe just a bedroom and bathroom and obviously a kitchen. There must be a downstairs.

    "So... tell me a little about yourself."

     I look up to see Ben holding two cokes in his hand, one already open. I grab the one that he is offering to me and crack it open as he takes a seat next to me.

     "My name is Annika. I'm 16 almost 17. This is my first time here in Baker Town. I'm from Minnesota. I live there with my dad. Always have."

     I wanted to mention something about my mom and how she's dead and how my little sis died too, but.. I push that away and smile.

     Ben smiles back as he puts his hand on my arm. I can't help but get flushed red cheeks and a hot head.

     "So.. I'm Ben. I live in Wisconsin with my foster family. I'm 18. And I come to Baker Town every summer. But this summer I had the privilege of meeting a beautiful girl."

     He laughs and I laugh with him. On the inside I melt but I try not to show it.

    "So.. you live with your dad. What about your mom?"

     Silence. I feel he can tell that I don't want to talk about my dead mom and the fire that killed her and my sister.

    "It's ok. You don't need to tell me anything if you don't feel comfortable. But just so you know I'm here for you. Ok?"

     Wow.. he's so nice. And cute. And I think he likes me. Get it together Annika. You stink when you sweat! I giggle awkwardly and Ben laughs. I can't help but think to myself how great this night is going.

     Hey Babe.. Who's she?"

     Babe? I'm startled by the voice of girl that I hadn't noticed until now. She is standing in the middle of the hallway and living room. She has red wavy hair and tiny brown freckles that I could barely see until she came closer and my eyes adjusted. Her big green eyes glared at me and her thin lips tightened.

     "Ames, this is Annika" I wave and smile awkwardly.

     "Annika, this is Amy. My girlfriend." His girlfriend? What?

     "I think I should go..."

      I stand up and head for the door. I do not want to sit and talk anymore. Especially not with Ben's girlfriend. I'm glad I'm faced the other way so they don't notice my red teary eyes.

     "Wait, Annika." I stop and wipe my eyes before turning back to Ben.

     "What's wrong?" Huh.. a lot of things actually.

     "It's getting dark out.." aka he has a girlfriend that he couldn't help mention before he invited me here and flirted with me.

     "Nice meeting you! Bye now!" Amy blurts.

     "Ann--" Ben starts to say my name.

     I turn back before opening the door to see Amy's arms wrapped around his shoulders and chest with her face pressed to his. I swallow the lump in my throat and move as quickly out the door as I can.

     I was wrong about Ben. I knew that everything was just to good too be true.