Chapter 2: Benjamin Gomez is Surprised
Benjamin Gomez, sped down the winding road of twenty miles to the Grandola Airport. He was glad that there were no cars around, this way he could speed up a bit. Ben loved to drive his car at extreme speed. He used to want to be a race-car racer. But his love for his then girlfriend, now wife Clarissa Gomez, was a much stronger desire.
Ben used to be a player in school all through college. That was how he met Clarissa. But once he met her, his eyes only followed her. He now dreaded women's company except his wife of course. The only other exception was his wife's best friend, Sandra Cruz.
The airport in Grandola was small and private. When he arrived, he learned that the plane landed earlier and that a woman left someone for him to pick up. Ben headed for the waiting passengers area. There was only one person sitting there was a girl. He didn't even take time to look at her and passed her searching for the boy. When he couldn't find anyone of the male species, he went to the information desk again.
"I'm looking for the boy that Sarah Brightenburg left for me to pick up." The lady at the counter looked at him gaping. Ben was a muscular man with a nice tan. His hair was longer than anyone in town; Clarissa liked to weave her fingers in his hair. His dark eyes were inviting. She snapped out of it before it was too rude. She looked in the computer.
"There was a girl left for you. I don't know of any boy." she said.
"But I'm not here for a girl. I'm here for a boy."
"Guess there's some mistake," she said. "Mrs. Brightenburg, came off the plane with two girls. One she instructed to pass on to you." she shrugged.
"This is confusing." Ben muttered under his breath.
"Well, you can always ask her what the situation is." the woman said.
Slowly, Ben walked back to the waiting room. He felt awkward. What kind of question would that be if he asked the girl why she wasn't a boy? Clarissa will blow up. Ben groaned as he finally entered the room and shuffled toward her.
She had been watching him ever since he had passed her and she had her eyes on him now. Ben glanced at her quickly. She was around 15. Her hair was blonde and two little braids hung on the sides. The rest of her hair was down. Her eyes were big and brown. She was wearing a a hot pink blossom silk dress, with a pink flower pinned at her waist, and pink sandals. She had a small suitcase beside her.
"Are you Mr. Gomez from Silverbell Candle?" she said in a peculiarly clear, sweet voice. "I'm so glad you finally came. I was afraid I would have to stay here in the airport all night. i don't know Mrs. Brightenburg's phone number." she stretched out her hand.
Ben slowly took her hand and shook it awkwardly. Clarissa is going to start a hissy fit when she sees the girl. he thought.
"I'm sorry I was late," he said shyly. "Let's go, the car is outside. Let me take your suitcase."
"Oh, I can carry it," the child responded cheerfully. "It's not heavy."
They left the airport to the car. When they stepped outside, the warms breeze blew, bringing with it the scent of the ocean.
"Oh isn't the smell of the sea wonderful?" she exclaimed.
"I guess." Ben said putting her suitcase in the trunk and opening the passengers side door for her. She glanced at the car.
"Wow, your car is so pretty. It must have cost you a fortune."
"I had enough." he answered indifferently closing the door after her and walking around to his side.
"I've always dreamed of living by the sea. I was telling Mrs. Brightenburg on the plane about it and she told me to stop jabbering. Am I talking too much? Please tell me if I'm disturbing you, and I will stop."
Ben was extremely surprised that he was enjoying himself. He didn't mind listening to her talk about what she likes and what her dreams are.
"I don't care. Talk all you want."
"I can see will get along just fine, don't you? Have you ever had a dream that you knew you couldn't fulfill?"
"Not that I remember." Ben answered.
"What dreams did you have?"
"I wanted to marry my wife and I did. I wanted to become an architect and I did. Though I did want to become a race car driver before. I could have fulfilled it, but I chose to be with my wife." Ben was surprised at himself. He has never just blurted something like this to a stranger before. Much less a teenager.
"That's so nice. One of my dreams have been fulfilled. I've always wanted to live by the sea and now I will. The only other big dream I have, is to become a singer. I hope to fulfill it someday."
"I'm sure you will." he encouraged her.
"Do you have any pets?" she suddenly asked. Ben couldn't keep up with her mind. She changed the subject so quickly.
"No."
"Hmm. I've always wanted a small dog."
The girl suddenly stopped talking and looked out the window and the flashing houses and trees.
As they entered the city limits of Sines, they passed the Cruz house. The girl gasped.
"Mr. Gomez, what a beautiful house!" she exclaimed.
"It's called Glass Springs."
"Glass Springs? Is there a spring near by?"
"Well...no. It's just a name."
"I would have named it the Glass Palace."
They winded down the road. The girl quieted down.
"I guess you're feeling pretty tired and hungry," Ben said.
"Yes a little. The flight wasn't that comfortable."
When they had driven up the further hill and around a corner Matthew said:
"We're pretty near home now. That's Green Gables over--"
"Oh, don't tell me," she interrupted breathlessly, catching at his partially raised arm and shutting her eyes that she might not see his gesture. "Let me guess. I'm sure I'll guess right."
They drove into the driveway and the gate opened revealing the house.
"Welcome to Silverbell Candle." Ben said.
"It's so beautiful. It looks quite similar to the other house. Umm.. Glass Springs." she retorted.
"I designed both of the houses. Our very close friends live in the other house." Ben explained.
They stepped out of the car. The girl looked around her, absorbing the scenery. She took the small suitcase and clutched it in her hands tightly, as they walked toward the front door.
