Meeting Ben

Chapter Five : It's Not Goodbye

CHAPTER FIVE : IT’S NOT GOODBYE

I shut my eyes, cut off from the world around me. I could survive this, right? I mean, it never ended as badly as I always anticipated. In such cases, I’d come to the conclusion that humming a rock song always helped. Immediately, Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi came to mind.

“Are you singing Bon Jovi?” Benedict asked amused.

“Don’t judge. It helps.” Was my curt reply and I resumed my singing.

“Alright no judging.” He said. “Just in case you wanted to know though, we’re past take off.”

“Okay.” I replied subconsciously, eyes still shut, until it hit me. “Wait, really? Oh thank God.” I could finally breathe normally.

Without realizing it, I turned to look out through the window. Whatever city we were crossing, was beautifully lit up. The late evening sky lent a purplish- black hue to the atmosphere. It was a wonderful watch from three thousand kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Surprisingly, I found myself unafraid of the altitude this time.

I turned around to ask Benedict to take a look. He already was.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” I said admiringly, glancing back at the window.

“It is.” He replied, turning his gaze towards me. I didn’t look away this time.

“I thought you were afraid?” He added cutting the tension between us.

“I thought so too. I guess not.” I said truly puzzled, “But anyway it’s usually just take off and landings.”

He cleared his throat and said, “Okay then.” He looked at me expectantly. What did he want me to do?

Just then Kathy came in with a cart of drinks. She eyed me suspiciously until Benedict turned to look at her. Suddenly she was all smiles and rainbows.

“What would you like?” She asked Benedict, oh-so-sweetly.

Before answering her, Benedict whispered to me. “Would you like anything?”

“I’m good with water, thanks.”

“I’d like a coke and a glass of water for the lady, please.”

“Sure sir.” Her smile faltered just a tad bit. She handed us the drinks, gave Benedict one of her bright smiles and moved on to the economy. Our seats were the last of the business class.

“Boy, does she fancy you.” I said when the coast was clear.

“What? Of course not.” Benedict laughed, though I caught a hint of uncertainty. “She was just being polite.”

“Sure, you’re right. What am I thinking?” I said sarcastically. “She must have left her number for me then.” I picked up the tissue that she’d provided with the coke and showed him the digits scribbled on the back of it.

“Oh you’re good.” He said admiringly.

“I know.” I replied rather proud, “I have great observation skills.”

“Do you now? I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” He had a playful smirk on.

I gave him a questioning look. ‘What was he talking about?’

He gestured towards our hands. Our Hands.

After a series of copious mental abuses, I awkwardly let go of his hand. How could I have not realized this? So I’d just sat there holding Ben’s hand for good fifteen-twenty minutes without any knowledge of it whatsoever. Way to go Amber.