It's a new story! And I don't own Ben 10! So lawyers-keep away!
It was early summer, and four young adults were hanging out in an old garage, discussing summers past…
"What? I ruined your stay in New York? Kevin the oldest of the quartet asked.
"Well, let's see. You got me grounded, Grandpa Max lost his hotel room, I missed seeing the Sumo Slammers, and you nearly derailed a train, nearly killing hundreds, so…yeah!" Ben Tennyson said, face to face with Kevin.
Meanwhile Gwen Tennyson and Julie Yamamoto, Kevin's girlfriend and Ben's girl, respectively, watched for the sidelines. "You think we should get involved?" Julie asked.
"Not unless they come to blows" Gwen said. "But I think their egos will prevent that" she added.
"OK, Ben. How about this? Today's Monday. If you can come up with your share of money for the week-long trip, we'll go. All of us. A week-long trip to the sights of New York City." Kevin said, laying down a dare for Ben.
Ben looked at Kevin, and said, "You're on!" Ben then asked, "How much do I need?"
Kevin said, "All four of us are looking at a total of $1800-just in case. So you'll need…about $450."
Ben said, "You'll have it. Come on, Julie." Julie got into Ben's car, and Ben left the garage. Gwen looked at Kevin and asked, "Are you really gonna make him pay his own way?"
Kevin said, "No. I can cover us all. I have quite a bit saved for my days selling alien tech. I just like messing with your cousin"
Gwen shook her head, wondering what in the universe caused her to fall in love with such a rogue. A handsome, dashing rogue who put the needs of others above his own…
Ben and Julie drove along, headed to Julie's house. Ben was thinking aloud, "Me and Julie, $450 apiece…that's $900…"
Julie said, "Ben, I have money for this trip."
Ben said, "Really? How much?"
Julie said, "I'm not sure. 5, 6…"
Ben said, "5 or 6 hundred? At least you're taken care of"
Julie then said, "No. Try 5 or 6 thousand."
Ben said, "What? How did you get that kind of money?'
Julie replied, "I have been playing a few entry-level professional tournaments. I have even won some. The top prize is usually cash. The last tournament I finished 2nd. The prize was $1500. If I won first place, the prize would have been $2000. "
"So what are you using the money for?" Ben asked.
"Well, tuition, equipment, travel costs…plus I'm saving the rest." Julie answered. "Hey, I could give you the money, and you could show it to Kevin." Julie said.
"That's a good idea…but let's save it for the last resort." Ben said. "Besides, I got something else in mind."
Ben kept what he was doing a secret. He didn't talk that much about what he was doing during the week. Finally, the due date arrived. Ben and Julie met Gwen and Kevin at the garage. Kevin, smug as always, said, "So, Tennyson. How'd you do? Didja get the money?"
Ben said, "Nope. I got something better. You see, being a hero…" Ben then pulled out his wallet, and showed them his credit card. "…have its privileges."
Kevin looked at the card, and then said, "That's a special Plumber's issue card. How'd you get that?"
Gwen asked, "What's so special about that card?"
Kevin said, "It's usable anywhere. ANYWHERE. It has an unlimited funds source. Why didn't you tell us you had that?"
Ben then said, "Would you have agreed to take us if I didn't have the money?"
Kevin then said, "Touché, Ben. Alright, then-if there's nothing else to debate, we can leave tomorrow for New York. Make sure you have enough clothes for a week. And be ready for all kinds of fun, cuase Ney York, here we come!"
Everyone laughed, and Ben and Julie left to pack and get ready. Kevin took Gwen home so she could pack. Later, back at the garage, Kevin picked up his phone and dialed a number. When the phone connected, Kevin spoke, "Hey. I'm great. Listen…I need a favor. It's just for a week. And there's enough room for four of us? Thanks…you're the best…Mom."
Ben, Julie, Gwen, and Kevin all met at the garage the next day. Kevin said, "Alright. We don't have enough room for all our stuff in one car. I'll carry Gwen's things and my things in my car, and you can carry you and Julie's things in your car."
Ben said, "That seems reasonable. It's a shame we couldn't get the RustBucket for this trip."
Kevin said, "Are you serious? You'd want to ride in that decrepit van?"
Ben said, "I had a lot of good memories in that van, Kevin"
Kevin said, "Whatever. Follow my lead. We're hitting the road!"
After about 6 hours of driving, Kevin announced through Ben's speakers, "Here we are. New York City. And the first thing we're gonna do is take care of lodging."
Ben asked, "You didn't arrange our hotels already? I though you had this trip planned"
Kevin replied, "I do. Just follow me."
Ben did as Kevin said, winding through traffic. It was late afternoon, and the group was heading out of the city proper. Ben then asked, "Hey, where are we going?"
Kevin said, "Don't worry. Just follow me! We're almost there."
Gwen then asked, "Almost where?"
Kevin said, "A place where someone has always waited for me. A place where, for a little time, I felt safe, loved…"
Ben then said, "And where would that be?"
Kevin replied, "Here" Kevin pulled into a driveway of a modest one story house. Ben followed, unsure of what to expect. Kevin got out and walked up to the door. He stood there for a few moments, before knocking on the door. Gwen then asked, "Where are we?"
The door opened, and a woman with black shoulder-length hair stood at the door. The group marveled at how much the woman looked like Kevin. Kevin embraced the woman, then said, "Guys, this is my mother. Mom; Ben, Gwen and Julie. They are going to be staying with me while I show them the city."
Kevin's mother said, "How wonderful! Come inside and I'll give you a tour of the house."
The group trooped inside, totally surprised by this. They could only wonder what surprises awaited them…in the City that Never Sleeps…
