Resistance University and First Order Law Firm

Resistance University: Chapter 1

Rey walked into the bar with a smile on her face. She was feeling... happy. She didn't know why, she just had a feeling. She knew this was going to be a good night. When she walked into the bar with her friends; Rose, Poe, and Finn, she felt like everything was exactly where it should be and everything was in balance. Rey practiced meditation and yoga and she felt zen. She and Rose went to get a table while Finn and Poe went to get them drinks. Rey and Rose were chit chatting about their day when Rey felt someone staring at her. She turned to look towards the bar and she saw a tall brooding man dressed all in black looking at her. As soon as she returned eye contact, he shifted his eyes down towards the floor. She turned back to Rose, "That guy was staring at me," she said and moved her eyes in the direction of the bar.

"Ooooooh," said Rose, raising her eyebrows, "He's very handsome."

"Stop that," Rey said and rolled her eyes. The boys returned with drinks.

Poe leaned in and whispered, "Did you guys see that very tall very dark looking man at the bar? He's a looker!"

The girls merely giggled and sipped on their wine. Rey was the youngest in the group and had JUST turned 21. She still enjoyed the ambiance of a bar and being out with friends. She looked around and smiled again, taking it all in. Rey wasn't used to this. Poe, Finn, and Rose were all friends of hers from college. They attended Resistance University. Rey didn't have the best upbringing and had to take a gap year after high school to work and save up some money. She was only a Sophomore. Her friends were seniors. She knew they were going to graduate in the Spring. Finn had already taken a job offer in the same town. At least she knew he'd still be nearby. Poe took a job across the country and Rose still didn't have any idea what she would be doing. Rey was studying engineering and she was excited for what was in store for her.

The man was looking at her again, she returned eye contact again and he looked away. She decided to investigate. She grabbed her wine and told her friends she'd be right back. She waltzed with more confidence in her walk than she actually had. She pulled up right next to him at the bar. The bartender immediately came up to her.

"I'll have another pinot," she said to him. She turned to the stranger. "Hi, I noticed you staring at me rather intently a few minutes ago," she said, immediately wishing she had planned this better. She could feel her cheeks get red and hot.

"Well," he said, a small smile forming across his lips. "I guess I wasn't being very discreet now, was I," he responded. It was then she really got a good look at him. He was much taller up close and his shoulder and chest were broad. He took up a significant amount of space. He had a large scar on the right side of his face that disappeared under his shirt collar and she found herself wondering how far down his body his travelled.

"Guess not," she said playfully. The bartender came back with her drink and she grabbed her wallet to pay for it.

"I got it," the stranger said, and handed the bartender some cash.

"Thanks for the drink," she paused, waiting for him to introduce himself.

"Ben," he said.

"Ben," she repeated. "Thanks for the drink, Ben." And she turned and walked away. She felt him stare at her as she walked back to the table. All three of her friends were staring at her wide eyed as well.

"What. Was. That?" Poe asked when she came back to the table.

"I don't know!" she responded giddy like a little girl. "It just felt right."

"Wow," was all Rose could muster. Finn was shooting daggers at Ben from his seat. He was a bit protective of Rey, like a big brother. The three friends enjoyed their evening together. When Rey walked out at the end of the night, she made eyes with Ben one more time and waved bye at him before exiting the bar.