The Ben Solo Hotline ✆

episode viii.

Part one.
| Ben's P.O.V | POINT OF VIEW |

Now that I was finally here, It was pointless to turn back. I had gotten myself into this mess, after all. A bright sign hung just above the entrance, reading OPEN, in big, bold letters.

I wondered whether I'd be able to notice her. Yes, I didn't know what she looked like, but I thought I may be able to recognize her voice. I had been standing in the same spot for just over a quarter of an hour, my hands tightly curled in the front pockets of my jacket. It was freezing today, more so than on a ordinary winter day. I found it surprising and slightly disturbing that people could still eat ice-cream in this weather. A puff of breath left my lips, it was now or never.

I entered the store, bells signaling my arrival overhead. The bright coloured decor reminded me of something out of an 80's movie. The tables were decently full with families, couples and children having their daily dose of Sprinkle and Scoop's famous ice-cream. I made my way to the bar, careful to keep an eye out for whoever could possibly be Rey. It wasn't going to be easy, by the looks of it.

I was pondering which flavour of ice-cream I would have when a chirpy voice next to me suddenly said, "Can I help you, sir?" I turned my head around, startled at the voice. My heart seemed to stop beating. I took it all in, the way her green eyes seemed to sparkle in the light, her wavy hair flowing dow-

It wasn't her.

"Sir, can I help you?" came the voice again. I cleared my throat, "Yes, thank you. Could I please have a double scoop of vanilla in a waffle cone?"

"Sure thing, mister. I'll only be a second." I watched silently as she carefully took a cone, preparing my order. Maybe I had come on a day when Rey wasn't working? I was slightly disappointed that I hadn't been able to catch a glimpse of her.

"That will be four dollars, forty nine," the server told me, while extending the ice-cream towards me. I removed my wallet from my pocket and gave her the money, placing my wallet on the bench. I grabbed a napkin before I glanced around the store, trying to find a seat. My eyes landed on an empty seat near the door.

I took a bite of my ice cream, immediately regretting the decision as the ice cream quickly turned my mouth cold. I slowly ate what was left of my cone, surveying the scene around me. Maybe I would try to come again tomorrow, if I could work up the courage.

I was preparing to leave when suddenly my heart dropped. My hands rose to my waist, quickly padding my pockets. Where is my wallet?

I leaned my head slightly under the table, wondering if it had somehow fallen, but it wasn't there. Where had I left it? I tried to look for it as silently as possible. Whilst I was looking around, I approached the side of the serving bar to dispose of my ice-cream smeared napkin and I noticed a slight commotion at the back - It was the girl who served me earlier. She was in the middle of what I assumed to be an argument with another girl and it seemed to be quite heated. Her arms shot up in exaggeration.

I was going to ask if either of them had seen my wallet when they suddenly starting moving towards the front.

"I don't care, this is the third time you've been late this week!" the green-eyed girl stated, rather annoyed.

The other girl looked down timidly and whispered something to what I assumed to be her co-worker. I had to strain my ears to listen.

"I know... -een busy.... Trouble with hi- car...broke down."

I stood, looking around. I didn't want it to seem like I was listening into their conversation. My eyes glanced to and from the ice-cream flavours on display, and suddenly my eyes caught on a corner of black leather protruding from the other side of the bench. Bingo!

I tried to reach over, straining my arm above the bench to reach it.

"Hey, mister! What do you think you're doing?!"

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