Stuck with you (BWWM)

Chapter 6

At Tech rehearsals were usually a whirlwind, but today felt like a full-blown storm. As I walked into the rehearsal space, I noticed Ben working on the sound equipment, his focus intent. But what caught my attention was that I wasn't the first one here for once. I had always prided myself on being the earliest to arrive, but today, Ben beat me to it. That should have been my first clue that something was off.

I joined the group, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. But as the rehearsal started, the pressure seemed to intensify. Questions were thrown at me from every direction about the songs, the choreography, the transitions-questions I usually had no trouble answering. But today, it was like my mind was blank, and every inquiry felt like a test I was failing.

And then, overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questions, the mounting expectations, and the sheer weight of everything, I couldn't take it anymore. In a desperate bid for air, I practically sprinted out of the rehearsal room and into the hallway.

I leaned against the wall, my heart pounding, and tried to regain my composure. I hadn't realized just how much stress had been building up until it all came crashing down on me. And then, Ben was there beside me, concern etched across his features.

"Gabi, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.

I looked up at him, my breath shaky. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a moment."

He didn't press, and I was grateful for that. Instead, he gave me space to catch my breath, and it wasn't long before the words started pouring out of me, as if they had been bottled up for too long.

"You know, it's not just about the musical," I began, my voice trembling. "It's everything-the pressure, the expectations. And then there's... there's something going on with Brandon."

I saw a flicker of surprise in Ben's eyes, as if this was news to him. But I didn't stop; the floodgates had opened, and I needed to let it all out.

"He's been so distant lately, caught up in football and his own world. I've tried to be supportive, but it's like he doesn't even notice that I'm here," I confessed, my voice catching in my throat. "It's like he's slipping away, and I don't know how to bring him back."

Ben listened, his presence a comforting anchor as I shared the weight that had been sitting on my shoulders. It was strange, opening up to him like this, considering our history of disagreements. But somehow, in that moment, it felt right.

"It's tough when the people we care about change," he said softly, and for once, I saw a different side of him-a side that wasn't just focused on his own troubles.

"Yeah, it really is," I admitted, feeling a hint of relief in sharing this with someone.

I looked at Ben, half-expecting him to dismiss my problems or make a snide comment. But instead, he surprised me with his understanding.

"You're not alone in this, Gabi. We're all here for you," he said, offering a genuine smile.

A small smile tugged at my lips, grateful for the offer. "Thanks, Ben. I appreciate that."

He gave me a nod of encouragement. "Anytime. Just remember, you deserve to have people who appreciate you and are there for you."

As we headed back into the rehearsal room, a strange sense of camaraderie settled between us. The chaos of the rehearsal was still there, but somehow it felt less overwhelming. Maybe Ben and I had found some common ground, a bridge between us that had been missing before.

"Thanks again, Ben," I said, feeling a warmth in my chest.

He nodded, and there was something different in his eyes-a kind of understanding I hadn't seen before. "Of course, Gabi. We're all here to support each other."

As I returned to my place in the rehearsal room, a renewed sense of determination took hold. Maybe the musical was still a whirlwind, and maybe my personal life was in shambles, but knowing that I had people like Ben in my corner made all the difference. And just maybe, we could get through the chaos together.

Ben's demeanor had always been a mix of rough edges and guarded walls. He rarely showed vulnerability, and even when he did, it was often masked by a layer of sarcasm or nonchalance. So, when he brought up his parents' divorce that evening, it was unexpected, to say the least.

We were sitting on a bench outside the rehearsal space, taking a breather from the chaos that had ensued during the tech rehearsal. Somehow, amidst the hectic atmosphere, Ben had managed to find a moment to open up.

"You know, my parents are getting a divorce," he said, his voice casual but lacking its usual edge.

I looked at him, a mixture of surprise and sympathy filling me. Ben wasn't someone I associated with family matters, especially not something as personal and painful as divorce.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I replied softly, not knowing what else to say.

He shrugged, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. "Yeah, well, it is what it is."

I studied his profile for a moment, noticing the subtle lines of tension around his eyes. This was clearly weighing on him, even if he was trying his best to downplay it.

"How are you holding up?" I asked, genuinely concerned.

Ben let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Honestly, it's been a mess. They've been arguing a lot lately, and it's like everything's falling apart."

I didn't have any experience with divorced parents, but I could imagine how tough it must be for him. It was strange to see this side of Ben, the vulnerable one that he usually kept hidden.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, reaching out to place a hand on his arm.

He looked at me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of raw emotion in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a half-smile.

"Yeah, I'll survive," he said, his voice tinged with a touch of bitterness.

I couldn't help but wonder if this was why he had been acting so differently lately-more contemplative, less argumentative. Maybe there was more to him than met the eye, and perhaps his tough exterior was a way of coping with his own struggles.

"You know, Ben, it's okay to not be okay," I said gently. "You don't have to put up a front all the time."

He looked at me, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and gratitude. "Thanks, Gabi. But I'm used to dealing with stuff on my own."

I nodded, understanding his sentiment. "I get that. Just remember, you're not alone. You've got friends here who care about you."

For a moment, a vulnerable look flashed across his face-a look that told me he appreciated the sentiment. And just like that, the moment passed, and he was back to his usual self, putting on a brave front.

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I couldn't help but smile back, appreciating the small glimpse he had given me into his world. It was a reminder that underneath all the layers of snark and sarcasm, there was a person with his own struggles and vulnerabilities.

As we headed back into the rehearsal space, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us. Maybe it was the fact that he had shared something personal with me, or maybe it was the realization that even the most unexpected people could surprise you with their depth. Whatever it was, I knew that Ben wasn't just the guy who sparked arguments-he was someone with his own story to tell, if you were willing to listen.

Ben not that bad he's a good I don't know if I should call him this but a good friend