Chapter 7: Of Impossible Things
"Impossible love… I'm very much afraid they will become an addiction."—Cesare from The Borgias
—Flashback—
"Max check this out."
"What do you think it is?" The Hawaiian shirt Plumber asked in a serious tone. Even he knew from looking at the multiple red blinking dots on the monitors that something was coming. The red glow seemed to indicate that something was happening, quietly, subtlety without anyone's knowledge...like an encroaching fear, something Max felt was a foreshadowing of terrible things to come.
"Don't know. The monitors are detecting something, but when we send out a recon team they reported that nothing was there. The monitors have been like this since that power surge last Thursday! With that much power which could potentially split planets apart... It brought something with it since that something is appearing everywhere in all parts of the universe! Whatever it is, these things are big." Although the man sounded amaze with the data displayed on the monitors, there was unease in his voice. It was clear his friend was worry that there might be a chance that there were unknown entities that came. Unfortunately, the problem was that those entities could see them, but they could not see it. Whatever it was is dangerous, if it caused a power surge throughout the universe.
"So this was the high level alert you were talking about..."
"Well… It's part of it." His friend chuckled nervously.
"Then what's the other part, Nick?"
"See for yourself." The dishwater blond inserted a few keys on his device and a communication screen appeared.
"Greetings, Maxwell Tennysonnn." The all too familiar voice hissed out.
Max was caught off guard just for a second before he could compose himself and reply, "Vilgax, this is certainly an unwelcome surprise. Is this your doing?"
"On the contrary, but perhaps you would rather believe in a friend you called Tetrax."
At this point, Max regretted not visiting his grandkids before heading out early Saturday morning to tend to his duties. They were all supposed to spend the weekend together before he received an emergency call from his Plumber Badge. Well, at least he had called before stepping into a warzone.
Today Max thought, was going to be a long day.
—End of Flashback—
"Gwen let's go to an amusement park!"
Spontaneously Ben announced this at lunch. At first she had plainly refused. It was one of those hectic Wednesdays when she needed to start on her homework ASAP! Her advance classes does not allow her a social life. It was only lunch, yet she already have two essays, a math test to study for and a science project to work on. She also reasoned that Ben must have a mountain of overdue and current assignments as well. There was no way they could go to an amusement park. But to her utter shock and horror, Ben announced he had completed his in class and had handed them in.
Although, she was not in any of Ben's classes, she knew his teachers. Most especially, Mrs. Allegan who was a well-known strict marker and a perfectionist of the English literature. She had passed that class with barely an A-! She worked her ass off and spend sleepless nights trying to perfect her essays just so the woman would give her a B+. Usually she was in the A+ range in all of her subjects. That mark made a permanent stain on her perfect record! Therefore, how could Ben possibly finish his essay during class?!
Unless…
"You better not have cheated or wrote random stuff down—"
"No way! I wanna get into your advance classes."
This also took her by surprise. Ben never was slightly inclined by academics or thought about the prospects of his education! All he seemed to invest his time in was his fame, heroism and Sumo Slammers. Something was up. Her cousin must be planning something stupid again. She couldn't expect anything less from him.
"…Why?" She asked sceptically.
"Isn't it obvious?" He stated with that all knowing smirk of his.
She rolled her eyes. No it wasn't obvious to her because she doesn't read doofus. And mostly she didn't like being thrown off her game seeing as she was usually the know-it-all. But Gwen did consider it for a minute and then ease into a grin.
"Can you even do it? Last time I check, you were barely passing math!"
"Wanna bet?"
Gwen observed her cousin. The brunet seemed to be more confident than she thought. Unfortunately for him, she has an amazing memory, and knowing her cousin for years she estimated that she would win by a landslide!
"And if I win?"
"I'll do whatever you want for a day."
"Only a day?" She raise her eyebrow and pretended to look up in consideration.
"Fine. Three. But if I win…no matter what, you have to stay by my side."
Gwen thought it was a weird exchange, but she threw all cautions to the wind seeing as it was a tempting wager. She was going to win anyways so why not?
"Okay deal."
"Then let's create a contract." Ben answered without missing a beat.
"Wow, you're awfully serious about this aren't you?" She joked.
"When it comes to you, I'm always serious." He winked, replying in a teasing tone while smirking.
She could only rolled her eyes trying to ignore the obvious reddening of her cheeks. If Ben wasn't her family, their conversation so far would seem like a couple flirting. But he was family and family members are always close. Being blood-related they could get away with many things...right? Right! It's just her doofus of a cousin.
So when it was made, signed and each of them have a copy of their own, Ben looked at her with a childish glee in his eyes. His expression and actions seemed bright and cheerful like a kid during Christmas about to receive everything they ever wanted. It was like he knew something she didn't. This didn't settle well with her. Nowadays Ben seemed to have this peculiar air to him. He just know things she didn't like he could foresee them before they happened. It wasn't like Ben or did Ben always possess that kind of trait and she never noticed?
"So, about the amusement park—"
"Not today. Unlike you, I have homework."
"And if you're finish, then can we go?"
"Maybe."
"Then let me help!"
"You...?"
"Yup!"
It was absurd. But she decided to humour him. She brought out her physic questions just to let him have a taste of defeat and the bet he'd gotten himself into. Astonishingly, he blew her mind solving in seconds the one question she pondered for hours and couldn't manage to figure out till the end. Then he started to explain in surprising details and step by step examples on how to solve the question. Gwen was increasingly confused by his sudden knowledge, but she still appreciated the help. Next she took out the outline of her essay just to see if the last few minutes were a stroke of luck and that Ben was still her doofus of a cousin. She was once again blown away when he tackle the topic of the assignment and revised her thesis. He labelled down some solid arguments that supported the thesis and overall immensely improving it. Gwen started to consider the odds of her winning the bet if Ben was displaying this level of intellect…to the fact of her ever truly knowing her own cousin.
"Hey Gwen what were you guys talking about at lunch?" An ember hair girl sitting in front suddenly asked.
"What?" Gwen look up from her physic textbook to the three curious people staring openly at her.
"C'mon! Tell us. Everyone is curious!" The smiling girl waved her hands up in a gesture of excitement.
It was Ruby Coles, one of those naturally beautiful and talented people that doesn't seemed to lack anything. Those types of people who Gwen naturally dislike. The ones who doesn't need to try hard to get what they want and tends to slack. Yes, that was the type of person Ruby was. Gwen known the girl for 2 years unsurprisingly all in the advance classes for IB students. Although she was reluctant to admit it, the girl does stand out with her natural wavy ginger locks, renaissance-like features and light gray eyes. She was cheerful and extraordinarily smart!
God really is unfair. Gwen couldn't find any faults in the girl to hate like Britney. The ember hair girl wasn't a bitch and doesn't seem to brag or take advantage of others. She was well-known in the school for being a party girl. Her popularity was only second to Britney seeing as Ruby rather joined the computer programming club than the cheerleaders. Yet, people just naturally swarm around her and oddly enough with nothing to hate on, Gwen could only 'dislike' the girl.
Maybe she was being pity. Perhaps it was that one time when Ruby got a higher grade than her even though Gwen was actually studying while the ginger was hosting an end of the year party. What was worse was the fact that Ruby had invited her…but she decided to study rather than go. Or maybe it's just the girl's personality? Ruby seemed so carefree, fulfilled and simply radiates happiness. The girl didn't have to worry about aliens, crime fighting, and the burdens of the universe on her shoulders… But mostly Gwen was jealous of Ruby's normal teenage life. Ruby didn't experience what Gwen had gone through, how death creeps up on her every single day, not knowing when she could die or even the definition of suffering! Why can't she be happy? Truly, she was a horrible person for wanting another person's happiness…and for wishing that they would suffer instead of her. Gwen was ashamed, she couldn't look Ruby in the eye.
"Oh… It was nothing. Ben was just being his typical self."
"Really?" Ruby questioned with a raised eyebrow then continued with, "I think he changed…You know. Like before he was cocky and childishly confident! I really hate that about a person, but now I think he's kind of cool! No, like SUPER DUPER COOL!" The squeal finished with a longing sigh.
Gwen was taken aback before remarking, "What?! No way…Ben? My cousin, Ben?"
"Of course! Because well…you know he has this kind of mysterious commanding atmosphere around him now. Like super mature! He's like oozing out manliness, or maybe it's just hormones?" She ended with a loud laugh.
The redhead noticed the other two girls giggling beside Ruby nodding in agreement. Ruby's eyes were gleaming while she had the biggest and most brightest smile on her small perfectly framed pretty face…in other words, fangirling mode. Gwen knew the look. It was one of those worshipping blinded admiration look that would willingly put someone on a high pedestal. The ones who are hard to get rid of because they are blinded by their idolization of said person. Yet, Gwen couldn't get pass the point that girls, actual smart, pretty girls in her IB class are admiring Ben for his maturity! No way was her dorky doofus of an immature brat cousin anything cool, mysterious or mature! These people are obviously being fooled!
"Wait guys… Are we really taking about the same person here?"
"Well of course you don't think that! You're his cousin!" The black hair girl on Ruby's right jokingly announced.
"You're lucky you get to hang around him without a reason. You guys get to talk like all the time! Meanwhile we have to find ways to initiate a conversation with him!" The brunette on Ruby's left only sigh in defeat.
"If only he wasn't taken…" Ruby whispered in disappointment. But then oddly she had a knowing gleam in her eyes as she uttered to herself, "But that will probably end soon."
Gwen flinch at the last comment. No one seemed to catch it except her. Bad memories were resurfacing. Julie plus Kevin, equals bad train of anguish thoughts. For whatever reasons and consideration for Ben's current health, Gwen decided not to tell these lovesick girls about her cousin's recent breakup and now single status factor. Oddly she didn't want anyone to know and wondered how long till anyone finds out. She wondered if Ben feels the same way… Then she stopped her train of reckless thoughts before it got anymore bizarre. Why would she be curious about Ben's next romance!?
"Hey talk to you later." Ruby winked and turned around.
"Alright, class is starting!" Mr. Clark suddenly announced and Gwen decided it was better if she focus instead of wondering about Ben. Although she finds physics considerably challenging, oddly she realize Ben was way harder to deal with.
She wasn't a 'Yes man', but Ben was always an exception.
Because in the end, Ben had convinced her to go to the amusement park. Now she was in his DX Mark 10. She was a little frustrated since lunch and irritated after that chat in physic. Firstly, how did Ben hide such intelligence from her till now? Did he take her for a fool? No, that wasn't possible… She knows Ben… So what was happening?! Then to the fact that people are admiring him for his personality than his heroism or even considering a romantic relationship with the doofus… Really she doesn't get why she was pissed about that! Then the whole cycle repeat fueling her frustration.
"It's 3:30 PM, you all know what that means… It's time for your favourite hosts: Kate!"
Gwen was shaken from her thoughts when she heard the radio resounding inside the car.
"And Nate!"
She turned to her cousin. The burnet was simply looking at the road and smiling to himself. Was Ben a person who turned on the radio during a car ride? Was he always this carefree and cheerful? Cool or mysterious? Mature? Does she truly know her cousin?
"And you're listening to Hot Topic 101.0! The best topics of today!"
Although Gwen never really listen to the radio much, she knew this radio station since many of her friends listens to it. It was a popular station in Bellwood covering all the rising trends, music, news, rumours and the public opinions of those topics. One reason it was so popular was the fact that it doesn't sugar-coat issues as it gets straight to the point. It was like an engaging talk show that was brutally honest. Nowadays, it appears people desire these kinds of media.
"To our listeners out there, I would like to start off with the weather!"
"Kate, seriously? The weather?"
"Then do you have a better topic Nate?"
"As a matter of fact… I'm glad you asked Kate!"
"Well, on with it! The suspense is killing me Nate!"
"…Well, it seems that the life of our famous Hero isn't all that fun and games folks."
"Another hot , juicy gossip of Ben Tennyson? Do go on!"
"Not a gossip or a rumour, but a fact! You see… A journalist known as James Coles was lucky enough to venture into the drama of the century!"
"No...It can't be..." Gwen's voice shook. She was trembling as she bite her nails. Eyes glued to the radio and both ears unveil with crimson locks tuck behind them.
"And what is that Nate?"
"Ben Tennyson's girlfriend, Julie Yamamoto and Kevin Levin slept together in his house!"
"…."
"You'll have to expand Nate. Sleepover, right folks? So of course they would be sleeping together in his house!"
"That's sweet Kate, but no. Not just sleeping together my dear Kate."
"You don't mean…!"
"Yes! They had sex! Sex! SEX! But wait! It gets better…"
"Nate, isn't Kevin Levin…"
"Yes he is Kate! For people who doesn't care or have been living under a rock…Kevin Levin is Gwen Tennyson's boyfriend! Therefore, to summarize… Kevin and Julie had sex in Ben's house while the Tennysons were present, they were all under one roof folks! Bad Boy Kevin was bold and daring! Who knew the sweet, modest Julie was just as bold~"
"Mind blown! Wha—"
She had heard enough. She was so stun that she could not move till now to turn the hatful thing off. True to their name, the radio station was brutally straightforward. But what shocked her mostly was the fact that someone saw it, knows about it and gave the information to the media…. And now it was out! Probably the whole damn nation knows it now! How did this even happened?!
She was trembling. She thought it was all behind her. Yet now… The world would never leave this alone…and her parents! Her parents will find out. It doesn't mattered if they listen to the radio or not, some form of media will reach their ears soon enough! What will they think of her? The world must think she was a laughing stock! She hated being pity more than anything… It was worse than being nude in public!
"...there is proof!"
Gwen opened her eyes. The radio was turned back on. She reached out to stop it, but a hand stopped her. She looked up with tears in her eyes, begging him to let her turn it off. He only shook his head and said, "We need to know."
She wanted to argue, scream, protest or use violence if necessary. She didn't really want to know… She would rather remain oblivious, ignorant if she needs to. But his hand held hers tightly. He wouldn't relent. She knew he only did it for her own good. They need to know so that later they could defend themselves. Yes, Ben cared. That was the reason which held her back from tearing the whole radio station apart.
"Proof?"
"Yes! To all those doubtful listeners please tune into this!"
There was silence. Her eyes were wide. Proof..? What do they mean by proof!?
"HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU! Kevin…how could you betray me like this!"
Her breath was stuck in her throat. Her body became rigid and still. How did… That was her voice! There was loud thrashing and crashing noises in the background. That must be the sounds of the thrown furniture. She knew what was coming next.
"How could you sleep with Julie of all people?! AND YOU! How could you sleep with someone else's boyfriend when you're in Ben's house?! HE IS YOUR BOYFRIEND FOR GOD SAKE!"
Gwen squeeze her eyes close. Both hands covering her ears, trying to contain the boiling turmoil inside and hoping she wouldn't break down again. She needed support. Anyone will do at this point.
"GOD! I TRUSTED YOU! The both of you! You guys must think I'm an idiot...an utter fool…"
She felt a palm grasp her left trembling hand. She instantly grip it tightly. It was like a life line. A string of hope that would save her from drowning in her sorrows. She really did loved Kevin… She had thought he would be the one. She had planned to give herself to him entirely… Yet…yet…! He betrayed her! She had thought that saving the world from alien threats would bring them closer… Instead he had crushed her confidence and self-esteem into shards and scatter them into a hellish desert. There would be no oasis for her, no salvation! Now that it was out… Her friends, her parents… Grandpa Max! No, No, No, No! She hated to be pity most! Anyone but him! As long as Grandpa didn't pity her...
"Well…we'll cut the tape there folks. So what do you all think? Give us a call at (800) 227-888!"
"Wow Nate! I'm glad we didn't discuss about the weather. Look at all our callers! Never before have I seen such amazing numbers for a topic! Look at all the loving the topic is getting!"
"My pleasure Kate! And you know what that means…"
"Shall we?"
"It's time for the Loving! Now then, who is our first caller… First caller is live!"
"Uh…Hi! Um… This one is for Gwen! Hang in there! Happiness is just around the corner if you look. Everyone is cheering for you!"
"Wow! I can feel the love! And your name is?"
"Carrie. And since I had been through similar circumstances, I empathize. Therefore, I will gladly give my encouragement and support. So don't give up. You'll find someone WAY better! I should know because you're such a beauty and my role model! The guy was blind and stupid not to see it!"
"If you're listening to this Gwen, Carrie, Nate and I are cheering for your happiness! Thanks for your time Carrie, you're officially on my loving list!"
"No, thank you for having me!"
"Now who will our next guest be…? You're on!"
"Hey, I'm Terry. This is for Ben. Dude, if you're listening to this… I'm just saying, you're still famous, young and a superhero! There is plenty of prettier girls out there wanting you. The girl you dated was a bitch. So what? She was stupid to have done it and now she will be hated by pretty much the entire female population. Just saying man, I'm still jealous of you!"
"That was some tough love! Terry my man, you inspire me! Great having you!"
"Thanks Nate. Also I love you Kate! Peace."
"Awwww thanks Terry. Love you too! Now, unfortunately we only have time for one more loving. So the lucky last caller is…"
"Drum roll please~"
"Gwen! This is your mother! Where are you? Come home this instant!"
"…..."
"Wow. Who would have guessed? Right Nate?"
"Yeah. That was one in a million huh, Kate?"
Then suddenly the radio was turned off.
"What do you want to do Gwen?" Ben asked. She didn't notice how Ben was observing and analyzing her condition.
She had time to calm herself after listening to the option of the audience. And honestly she did not want to face her parents… Better yet, at all.
"Let's go to the amusement park Ben."
"I thought you would never ask." He answered with a smile as the car speed to their destination.
It was one of those days when the weather doesn't matches her mood. Similar to floating between two worlds like a bystander watching through a window pane. The weather was hot, sunny and beautifully normal. It was like one of those days where you lazily lie around feeling content as you do nothing. Those moments when you suntan or hang out with friends sitting or swimming on a bleach as you feel the salty breeze and the warm white sand under your feet. It was one of those wonderfully humid days.
Gwen got out of the car. The humid air slam into her face and stayed there like a second skin. She immediately missed the cool air conditioner of the car. Her mood was dampening by the seconds. It was the sensation you get when you're utterly soaked and freezing in the pouring rain. Those torrent days when the rain drowns you in its sorrow as it sink into the depths of your being. The chills which lingers in and under your clothes like a cancer. The penetrating cold that tangle with your frozen breaths and entered you every time you inhale. It was this sort of feeling as she waited in line on this beautiful sunny day with Ben.
"Maybe we should've gone to a water park?"
She looked at him. He had one of those goofy and childish expression on. The one which said that he was trying to be considerate. The look that told her he cared and didn't know how to express it without ruining the mood.
"This is better. It's not as crowded."
"But—"
"The less people there are, the less people notices you."
She quickly gauge Ben's reaction. He had a slight confused look before it morphed into dejection.
"Sorry…"
"Why are you apologizing? You're in the same boat as me. It's not your fault that the entire world knows about it."
"….I…I just wanted—"
"I know. And you're right. We needed to listen. Sorry… I didn't mean to take it out on you."
"No."
He had this look in his eyes. One that said so many, yet she couldn't decipher it before it vanishes.
"I thought it would be better for you."
Something says he wasn't only talking about the radio broadcast...but before she could ask what he was implying voices from the back and their front were heard.
"Hey isn't that Ben?"
"Wow, it's Ben 10…"
"What is he doing here?!"
"Can I please have an autograph?"
"Wait! Me too!"
"Autograph please!"
"My kids loves you!"
Here we go again. Gwen wanted to roll her eyes and scream.
"Hey! Look he's with a girl!"
"Maybe his new girlfriend?"
"Wow he sure works fast."
"Did you hear what the last one did?"
"Maybe they both che—Ya know!"
"Well, not a surprise there."
"Idiot! That's his cousin!"
"Oh. Oh!"
"You mean that same cousin!"
"Damn."
"But she is a beauty. Who would abandon that?!"
"It could be other things… Like personality for instance. Ya know how the beautiful are either bitchy, stupid or in her case...crazy. Crazy enough that she blew a fuse last week!"
"Or sex."
At that point she have had enough! She was about to confront those gossipers when a hand held firmly onto hers and pulled her ahead.
"Let's go Gwen it's our turn."
"But—"
"People like them aren't worth our time, something else will. We're here to have fun remember?" He had a reassuring smile on. Gwen stare at the surreal sight of the moment. This was a first where Ben wasn't starting a fight, instead stopping her from initiating one! How the role has reversed! This had stunned her for a moment before she let out a long exhale, composing herself with her back straight and a confident smile on her lips as she went through the entrance.
Ben was right. They weren't worth it.
[And later on as she walked in the rain, soaked to her skin she discovered that like Ben had said, something else did get them. Even for her... It was a cruel punishment.]
"Hey mister, care to exchange those T-shirts and caps for my jacket?"
"No exchange. You either pay for them or get ou—Hey! Aren't you Ben 10!"
"The one and only! So…do you still offer exchange policies?"
"You bet I do!" The man in front of him shouted in glee.
Who knew fame could be so annoying, yet resourceful at the same time?
He rather like to be less recognized. Better chance of escaping assassination attempts. Or getting away with assassinating someone.
"Here Gwen."
Ben recognized the questioning gaze she gave him.
"They are disguises so we don't get bother again. By now I bet people are coming knowing the Great Ben 10 is here." He stated in an irritated tone.
"Wow, never knew you thought ahead doofus."
"I always do dweeb!"
Both teens laughed.
"But really? Couple shirts? Caps even?"
"What could I do? They only had limited merchandises. Now go and change!"
"Okay there! But if people recognizes us, this is your plan! I'm not going to take the fall when people say that you're dating your own cousin!" Gwen joked as she stick her tongue out and left for the restroom.
Ben however, was stunned. Those words that were meant as a joke pierced him deeply. Dating Gwen… He would never! He did dream about such possibilities, but he had no control of his mind when he sleeps! It was just his tired mind yearning to see Gwen again… Therefore, this was not a date! He had been on dates! Numerous dates all across universes with beautiful women, aliens, nobility and princesses! He was a charmer. What can he say? Gwen couldn't even compare… This was definitely not a date.
"..."
Who was he kidding?! A boy, a girl at an amusement park wearing couple T-shirts and caps? This totally looked like a date! It has all the elements of a date! He and Gwen on a date... Oddly, he doesn't mind… What was he thinking!? She is family. Yet, it tempts him...
With all his whirlpool of thoughts and emotions he changed before realizing it. He was out and waiting. He immediately saw her seeing as they were wearing the exact same shirt.
Now that they were standing side by side, it seemed rather ridiculous. They both stare at each other reaching the same conclusion that they both look like idiots seeing as they had a white T-shirt with a pink big headed mouse with hearts for eyes who was the mascot of this amusement park.
"You sure look dashing, but seriously? Shades?" She stated while putting her ponytail through the back of her cap and positioning it into place.
Ben only did one of his cocky smirk, "Why thank you. Your T-shirt goes wonders with you too." Then he got close and started wiggling his index finger in front of her face to say, "But if you must know dear cousin, with my extremely handsome face and this renowned trademark of a brilliant smile, people will recognize me from miles away! It's a cruel fate to be born with such a handsome face!"
"Truly, such a tragedy, huh?" Gwen said it with all the sarcasm she could muster while trying to maintain her straight face without giggling. It didn't go unnoticed that they were only standing centimetres a part as their nose were almost touching.
"So you admit I have a handsome face?" Ben teased back with a chuckle of his own. The sunglasses covered his green eyes which were so much like hers that she found disappointment since she couldn't see them. But she couldn't admit that could she?
"Yes, once I see you barf your guts out!"
"Hey! What is that supposed to mean?!"
"It means rollercoaster!" She shouted as she ran to the largest and most extreme. Ben quickly catches up to her with a grin on his lips.
"We'll see."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Shut up!"
"I can't believe you!"
"OKAY already!"
"HAHAHAhaha…. I can't breathe… It huRTS…"
"Then die from lack of oxygen for all I care."
"You…the guy even said it was a first to have someone fainted before the ride even started! And it wasn't the extreme one we went on. It was nothing compared to that and yet you fainted!"
"Let's get this straight. It wasn't the ride but because of the REALLY BIG BLACK CREEPY SPIDER! Its large red eyes, eight legged monstrosity came out of nowhere on to the center of my freaking face alright!"
"Okay there. So how did you enjoy the whole rollercoaster experience as the monstrosity attached itself onto your face? Oh right! You were asleep the entire time!" He hollered as he tried to hold back another set of laughers.
"Shut up."
Oh boy, it was obvious that he had went too far and she was upset.
"Gwen."
She ignored him. She kept a fast pace. Never before was she so embarrassed! Everyone on the entire ride started laughing and making jokes afterwards! It was even on camera! The stupid ride had taken a photo! A PHOTO! And unluckily Ben of all people was there to witness it…She can never live this down seeing as he brought the horrifying image!
"Gwen."
"…." Ignore him Gwen!
"Gwen."
"WHAT!" She yelled as she turn to his direction.
What she didn't expect was a large vanilla ice-cream cone in her face.
"Aren't you going to take it? It's heavy you know?"
"…Uh, thanks."
She saw he had chosen chocolate with a waffle cone of his own as he started biting it eagerly. They sat down on a bench under the shade of a large tree. While she was just beginning to lick hers, Ben had already finish his.
"…You know… It has been awhile since I had this much fun. I never recall laughing so hard. And this amusement park sure brings back memories." Ben said it with a soft nostalgia in his voice.
"What are you talking about? Just last week you were having the best time of your life."
The redhead stare at the brunet beside her. He was awfully quiet. She had thought he would laugh at the memories, then brag about the experiences he had when attending one of the biggest party of the year. The one held by Ruby.
"Were you there?" He usher quietly giving her all his attention.
That was a strange thing to ask. Was he trying to mock her? Saying she wasn't cool enough to get an invite? Well, too bad for him! She did but had refuse it to study. So of course, he of all people knew she didn't attend!
"No." She stated harshly.
"Then it wasn't the best time of my life." He replied as he look directly into her eyes. His face a comforting reassurance. Something she didn't understand. Maybe it was the maturity which he rarely displayed. It captivated her… Perhaps he was a tiny bit handsome in this moment with how the lights and shadows cast over his features. Just a tiny bit... Then suddenly she was shaken from her trace as voices entered her ears.
"Isn't that couple adorable?"
"Look how lovely dovely they are!"
"Get a room you two!"
*Whistle*
Gwen brought her gaze down. Her ice-cream was melting onto the pavement. Never before was the heat so intense on her cheeks (the weather must be the reason). Her hands and feet were paralyzed (because it was hot and she couldn't stand the heat for long) while her stomach filled with butterflies (the ice-cream was too cold). This embarrassment was different from her last. Strangely, she liked this one a whole lot more…(it must be the heat getting to her head)
"Gwen… We didn't get caught." Somehow those words had a forbidden undertone to them.
"Yeah… Thankfully." To her utter shock, her voice sound disappointed. If those people knew who they were and thus knew they were related… Gwen wondered if they could still pass as a couple...
A loud scream of a crying child broke her out of her horror. She looked up. There was a boy crying at his lost balloon with his mother pulling him away as the red balloon floated into the sky. There was also a mascot of an alien, one of Ben's alien holding a rainbow of balloons. Even though the mascot was willing to give the crying boy another balloon, the mother didn't allow her child to have it. It was obvious she had refuse the kind gift to drag her son away.
"That's cruel." She spoke out loud without meaning to.
"I don't think so. The mom is clearly trying to teach her son something."
"And what is that Sherlock?"
"To not take things for granted or to show it's meaningful to cherish something. And the fact that it's irreplaceable once you realized how previous it is... Good things never come twice maybe?"
"Wow never knew you thought so deeply. But it's still cruel! He's only a child."
"What you perceive to be cruel, others might not. It's best to teach them from a young age. They will grow to be better adults."
"That doesn't sound like you."
"You're right. They're Azmuth's words. I only copy and paste!"
The redhead let out a snicker before elbowing the brunet.
"Then using your own words, what is your definition of cruelty?"
She observe Ben. He was strangely quiet like he was debating within himself. She couldn't understand why. Had she asked something she shouldn't have? But most importantly, why wasn't he responding to the script?!
"Wait, let me guess… Not being able to go Hero anymore? Not being famous? Losing your fangirls?"
She tried to ease the mood around them. She was giving him a push, hinting him to follow the script that she finds comfort in. Because like always, there is a script they must obey. Sometimes she feels if they didn't follow this script...things would go out of sync. They wouldn't be able to maintain their current relationship or whatever they had built between them. It's this unofficial script, a hidden rule that existed between them that kept their relationship contain. It's necessary to hide and protect what is inside the brackets, hidden between the words spoken, an aside of sort that should never be read out loud to others. Yet even though she tries. The script was getting unravel and Ben wasn't stopping it from unbinding! Without it…how will she be able to act around Ben?
This frightens her. A frown was present on her lips because the mood wasn't light and sweet anymore…it was heavy and daunting.
"Erasing a person." He finally admits.
He had disregarded the script. If he had follow it, he would have inserted a joke, tease or mock. It would have been any form of light humor. Yet, he did none of that. He was serious. Ben had gone off-script. She didn't know how to respond…
"You mean murder?" She whisper in disgust. She herself had gone off-script. She needed to bring them back on track! But Ben's next action made her abandon all reasons.
He suddenly reached for her cheek. Unknowingly she closed her eyes. She felt his thumb at the corner of her lips. Lingering there for a moment too long. As his touch faded, she slowly flatter her lashes open and saw him licking the trace of vanilla from his thumb. The gesture was a mixture of romance, with a spice of eroticism—making her heart beat a million a minute. Yet, he didn't look at her as he tasted the sweetness on his tongue, rather he looked directly pass her…like he was considering something, something perhaps sacred.
The noises around them seems to disappear. They sat in silence.
The next thing he uttered as he angled her face upward with his index finger on her chin and his face inching closer so that their foreheads touched made her world stop. No, more like they made their own space hidden by the shadows of the leaves—similar to lovers exchanging their darkest secrets. Perhaps in their situation, hiding a forbidden sin from the world.
"No, much worse." he said as he slowly closed his eyes. Then continued in that sombre voice with that contrasting peaceful expression on his face. "I mean completely erasing their identity. Stealing their memories… Taking what came to be precious to them. Erasing everything and leaving them with nothing. Killing them from the inside out and letting them rot alive. That is cruelty, Gwen."
Everything around her faded, the sound of birds, the sight of people and the colors surrounding her simply vanished—leaving her mind numb. All that remained was his words encircling her. Repeating, replaying in her mind like a broken record.
Was this really Ben talking?
Finally he added as he opened his emerald eyes to connect with hers, "Murder is for the soft-hearted."
Then and there she knew. For that unspeakable moment… That haunting sentence… Those eyes that pled... She knew. The person in front of her was not Ben. Not the Ben she knew. Ben was not here. Ben had disappear… He was nowhere. Gone! Erased.
A sudden beep of a phone brought her out of her revelation. She broke their contact as she hurried to grab her phone from her back pocket. She stare at her dark screen, it wasn't hers...It was Ben's phone. Had he changed his ringtone? Wasn't it a ring before? It would always go ring, ring, ring before he picks it up while hers would go beep. Yet, this time he instantly picked it up. There was a panic, anxious voice at the other end which she doesn't recognize. Her cousin's eyes immediately narrowed and darken into calm anger. The kind he would only portray when something was terribly wrong. Ben was uttering something but he was too far away for her to hear.
The call ended quickly. He returned to her with a forced smile.
She wanted to know what was going on. Why he was making such a worry face. Why he didn't tell her. Yet oddly she instead asked, "When did you change your ringtone?"
"What?" He answered in confusion while texting on his phone. For a matter of fact when did he get a new cell? It was a completely black smartphone. One that look more like alien tech than something sold on Earth.
"Your ringtone, wasn't it a ring before?"
Gwen had expected her cousin to simply ignore her to continue whatever he was doing, in this case texting someone who he considered more important than her. He seemed so focus, serious and determined as he text. Yet, now he took on an attack stance with all the muscles in his body tensing up as he focus on her. His right hand reached for the Omnitrix, the black cell forgotten as his eyes turned to slits. He saw her, but she has a feeling he didn't really see her...He was seeing something else entirely.
Gwen was scared for the brunet in front so she steadily approaches. He seems to portray a corner cat desperate enough to fight for dear life. No...more like a small child who had suffered, been cornered and abused. But before she could embrace him, embrace that small and scare child—it was gone only now it was a rampaging beast.
"Don't ever make that sound again." Ben had growled out in animalistic rage.
She was more worry than frighten. Ben's demeanor had changed. A barrier was put in place. The surreal atmosphere had disappeared, instead it was replaced with a demented space between them. What has happened? How did he become like this? So broken beyond repair...
"Ben—"
"Sorry Gwen. I need to go." He said quickly before leaving her—like he was ashamed of himself.
And for some reason she finds his exit extremely solitary. The only thing keeping him company was the burdens he bared and a coldness that lingers. She has been denying it, refusing to see straight, wanting to continue the dream, but all good things must come to an end. Because no matter how beautiful and perfect the dream is, her sense of reality and logic will counter the false illusions...
She does notice.
For nowadays, she finds him alone… Cold, empty, lifeless. Something that he tries to conceal from her. But it was there in his eyes. Even though he was surrounded by people, he always look alone with a face masking everything. A smile that hides things—a past buried.
Because subconsciously she had known.
Always knew...
For he was never Ben.
Not her Ben.
Like she had said: she was a horrible person who only crave happiness, while wishing others suffering.
Hope you guys like the especially long chapter! I'm really sorry for the super long wait but I hope this makes up for it! This chapter was really fun to write (plot is moving forward yay!) and I'm semi-happy with it :) And please review! I really appreciate feedbacks! I might find motivation and speed up my updates~
In this story, no one is truly good or bad. I tried to portray the characters as humanly as possible because they are humans, and humans are complex creatures :D
There are many aspects of Gwen that were revealed. Like I stated before, Gwen isn't stupid. But you do find out she was an unreliable narrator and how she fooled herself into believing in something that wasn't real, thus made her ended up fooling the audience (Lol Hope it was a good twist!)
This chapter also link back to the first interlude. Meaning there will be more interlude chapters, which will connect to the present. The interlude chapters will help readers understand/explain why Ben became the way he is now during his 6 years of searching for Gwen (A subplot within the main story). And for readers who doesn't recall, the ring is one of the sounds from Interlude:Ein.
Till next time~
