Chapter 9

Ben's Relatives

Ben sat in the back seat between Jason and Nico on their way to Charleston. Although Greg, as the man said was his name, was probably drunk he drove pretty save and the streets were empty. „So", he said. „Watcha guys wanna do in Miami?"

„We are visiting someone", Jason answered quickly.

Ben looked around in the Jeep. Greg switched the radio on and listened to pretty loud country music. They sat on seats made out of some very unconfortable and ruff material, exept the seat next to the drivers was gone. Greg, who saw Ben was looking at the missing seat, told hi mit was for his dog, Manchester. Nico seemed to be lost in his thoughts touching his skull ring. Jason went trough his backpack once more to make sure they had everything. Ben didn't have anything to do so he just sat there. He looked over to Nico. He had a single tear running down the side of his face and down his cheek. Ben thought about talking to Nico, but Greg said something: „You boy" He looked at Ben. „Ya remind me of someone. You look like ma sister's daugther. Ya have her hair and her facial features."

Ben looked at him, surprised. Jason looked up from his backpack, clearly interested in this conversation.

„My-My mom died a week ago", Ben said. He managed to get that off his mind for a while with all of the other stuff happening but Greg just pulled him right back in.

„Oh", Greg looked down at the steering wheel. „And ya dad?"

„We-we are visiting him.", Ben replied, technically not lying.

„Ya guys look real bad and dirty. Ya can stay a night at ma son's place."

„That would be real nice.", Jason said.

As they finally arrived in Charleston, next to a big mansion Greg left the car.

„C'mon, here it is", he yelled. He pounded the door right next to the door bell.

„John, it's me!"

A man opened the door. Ben's eyes widened. „What's up?", Jason asked.

„I-I know John. He's my mother's cousin. He visited us once about two years ago."

„Dad", John said. „Who did you brought me here?" He laughed.

„They need a ride to Miami, but I thought they really need a place for the night.", Greg answered his son. John looked at the three of them, finally looking at Ben. „Benjamin?", he said, his voice filled with surpise. „Why are you-"

„Wait", Greg interrupted John. „Ya know each other?"

„Sir", Jason said. „What's your last name?"

„Dimson.", John answered, pointing to his doorbell sign.

„Come in, we have to talk."