A Little Thing Called Fate

Chapter Two

The library was pretty empty when I entered through the double door entrance. I scanned the room a few times before deciding to take a seat at one of the study tables. Digging through my bag, I pulled out my history book and binder to get started on the chapter assessment. I scanned the questions and flipped back through the chapter to look for the answers. 

I started to tap my pen against the hard top of the table as I read through a paragraph about the reasons behind the Great Depression. We were currently studying the cause and effect of the tragic time back in the 1930's. The graphics in the textbook were absolutely heartbreaking. 

The sound of the doors closing at the front of the room made my eyes snap up. I locked gazes with Ben Harper, one of my brother's friends. I gave him a small smile and turned my attention back to the reading. A shadow appeared over me a few minutes later. 

"Hey Kenzie, do you have a minute?" Ben asked as he took a seat infront of me. I glanced up at him and nodded. Closing my book, I pushed it aside and gave him my full attention. 

"Sure. What's up?" I asked curiously. This isn't the first time Ben has came to me about something. Whenever he needs to talk and get something off his chest, he comes to me because he says I always know what to say. I love helping people through whatever they may be going through. You learn alot about people just by listening. 

"How are you?" he asked randomly, not looking at me any more. My face contorted into a expression of confusion. 

"I'm good," I answered. "But I'm pretty sure you didn't skip class just to come and ask me how I'm doing," I joked with a small smile. He chuckled and nodded in agreement. 

"You're right," he admitted with a frown. "I just don't know how to explain what I need to talk to you about," he continued. I just sat there quietly and waited for him to go on. He watched me patiently before sighing and running a hand through his already mussed up hair. 

"Take your time. I'll be here as long as you need," I comforted him as I reached a hand out to rest on his arm. He glanced down at it and then back up at me. A small smile tugged up the corner of his lips. 

"You're the best, you know that, right?" he asked not taking his eyes away from mine. I just shrugged and laughed. 

"Thanks. I try," I winked at him. He just chuckled and shook his head. He looked to be in a mental battle with himself. I nudged him and he looked back over at me. I gave him a questioning look. He sighed and then stood up. My eyes trailed up his tall frame until they landed on his face. 

"Okay. So I'm just going to come right out and say this. And I don't want you to respond, okay? Just listen," he rambled as he begin to pace. I watched him curiously wondering what could have him like this. "I can come to you with anything no matter what. And lately I've been having so many problems and you've been here for me. It doesn't matter that it might be two in the morning or that you have a paper to write or that you have plans. You drop everything just to listen to my pathetic crap."

"It's not pathetic," I started to interject, only to earn a little glare from Ben. I held my hands up in surrender.

"Just listen please," he pleaded. I stopped and leaned against the table nodding for him to continue. He let out a breath and then turned so his back was to me. "Not all girls would be willing to do what you do. I mean you actually listen and care about what happens in people's lives. That's just so amazing. I can't express how much I am thankful to have you."

His words caused a smile to spread across my face. I couldn't stop myself from walking over to him. He turned around when he felt my presence behind him and raised an eyebrow. I wrapped my arms around his torso and pulled him in for a hug.