Ever since his first day working at the park, Pops had always been close by Benson.

He remembered on his first day, how Pops insisted on 'escorting' Benson all around the park while the gumball machine did his new job. As they walked around, Pops would ask Benson dozen of questions, to which Benson would usually reply with a Yes, No or I dont know. He didn't really mind the lolliman, but Benson would've rather worked in silence.

As the days went on, Benson quickly got himself in a routine. Check the mail, assign chores, drive around the park, eat lunch, do some more chores and then go home. But with almost everything he did, everywhere he went, Pops was nearby.

Like a little sibling, Pops followed Benson. If the gumball machine was outside doing yard work, Pops would watch from behind a tree. If Benson was doing the dishes, Pops would be sitting at the kitchen table, humming to himself and watching, occasionally giving a word of praise or just a random comment.

There were sometimes if Benson was writing on his clipboard, Pops would come up from behind him and read over the gumball machine's shoulder.

Finally, after a month of this, Benson couldn't take it anymore, knowing he was being watched almost every moment of the day.

"Pops," he said, while he was outside taking out the trash, "Pops I know you're here, come on out."

After a few moments, Pops stepped out from behind the house and walked over to Benson. "Yes, what do you need my good man?" Pops asked.

"Why do you keep following me?" Benson asked, "Is it because you don't think I'll do a good job?"

"No," answered Pops, "I think you're doing a fantastic job here."

"Well then, is it because I'm a living gumball machine?" Benson was used to people staring at him because he was a walking, talking gumball machine.

"No," said Pops.

"Well then, what is it? What's so special about me that you want to follow me?" Benson asked.

"Well, I guess because I thought you could use some company," said Pops, "A friend to be with you throughout the day. And besides, I like being with you Benson."

"Why?" Benson asked.

"I'm not quite sure really," said Pops, before smiling at Benson, "I guess it's just because you're a likable person. I like you, Benson."

'Me? Likable?' thought Benson. He didn't really think so. He knew of his bad temper and strict nature, so why would a man with a personality the complete opposite of him like him? It didn't make any sense, but then again, Pops wasn't really known for making a lot of sense.

Benson then noticed that Pops was looking at him, almost as if expecting him to say something.

"Oh, I like you too Pops," replied Benson. Pops' smile got bigger. "But, do you think you can give me just a little more personal space."

"Oh yes yes, of course, I understand," said Pops, "everyone needs their personal space. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, Benson."

"It's fine Pops," Benson assured him, making the lolliman smile again. And with that, Pops said goodbye to Benson and went inside the house.

But while Pops did keep his promise and did give Benson a little more space, the lolliman was still always with or nearby Benson. He would still follow Benson if he had nothing else to do, and when Pops wasn't around Benson, he would still call Benson on the walkie talkie, either to report something or just to say hi.

Whenever Benson was in a bad mood or was yelling, Pops would back off a little but he would never run away. He would be there to help Benson cool off and usually did help him.

The years went on, and Pops still would follow Benson throughout the day. One would think this would get annoying, and at first it was a little annoying. But after awhile, it just felt normal to Benson. It was like Pops was a natural shadow to Benson, he would always know Pops was around somewhere, but it didn't bother him.

'Maybe that's why I feel so alone now,' Benson thought to himself. Two days ago, Pops and his father had left the park for a small business trip to Lolliland.

It was so strange to Benson, knowing that Pops wouldn't walk up to him at any moment, or was close by, or was going to call him using the walkie talkie. It made Benson feel like, like something was missing...

"Lolliland Inn, How may I help you?"

"Um, Hi. Could you please connect me to Pops Maellard's room?"

"One moment please." Benson twisted the cord around his metal finger and released it when a familiar voice spoke into the phone.

"Hello?"

"Pops?"

"Benson! Hello! How are you?"

Benson smiled. "I'm fine Pops, what about you? How are things back home?"

"Wonderful. It's so nice to see Mother and my cousins again. We were just getting ready to go out to dinner."

Benson stopped smiling. "Well, I'm not going to keep you then."

"Wait Benson!" Benson froze. "You called for a reason. I'm allowed to be a little late for dinner since Mama isn't as strict as Papa. Perhaps we can talk a little, after all, I've missed you Benson."

Benson couldn't help but smile a little. He had missed Pops too, but not anymore. Now, it felt as if the lolliman was sitting right next to him in his apartment. No longer feeling alone, Benson continued to talk to his friend, his best friend, on the phone.

Again, I don't feel like this was very good, but I wanted to write it since it seemed like such a cute idea in my head. Please review, and suggest ideas if you have any. See you in the next chapter