Ben Affleck | The Square Affair

(to) wonder

To her dismay, that call never came. Ben had been so wrapped up in filming that he barely managed to text (YN). At least that's what she assumed. She was disappointed, but frankly, there was nothing she could do about it. So, she studied instead. She went over her notes from college, read two books on movie editing that she had found in Ben's study, and watched classics at night, paying close attention to their filming techniques.

Ben's birthday was getting closer; another topic that also occupied her mind from time to time. (YN) had no idea what to get him, whether he even wanted anything, let alone expected anything. What would she gift a Hollywood star anyway that could literally afford anything his heart desired? Coming up with ideas seemed impossible. Sex obviously isn't something you gift to someone, it's something you simply have with a person. And what else did she really have to offer him, other than her body.

(YN) groaned, throwing her phone on the other side of the couch. She had scrolled the internet, another futile attempt in trying to find a suggestion that didn't include perfume, a gift card, or electronics. She got to her feet, neatly folded the blanket she had used to cuddle up with, fished for her phone that had slipped between some pillows, and headed for the bedroom. Maybe she could hit up Henry on Instagram and ask him for advice in the morning. She had racked her brain enough for the night.

After washing her face and brushing her teeth, (YN) grabbed one of Ben's t-shirts that he kept in the top drawer of a large dark brown dresser across his bed. She switched clothes, climbed into bed, and typed out the familiar message she had sent Ben every night for the last couple of weeks.

I'm going to sleep, could you turn on the alarm please?

Surprisingly, his answer came immediately. But all he had replied with was a thumbs-up emoji. (YN) pulled the blanket up to her shoulders and sighed. She couldn't help but wonder whether she had overstayed her welcome. Ben had been so quiet. Maybe it was best if she was gone before he returned. Maybe he was simply too busy to talk to her. Maybe he didn't want to talk to her at all. Maybe he wanted her gone. Maybe he didn't want to tell her to leave and he was hoping (YN) would get the "message" herself. Maybe.

She was sleeping peacefully until the sound of a door slamming startled her awake. (YN) panicked. It was still pitch-black outside. She sat up. What if Ben didn't turn on the alarm, and someone was breaking in? She listened closely. Nothing. (YN) slowly slid out of bed and tiptoed over to the door. She opened it, trying hard not to make any noise. She held her breath, concentrating, the silence was deafening. Still nothing. Had she imagined it?

With careful steps (YN) made her way down the hall and towards the kitchen, aware of her quickening heartbeat. If someone was in the house, she should be calling the police, not stumbling around in the dark. When the lights above her came on unexpectedly, (YN) uttered a yelp and took a clumsy step backwards.

"Ben?" she gasped at the sight of him. He was standing on the other side of the hallway, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a grey long sleeve shirt. He had already taken off his shoes. He was barefoot. "Sorry for waking you up," he apologized. "It's windy out there. The door slammed shut before I could catch it." Ben looked at (YN), waiting for a response, but she just stared back at him, puzzled. "It's good seeing you," he started, and slowly approached her. He said her name. She swallowed and managed a smile, feeling uncomfortable. "Hi," she breathed. "Hi," he chuckled closing the distance between them. Ben pulled (YN) in for a hug, and she relaxed at once, all doubt about her still being at his place leaving her mind. He was happy to see her. Or so it seemed.

"How come you're back so soon?" (YN) finally broke their silence and looked up at him. "I didn't expect you for another two weeks." The corners of his mouth turned up. "Surprise?" he said, making her grin from ear to ear. She rested her head on his chest, arms still wrapped around his back. He gave her head a quick peck and released her from his hold. "I need to go to bed. I am exhausted," he announced, taking (YN)'s hand in his and leading her towards the bedroom.