My Time with a Future Music Star

Chicago

As the RV drove out of New York City, Ben wondered where Lizzy and her tour mates were going next. "You'll like it.", Lizzy said, "We save the best for last." Lizzy and Ben were in the bedroom. "There's something else I wanted to tell you.", Ben said. "Me being a grownup, whenever I talk to my mom or ask a question, she makes a big deal about it. Between my dad's abuse and my mom being impossible to talk to, I just want to escape sometimes." Lizzy said: "Sometimes we just need to say in our place and listen to some music. When life is hard, I just listen. Music can work with you." "I know without music, life would be a mistake.", Ben added. "Yeah, good statement, Ben", Lizzy smiled. "What did you mean when you said, 'Why is my heart broke'?", Ben asked. "A man has all that money", Lizzy replied, "but no love. That can lead to a broken heart." "I love you.", Ben said. Lizzy hugged Ben and said: "Thank you." "We're gonna be in Chicago soon.", Blake announced. "We'd better get ready.", Lizzy said.

They got off the RV in downtown Chicago and checked into their hotel rooms. Chicago was big, congested, and windy; hence the "Windy City". Lizzy and Chuck stayed in one room, while Blake, Roger, and Ben stayed in another. "I wish I was with Lizzy", Ben thought. "She needs love and friendship." Ben unpacked his stuff along with the rest of his poker winnings in his nightstand. He still had that camera Chuck gave him. He heard a knock on the door. "Hey, let's go out to this town.", Lizzy said. Ben got out of the room and greeted Lizzy and Chuck. Chuck took a picture of Lizzy and Ben together in the hall of the hotel. "What a nice couple.", Chuck remarked as they left the hotel.

The three of them went into town and walked to different sites. They went to a pizza parlor that was notorious for real "Chicago pizza", as well as a couple of art museums. "That's something I can do.", Lizzy said, "Make art." "You're doing it with music.", Ben reminded Lizzy. "I meant painting, but yeah.", Lizzy said, "I'm already doing art." "Your ART DECO?", Ben asked. "Life imitates art.", Lizzy said, "Besides, I like the museums, but I like the inside, because there's so much magic, so much more art put into them." Chuck did a selfie of all three of them at the museum. "Well, that was fun, but it's getting late.", Chuck said. "I think there's a beach somewhere.", Ben stated. "Let's go find one.", Lizzy said holding Ben's hand. Chuck headed back to the hotel.

Ben and Lizzy saw numerous beaches a few miles away from the downtown area. Most of them were full like fans waiting in line for a game. "I don't care if there are 13 beaches.", Ben went on, "We'll find an empty one, for sure." Lane Beach was the only one empty. "I always found beaches relaxing.", Lizzy said as she sat down in the sand. "Childhood was good times", she said, "until you are in your adolescence, then you get moody-." "Do stuff that is bad?", Ben interrupted. "Yeah", Lizzy answered. "I like beaches too." "Sure", Lizzy remarked. "I see a lighthouse" Lizzy pointed from far away. "I'd still go for Long Island or Coney Island though." Ben said: "You can find seashells at beaches too." "Seashells are worth art", Lizzy went on, "Anytime someone says: 'I love your work', I correct them and say: 'Art'." "I'll keep that in mind", Ben stated. "Do you love me, Ben?", Lizzy asked. "Of course,", replied Ben, "You're smart, funny, cute, and sweet." Lizzy began to kiss Ben as their heads hit the sand. They laughed, as a result. "I love you.", Lizzy and Ben said together still laughing. Ben thought it was a good idea that he came to Lizzy's tours. Getting to know this girl was a wonderful feeling to him.

A few hours later, Ben and Lizzy took pictures of them at the beach and left to head back to their hotel. They had their concert the next evening and proceeded to head back to North Bergen afterward. Chuck went back to New York.

After arriving back at Lizzy's trailer, Ben spent one last night there. The next morning, Ben left while Lizzy was still asleep and left her with the rest of his winnings. He left a note that said: "Dear Lizzy, thank you for letting me come with you on your tours and giving out advice on music and art. I'll never forget the fun we had at those cities, especially the beaches. I have left the rest of my winnings for you. It should be enough to last until you get a better place. I will see you soon again. Love, Ben".