I don't own The Queen's Gambit.
Beth walked the path to a gravestone. She'd just came back from Russia about two weeks prior. In her left hand was some flowers.
She kneeled in front of the headstone reading the name William Shaibel. Sadness filled her. She felt so guilty for never checking in on the man who'd taught her how to play chess. She never even paid him back the money he'd sent her so she could enter her first tournament.
Tears began streaming down Beth's face as she stared at the headstone, laying the flowers down on Mr. Shaibels grave. She didn't say anything, too overcome with the grief.
Beth didn't register the footsteps long after night had fallen. She only registered someone was there when a jacket was draped over her shoulders. Beth held the jacket close to her tears still streaming.
Belatedly she recognized Benny's scent. Her tear filled eyes looked up. Benny was gazing back at her with a gentle look before crouching down near his fellow chess player.
When he opened his arms Beth moved closer accepting the offered comfort. She buried her face in Benny's shoulder, breaking down completely into sobs.
Benny didn't say anything. He wrapped his arms around Beth, one arm around her back while his other hand cradled the back of her head. He let her cry and get all her pent up emotions out. When her sobs quieted then, and only then, did he speak.
"I'll take you back to your house."
Benny picked Beth up bridal style and carried her to the car. After a bit of difficulty opening her door he put her in the passenger seat of his car and closed the door. He walked around the car and got in the driver's side. Starting the car, he drove back to Beth's house.
The drive back was quiet. Beth had fallen asleep which she probably needed from the looks of things. When he pulled up front Benny gently shook Beth awake.
Beth eyed Benny with tired, bloodshot eyes. Benny held back a frown.
"Where's your house keys?"
Beth gets the keys and hands them to Benny before opening the car door and getting out of the car. Benny followed suit. After the car was locked he led Beth up to her door and unlocked it, opening the door.
Beth entered the house. Misery was clear on her face. Benny sent her off to bed knowing she needed the rest.
Beth woke up the next morning, her head pounding from the crying she did the day before. Sitting up she realized she still had Benny's coat draped over her. Her eyes widen as she realizes that it wasn't dream. Benny had really found her at Mr. Shaibels grave.
Getting out of bed Beth stripped out of her dress and took a shower before changing into a clean dress; the same one she wore when Alma had passed in Mexico. The chess prodigy left her room and went downstairs, she could hear the sound of someone moving around in the kitchen.
Beth goes down the last few stairs and rounds the corner. Standing there, eyeing her with a warm and caring look, was Benny. He approached her, handing her a coffee.
"Morning." Benny said. Beth looked better then the night before with the sleep.
"Morning. What are you doing here? I thought you were still in new york?"
"Beltik called. He came by yesterday morning to check on you. When you didn't answer he got worried something had happened and called me." Benny explained softly.
"How did you find me?"
"At the grave yard?" Benny asked. At Beth's nod he answered her question. "I asked around. Eventually Jolene pointed me in the right direction." At the raised eyebrow he answered the unasked question. "You had her number written down. I figured I'd call her in case you were with her."
Benny took a sip of his coffee as Beth does the same. When their eyes next met he saw a look of gratefulness in them.
"Is it okay for me to ask who you were visiting?" Benny asked hesitantly. He didn't want to make Beth upset again.
"Mr. Shaibel. He was the janitor at the orphanage back before I got adopted. He's the one who taught me how to play chess."
Benny outstretched his hand, taking Beth's in his own. "He would be proud of you, you know."
Beth looked at Benny. "You think so?"
Benny smiled softly. Pride glittered in his dark brown eyes. "I know so."