Feeling accomplished after completing another chapter. I probably should have mentioned earlier that this story is set in an alternate timeline (no time rewind, no tornado, etc.) but you may or may not know this by now. Also, a huge shoutout and thank you to Maexwell for their reviews and feedback that they've left on the previous chapters. Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Community

As Ben's final class had ended, he was eager to go on about his day. He was probably feeling more anxious than anything, considering it was now Thursday and the rally for Kate was happening tonight. He wasn't alone in organizing the event however. All of the members on the football team would help set everything up after they got out of practice and they would even be getting community service hours out of it. Even members of the Vortex Club had agreed to help out as many of them felt responsible for what had happened to Kate at their last party.

As Ben walked through the halls, he made his way over to the music room to make a very special request to a certain group of people. Since classes were over at this time, no one would usually use that room except for the four students who identified themselves as part of a group known as "Totem Pole". They were a rock band that they had decided to establish at Blackwell just a few weeks ago and bonded over their similar interests in punk rock bands from the '90s and 2000s. Their main message was to perform songs that they wrote, which embraced the Native American history and culture of Arcadia Bay. Other times, they would perform covers of whatever songs their groupies requested at the gigs they performed at. The members of Totem Pole were a very restrictive group for just four people. They were almost like the Vortex Club in which they weren't sociable or accepting towards anyone else who wasn't a member of their band. At lunch you could find them sitting together, going over ideas for new songs or talking about the success from their last gig. Ben had no idea how they would feel about someone being a Vortex Club member approaching them and asking them to play at the rally.

Ben was now met by the closed door of the music room with a sign taped to it which read: Private Rehearsal in Session! Totem Pole Members Only! He could hear them playing one of their original songs from outside the music room. From listening to some of the lyrics it sounded like it had something to do with showing support for the preservation of Native American land, which seemed like perfect timing, considering the fact that a company owned by the Prescott family known as Pan Estates was planning on building a residential community on a Native American burial site. Ben had heard the music cease as he then heard the sound of voices conversing amongst each other. He then opened the door and walked into the music room to see one of the members providing some feedback.

"Reggie, I'm thinking you should try adding a few more riffs in that one melody and we'll see how it sounds this time around." Suggested a guy with an electric guitar strapped around him. He was wearing a gray buttoned up shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans and converse. He also had dark messy hair with spiked tips.

"Dexter, I'm loving the sound of how that last note ended." He then mentioned to another guy playing on an electric keyboard.

As Ben walked further into the room to see the band's setup, he was immediately noticed and called out by one of the band's members.

"Hey, what's he doing in here? Didn't you read the sign, dude? We're having private rehearsals right now, which means no one's allowed in here. Especially self-pretentious Blackwell Bigfoot douche bags." A girl with long red hair, playing on the drums protested angrily at Ben. She noticed how Ben was wearing his red and white varsity jacket which caused her to become so hostile towards him.

"Take it easy, Michelle! You obviously don't know who this guy is." The guy with the guitar intervened as he turned around and saw Ben.

"Am I supposed too?" The girl mocked.

"This guy right here is Ben Ferris. He's the one who saved Kate Marsh's life. Which means he's a pretty big deal in my book." The guy stated as he glared at the girl for barking at Ben.

"Oh shit! My bad." Michelle excused herself as she then realized who she just yelled at.

"I saw you walk down that roof with Kate with my own eyes. I'm not a big fan of most dudes on the football team, but I gotta give you some mad respect for what you did." He praised Ben and gave him a fist bump as he welcomed him into the room.

"Steve Hackney's the name. I'm the guitarist and lead singer of our band, Totem Pole. Over there on the drums is Michelle, Reggie on the bass, and Dexter on the keyboard." He proudly introduced each of the other members to Ben.

"So, what can we do for you, Ben?" Steve asked him with a warm smile.

"Well, I know that this is on such short notice, but I was wondering if you guys would be willing to play a few of your songs at the rally we're putting together for Kate tonight."

"Look dude, no disrespect to you or Kate, but were not some charity band like U2, if that's what you're thinking. Plus, we've got a gig tomorrow night, so we need to run through all of our songs instead of playing at a rally that you organized for your little girlfriend..." Michelle stated as she began to go off on a rant towards Ben.

"Cool it Michelle." Steve yelled while looking back at the feisty redhead.

"Ben, we'd be more than happy to play tonight. I have class with Kate and she's pretty cool. I really hated seeing her get picked on by other people and you made me and a lot of other people realize that we could have done something about it." Steve expressed to Ben. "So where do we need to be and what time?" He asked with excitement.

"Meet in front of the statue of Jeremiah Blackwell tonight at six. We should have the stage set up for you guys by then." Ben instructed.

"A stage? You are just too kind." Steve replied with joy.

"Thanks a lot for this. Kate would really appreciate it." Ben said.

"Anytime brother! Let's make it a night for a Kate to remember." He said as he shook Ben's hand.

Later that day, the football team was out on the field practicing earlier than usual. Since they would be setting up things for the rally at 6 PM, their usual practice time, Coach Ferris decided to have the team be out on the field as soon as classes were over. This way, they would be finished just in time to go help out. The team would usually finish their practices earlier than usual the day before a big game, mostly to save their energy and take care of themselves the night before.

As everyone on the team had just finished their warm ups, Ben was running late after he had talked to the group members of Totem pole, who agreed to play at the rally. He held his helmet in one hand and his water bottle in the other, jogging to get to the field before getting chewed out by his dad for being late. It was going to look even worse for him since he was a captain of the team. As he finally made it onto the field, he could see all of the players circled around his dad, who was giving a run-through of what they would be doing for today's practice. Suddenly, the attention of all of the players and even Coach Ferris shifted over to Ben who walked over to join his team.

"Ben, you're late! You've got an extra lap to run after practice." Coach Ferris reminded him.

"Yes, Coach." Ben replied as he began to put on his helmet.

"What happened, 'Mr. Blackwell Hero'? You had to rescue a cat out of a tree or something?" Logan sniggered as he made a joke out of Ben's tardiness.

"Can it, Robertson!" Coach Ferris intervened as he was in a hurry to get through some serious things at practice before tomorrow night's game against their rivals, the Sunnydale Razorbacks.

"Alright ladies, let's finally run through these game plans now. Starting lineup, get your asses on the field. I don't have all day." He then demanded at his star players on the team.

Ben, Zach, Logan, and the other starting varsity players positioned themselves on the field, all ready to do what they do best.

The team ran through their last game plan that Coach Ferris put together. It had worked smoothly as Zach made a pass to Ben, who then caught the ball, juking another player charging right in front of him and sprinting his way to the end zone. Touchdown! Ben took a deep sigh and spiked the ball to the ground, already feeling confident and ready for tomorrow's game.

"Nice work, everyone! Now bring it in." Coach Ferris ordered as he wanted to give one last message to the team before dismissing them. Everyone huddled around to hear his message.

"Take a good look around this field everyone. We've already won our first three games of the season and tomorrow it all comes down to those damn dirty apes to determine if we keep our undefeated streak." He told the team, as he couldn't help but make a Planet of the Apes reference in his speech. "I know you guys have a rally to help set up so I won't keep you guys any longer. Just remember to get some rest tonight and stay hungry! Cause tomorrow night, it's an all you can eat razorback buffet." He advised his players. Each of them had roared with excitement as they were eager to win tomorrow night's game for all of their friends to see.

As all of the players began to head up to the locker rooms to change, Ben removed his helmet and football pads to run his two laps for being late to practice. As he finished his second lap, he walked back onto the field to collect all of his gear before taking off. That was until he was stopped by his dad who had patted him on the back.

"Hey, good hustle today, champ!" He complemented Ben. "I was a little worried that you were gonna fall behind after missing practice on Tuesday, but you handled yourself just fine yesterday and today."

"Thanks Dad! I just want to do my team well, being a captain and all." Ben stated.

"You already have. Now, I just need you in your usual mindset for tomorrow night like every game." His dad mentioned. "By the way, I heard from one of my old college buddies, who's the athletic director at Oregon State now. He says their football team is looking for a lot of new talent for next year. Sounds like that's right up your alley if you ask me. Yet again, Arizona State's starting Wide Receiver is graduating. You might want to look into that too."

"Yeah, it... all sounds exciting." Ben replied as he sounded disinterested.

"You know, I was thinking that after the season ends, we should get you back out on the field and in the weight room to have you do some training in the spring." Coach Ferris then suggested.

"Sure, I guess that would be pretty awesome to do." Ben then stated, having no emotion in his voice as he looked down at the ground. His dad picked up on this, and decided to question him to see what was up.

"You still seem a bit quiet lately ever since what happened on Tuesday. You're not still thinking about that are you?" He asked.

"It has been a crazy week, but it's not that. I've just been thinking about something else lately." Ben confessed.

"Okay. What is it exactly?" He questioned.

"Well, I've been thinking that since football will be over in November, I'd have more free time on my schedule. So, I was thinking about joining the Drama Club and trying out for the spring musical." Ben explained honestly.

"The Drama Club?" His father questioned, practically sounding confused.

"It makes sense, Dad. I'm studying Drama here at Blackwell anyway, and my teacher always encourages us to take part in the school's productions." He explained.

"But when we talked about you coming here, it sounded like you would just choose to study Drama so you'd get less homework and more time to focus on football." His dad tried to clear up.

"I know, but I might as well make the most of my experience here while I can. I might actually have the talent to act on stage and I don't even know it yet. Not unless I give football a rest for good after the season ends." Ben argued "Dad, come on I think you should just really consider letting me..."

"Ben, I'm not your enemy. I'm only against it because you've been an athlete for almost your whole life. It's what you're good at, so why stop?" His Dad expressed. "And at the end of the day, playing football is what will get you a scholarship. Not being up on a stage, making a fool of yourself. Look, we shouldn't talk about this right now. I need you to be ready and focused for tomorrow night's game. We can chat more about this whole thing over the weekend. Okay?" He added, sounding a bit more compassionate.

"Whatever. I need to go help set up for Kate's rally. I'm the one who's actually running it anyway." Ben said, sounding frustrated at how his father disagreed with his plans for what he wanted to do at Blackwell. What he really wanted to do here.

Ben walked away and made his way back up to the boys' locker room to shower and change. For Ben, Football was the one game that he knew and grew up to appreciate. But most times, he always hated being seen as the typical football player by everyone at school and nothing else. There was a term for this in the world of acting known as being "typecast". Ben chose to move to Arcadia Bay and attend Blackwell for a reason. To have a fresh new start. To actually join a club or two and make friends who weren't just his teammates. Sure he had done this with being a part of the Vortex Club, but considering the falling out between him and Nathan over the past two days, who knew if he would still be able to have the same kind of fun with the rest of his friends in that group like he used to. Yet again, he was good friends with Warren, Chloe was always around, and Max happened to be a mutual friend between them. And then there was Kate. He had only known her since the beginning of this week and it felt like the two of them had known each other for weeks considering how their conversation went when Ben visited her yesterday. He wondered if Kate was involved in the Drama club by any chance. If she was, he would already know someone if he joined. He now knew that she loved to draw and had aspirations to write her own children's book someday, but maybe someone artsy like her also had an interest in theatre. Ben thought that she looked beautiful. Sure, most of the other girls he was friends with like Victoria and Dana were pretty too, but they would often apply make-up most of the time. When Ben saw Kate at the hospital without any of her makeup that she usually wore, he could tell that she had a natural beauty about herself. She would easily make a perfect actress. Ben remembered his suggestion he made to her about the two of them hanging out together sometime with Max and Warren. He was definitely going to bring it up to her when she came back to school. Maybe they could even include Chloe and then it would be a party. Hopefully, there would be no marijuana involved if Chloe tagged along, mostly for Kate's sake.

Right outside of the main campus building, there were a handful of both football players and Vortex Club members working hard to help put together a stage for Totem Pole to perform on at the rally. The event would start in an hour and masses of students were expected to soon flood the area, each holding up signs and posters that they all made to support Kate. As the stage was finished being put together. Ben saw that Totem Pole arrived and were ready to set up shop.

"Yo, Ben, the whole gang's here. Where do you want us to set up?" Steve asked.

"That stage up there is all yours. Just cross your fingers that it doesn't fall apart on you." Ben joked.

"Wouldn't be the first time it happened to us." Steve replied.

"Wait, are you serious?" Ben asked.

"I was just joking, brother. You're not the first one I've fooled with that one." Steve teased.

As Ben turned around, he now saw that a van which belonged to a TV News station had pulled up in front of the school. A woman wearing a suit who was holding a microphone and a man with a large recording camera both stepped out of the van. The woman was seen talking to Dana and asking her a question, only for Dana to then point to Ben.

"Excuse me sir, are you Ben Ferris?" The woman asked as she made her way over to Ben.

"Um, yes, I am." Ben answered.

"Great. Amy Winter, news anchor for KBAY 7 News." She introduced as she extended her arm out to shake Ben's hand. "I heard that you're the young man who saved that girl's life. And the one who's also organizing this whole rally tonight. Would it be okay if we could ask you a couple of questions for an interview and broadcast some footage of the rally tonight?"

"Sure, I don't mind." Ben answered. He just hoped that there wouldn't be any more news stations coming, hoping to use tonight's event only to boost the ratings of their channels.

"By the way, will the footage be broadcasted on live TV?" Ben questioned.

"Of course, 'Live and only on Channel 7' as we always say. She explained to Ben.

"That's great. Could you just give me a quick second? Then I'll be ready for being interviewed." Ben asked the anchorwoman politely.

"Yes, take your time." She replied.

Ben then pulled out his phone and went to his contacts to immediately text Kate. She was still being kept at the hospital until the next morning when her family would arrive, meaning she wasn't going to be at her own rally. But that didn't mean that she would have to miss out on it completely.

Ben:

Hey, Kate, Good news! The rally is going to be live on the news tonight, so you can still see it. Just tune in to channel 7 if you're around a TV at the hospital.

Kate sat on the hospital bed, her legs folded as she had just finished her homework for class and was about to put some of her new ideas for drawings on some paper. All of a sudden she heard her phone go off and reached for it on the table near the bed. As she saw that she had an unread message sent from Ben, she was eager to open her messages and read it. After reading the wonderful information that Ben had shared with her in the message, she quickly replied back to him.

Kate:

Oh wow! That's amazing Ben! I have a TV in my hospital room that I can watch it on. Thank you :)

As Kate put down her phone, she grabbed the remote that controlled the TV in her room, immediately turning to channel 7. She had just tuned in to see that an anchorwoman was at Blackwell, holding a microphone in her hand and speaking. Kate noticed in the background that there were students holding signs that read inspirational messages like "You're not alone!" and "Blackwell is with you, Kate!". Suddenly, her attention was brought back to the woman who was speaking on the TV.

"I'm here in front of Blackwell Academy, where students are standing outside and gathering around in support of fellow student Kate Marsh. The young girl who attempted to commit suicide earlier this week." The woman spoke.

Kate couldn't help but look away at the screen and down at her hands after hearing that. She was completely aware of what she tried to do two days ago at Blackwell and she didn't need to be reminded about it. It only made her wonder too if people where just standing out there with those signs they made for her out of pity more than sympathy. Most of those people out there were the ones who brought so much pain to her by mocking her faith and views on sex and even believing that she would actually kiss several strangers at a party. They had to have been hypocrites for attending this rally and the only reason they were there was because the Vortex Club's "End of the World" Party had been cancelled, meaning that they had nothing else to do on a Thursday night. But Kate tried her very best not to let herself think this way. She had to remember Ben's words, how she needed to prove to the bullies that she was strong. How there really were people in her life who loved her and wanted to help her. As she thought back to the things he told her, she felt more confident in herself again and looked up to gaze at the TV screen once more.

"Now, standing with me right here is Ben Ferris, the captain of Blackwell's football team and Class president, who organized tonight's event." The anchorwoman spoke as the camera shifted over to have her and Ben in its view.

"Ben, I was told by Principal Wells that this event was planned by you just yesterday and meant to replace a highly anticipated party that was scheduled for tonight. Why is that?" She then asked Ben.

"Well, I think it's simple really. It's completely disrespectful to be having a party just two days after one of our own classmates and friends here at Blackwell attempted to take her own life. Instead, the student body should come together to help show Kate that we're all here for her and that she has people who she can rely on that'll help her get through things." Ben proudly answered.

"That's very thoughtful of you. And if you could give one piece of advice to people out there who are experiencing any sort of bullying at all or even deal with any depressing or suicidal thoughts, what would it be?" She then questioned.

Kate was intrigued to hear what Ben's answer to this question would be. She leaned in with anticipation as if she was watching a soap opera and waiting to hear a character on the show reveal a dire secret to everyone. Ben had looked into the camera and began to spoke.

Ben paused and took a deep breath before he spoke again. "I would say to anyone experiencing those kind of feelings to always remember to never give up. It might not seem like it, but there are and always will be people in your life who truly care about you, love you, and want to help you."

Kate had covered her mouth with both hands as she was astonished by how Ben had answered both of those questions. He seemed so professional and honest when he was on the television. She noticed that his second answer was very reminiscent of what he had told her when visiting her yesterday. She smiled as she noticed how Ben looked like a natural up there on TV and just became an inspiration for the many other individuals out there going through the same things as her.

"He really does care." She said to herself as she still stared at the screen.

The rally had already gone on for a little more than an hour. Ben was amazed to see the turnout for the event and realized that it wouldn't be possible at all without the commitment and support of everyone at Blackwell. He hadn't talked to Kate since he messaged her that the rally would be live on the news. He just hoped that she was able to watch it somewhere in the hospital and that she was smiling at how many people really cared for her. Suddenly his thoughts had come to a stop as he felt two arms wrap around his neck and he heard a familiar voice shout in his ear.

"Surprise, motherfucker!"

Ben immediately turned around to see that it was Chloe hugging him from behind, while Max and Warren were catching up with her.

"Shit! Chloe, you almost gave me a heart attack." Ben proclaimed as he nudged her arm.

"Oh come on, I've done worse things to you." She teased.

"That you have. I'm glad you could make it." He replied.

"Of course, I heard about how you met our mutual friend, Max the other day." Chloe mentioned as she pointed to Max who was talking with Warren.

"Yeah, she also filled me in on the whole deal with Nathan Prescott, potential school shooter." Ben replied

"I heard. I also heard that you got his punk ass suspended. High five, brotha!" Chloe stated as she put up her hand to Ben, who gave her five.

"He'll be back though." He said sadly.

"True, but tonight's not about Nathan. It's about Kate. Max told me about all the kind of shit she was going through and everything you did to help her. And you saved her life. I always knew you were gonna do great things one day." Chloe expressed trying to take Ben's mind off his angst about Nathan.

"Hey there, Ben!" He heard from another voice. He turned around to see that it was Mr. Jefferson greeting him.

"Oh! hey, Mr. Jefferson. I didn't know you would be here too." Ben replied.

"Why wouldn't I be? I wouldn't miss an event supporting one of my fellow students. And I'm about to present the winner for the Everyday Heroes contest. It's a shame I don't have you in my Photography class, Ben. You would have been a perfect candidate for the contest." Mr. Jefferson mentioned.

As Totem Pole had just finished playing one of their songs on the stage, Principal Wells had walked up and grabbed the microphone that Steve was using to sing with, to make an announcement to everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please give another round of applause for Totem Pole for performing tonight."

The mass of students present had clapped and roared as loud as they could.

"Also, can we have another round of applause for Ben Ferris, who generously planned and organized this event for Kate Marsh in such a short amount of time."

The students had applauded once more and even some of them had cheerfully shouted Ben's name.

"Now, please help me welcome Mr. Jefferson, who has an important announcement to make." Jefferson began to make his way over to the stage while everyone began to cheer for their favorite teacher at Blackwell. He then accepted the microphone from Wells before making his announcement.

"Thank you everyone. I don't mean to get in the way of such a heartfelt event, but it is time to announce the winner of the Everyday Heroes contest." Jefferson mentioned as the students still applauded him. "Before I do, I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a photograph and everybody who thought about entering."

The entire crowd went completely silent as everyone waited for the moment of truth.

"Now this is the most important step in being an artist; sharing your work with the world. All of you represent Blackwell Academy, and what our school stands for. And as far as I'm concerned, being out here tonight for one of your fellow classmates makes you all Everyday Heroes. And the winner is..." He then opened up an envelope he took out of his pocket.

"Oh my, what a shocker... Victoria Chase!"

The crowd went wild in reaction to the news of Victoria being announced as the winner of the contest. Many of the students weren't even surprised as they knew she had such a passion for art and photography. Victoria walked up to accept the microphone from Mr. Jefferson, ready to make her speech that she had probably planned before even finding out that she would win.

"Thank you, Mr. Jefferson! It was your incredible photography that brought me to Blackwell and I hope I can live up to your name... and fame." Victoria spoke with pride.

"Who is she really trying to fool with this speech?" Chloe whispered to Ben.

"Everyone at Blackwell with their head in their ass, as usual." He whispered back.

"I also want to thank all the students for being so dedicated to their pursuits. And I'd like to dedicate this prize to Kate Marsh. She is the real Everyday Hero at Blackwell and I can't wait for her to come back. Thank you." Victoria addressed. She then walked off the stage as there was a loud applause that followed.

Ben was surprised to even hear Victoria mention Kate in her speech in such a way. If it was still Monday, he would have felt that the name Kate Marsh shouldn't even have been allowed for Victoria say. But maybe Kate was right. Maybe people did deserve to be forgiven and they could in fact redeem themselves for what they had done wrong. Something told Ben that while Victoria may have been the Queen Bitch of Blackwell, that didn't mean she had a heart of ice. He then noticed Chloe, looking in a different direction from him as she had an annoyed look on her face.

"Ugh, I wish those two would just make out already." She commented staring at Max and Warren who were taking a selfie together on Max's Polaroid.

"Oh, am I detecting a hint of jealously, Miss Price?" Ben teased.

"What are you, a matchmaker all of a sudden?" Chloe retorted as she began to blush. "Speaking of which, Max said she heard it through the grapevine that you and Kate started to get a little chummy with each other when you went to see her at the hospital yesterday."

"Yeah, we've been starting to become friends lately, after everything that's happened." Ben explained.

"Just friends?" She said as she elbowed Ben.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ben questioned. The two of them then noticed that Steve took back the microphone to make an announcement on behalf of Totem Pole.

"Alright Blackwell, let me just say that it's been an honor playing for tonight's event, and we've got one last song for you guys. This one is a special request that goes out to Kate Marsh, which was made by our very own Mr. Blackwell Bigfoot himself, Ben Ferris." Steve announced as he placed the mic back into his holder and grasped his guitar.

"A request? I didn't make a request." Ben admitted confusingly while looking at Chloe.

Totem Pole began playing their final song for everyone, which was a cover of the song Buddy Holly by Weezer. It was a popular rock song from the '90s that was about defending a platonic female friend from being bullied. It seemed like a perfect inspirational and uplifting song of choice for the event and a great way to end the night. But Ben was still curious as to who requested the song and who made it under his own name.

As the rally had finally come to an end, students began to make their way back to their dormitories as curfew was about to go into effect. The students that volunteered to help set up were now helping to break down the stage. Ben heard his phone beep to hear that he had a message sent to him. He pulled out his phone from his pocket to see that it was Kate.

Kate:

Words can't even describe how beautiful the rally was tonight. I actually cried a few times but they were tears of joy this time. Thank you so much, Ben! Have a good night :)

Before replying back, he checked in with Steve and his bandmates to see if they were all set with everything.

"You guys need a hand with anything?" Ben asked.

"Thanks, but we're all good over here. Great turnout for a great cause, Ben." Steve replied as he fist bumped with Ben. "Oh and by the way, that request you made was on the house." He added with a wink before walking off with his fellow band mates.

Ben's previous question had finally been answered. But why did they go out of their way to make it seem like Ben requested such a special song for Kate? That was the question of the night. As he walked back to his dorm, he made sure to message Kate back before he forgot, even if she was fast asleep already.

There you have it guys, Chapter 7. I got a lot of inspiration for this chapter from Episode 4 of LiS. Particularly when Kate got a letter from Principal Wells mentioning a rally in her support would take place and in a dialogue when Ms. Grant mentioned how it seemed distasteful to still have the "End of the World" Party after Kate's attempted/suicide. I know things might seem repetitive with having the same dialogue from the game at certain moments, but I'm planning on having some new scenarios and unique dialogues between characters in future chapters since there won't be a tornado that hits Arcadia Bay in this story's timeline. After all, this is meant to be Ben and Kate's story so move over, Max. Pretty soon there will be chapters that take place after the week of the game's events.