Resistance University and First Order Law Firm

Resistance University: Chapter 5

Rey was giddy with excitement. The next day dragged. She had 3 classes in the morning and then work all afternoon. She was spaced out during class and kept making mistakes at work. At 6:00 she took off for her dorm. She wanted to jump in the shower before Ben got her. She took the fastest shower known to mankind and put on the clothes she had meticulously laid out earlier. She threw her hair up into her signature style and trotted outside to wait for Ben. He was already there when she got outside. She checked her phone, it was 6:22. He was early, she liked that. She jogged over to his car and hopped inside.

"Hi," she said, "you're early."

"Hi," he responded, "you are too. You look nice," he said.

"Thanks," she said. "I didn't know what to wear because you won't tell me where you are taking me," she said playfully.

"You'll find out soon enough," he said mysteriously.

Rey leaned over and turned on the radio. She flicked through 4 or 5 stations before settling on one. Ben watched her fingers nimbly maneuver the radio knobs. He had one hand on the steering wheel and one on the shift. His car was a manual. He drove it with ease. He shifted smoothly and never waivered.

Rey caught herself staring at him as he shifted. "Why a manual?" she asked him.

"Why not?" he responded.

"Well, it's just not that common anymore," she said.

"I like a stick, it makes driving more fun, it takes skill," he told her. "Do you know how to drive a stick?" he asked.

"Of course," she replied. "I'm an engineering major, I love machines. I love to figure out how things work and why they work," she explained.

Ben took a turn down a windy road and slowed down. He pulled into a clearing ahead. "We're here" he said turning toward her and smiling.

"You're not going to kill me out here, are you," she asked him, realizing she knew nothing about him or where they were, "My friends know I'm with you," she said accusingly.

"Do you trust me?" he asked her.

"For unknown reasons, I do," she replied and got out of the car.

Ben walked to the trunk while Rey was getting out the car. He pulled out a blanket and a basket and a bottle of wine, pinot grigio, since he remembered that's what she was drinking at the bar.

"Ben, did you plan a picnic?" she asked with a playful smile.

He didn't respond, but instead he walked over to the clearing and laid out the blanket. He extended his arm out to her, "Join me," he said. She walked over to him and sat down on the blanket next to him. He opened the basket and pulled out two wine glasses and poured them each a glass of pinot. He took out some crackers and cheese and they began to eat and chat. It was a perfect night out.

She moved a little closer to him, trying to block the wind. "Are you cold?" he asked her, regretting an outdoor setting.

"Only when the wind blows," she replied. He reached out and put his arm around her, pulling her into him. She didn't stop him. He was warm. She leaned further into him. "What else is hiding in that basket," she asked.

He reached in pulled out a pomodoro pasta salad and chicken caesar salad roll ups. "Did you make these?" she asked, a huge smile on her face.

"Yeah, so what?" he replied.

"Well, you are a big shot lawyer with conscience who can cook? You are way out of my league," she said.

"I don't think you quite understand what league you are in," he replied, handing her a sandwich. She ate her sandwich and they had easy conversation. They laughed and talked for awhile. The conversation hit a natural lull. She looked up at him, he leaned down into her, their lips met softly and they shared a perfectly soft kiss.

Their lips parted and her eyes opened to make sure she was really there. She could see Ben doing the same. Something in his eyes changed, and he flipped her around and kissed her more passionately this time. He reached around his neck and pulled herself deeper into the kiss. His hands started to explore her back a bit more freely. She got a handful of his hair and he moaned into the kiss. He parted her lips and his tongue entered her mouth. She made him feel like a young guy again. He hadn't kissed anyone like that in years, possibly ever. When they finally parted it was to breathe.

"Rey," he said, not knowing what was coming after that.

"Ben," she answered, breathy. He liked the way her voice sounded right now. They looked each other in the eye for a moment and then resumed kissing. He finally found the self control to pull himself away a few minutes later.

"Rey," he said again. She stared at him, out of breath. "Listen, we should take this slow." He said to her.

She got the message, and she felt stupid for thinking he would want her, "Oh yeah, sure" she said, embarrassed and wiping her lips. She wrapped her arms around her knees.

"Rey," he said again.

"Let's get out of here," she said, and started walking back to the car.

They drove home silently, only the low sound of the radio station in the background. When they arrived at Rey's dorm, she got out of the car quickly and said "goodnight."

She walked quickly up to her dorm room and broke down into tears. This was stupid and she didn't even know why she was crying. They had been on two dates, it wasn't like they were engaged, or even dating! She felt like a stupid girl. About 20 minutes later, her phone went off.

Ben: "Rey, that ended awkwardly"

Rey: "I understand. Really I do. I'm a 21 year old student, I have nothing to offer you"

Ben: "No! It's not like that"

Rey: "It's ok, Ben. Really."

Ben: "Rey. I really think I like you. And I'm inexperienced."

Rey: "You don't have to make up excuses, Ben"

Ben: "These are not excuses. Please, meet me tomorrow, and we can talk"

Rey: "When and where?"

Ben: "Come over, to my house."

Rey: "I can take the bus, what's your address?"

Ben sent his address over and Rey fell asleep, tears still in her eyes.