If Only

Chapter 9 - Floating

Plus sometimes, he would break into the vending machine and get me my favorite snacks. He said those were the advantages that came with having a custodian as a friend. So yeah, Ben was awesome.

"How are you? Did you move here?" I asked, the questions shooting out of my mouth rapidly.

"It's so good to see you missus. I'm doing good, just moved here to open up this place," he answered, gesturing to the room around him. Finally catching on, my mind made the obvious connection in front of me.

"One day I'm gonna get outta here. Make something of myself," he said, and I frowned that he thought so little of himself now.

"What will you do?"

"Open someplace where all folks are welcome. Someplace where people can come and talk and maybe just have a drink... a bar maybe."

"I'll have to visit sometime."

"You can celebrate your twenty-first, Sammy. Drinks on the house!" he proclaimed, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"That's about six years away. But okay, it's a deal," I agreed, reaching forward to give him the same handshake as always.

"You did it," I exclaimed, unable to keep the enthusiasm out of my voice. In all honesty, I hadn't thought of Ben in a long while, and I felt a small amount of guilt shoot through me.

"That I did. All the saving up finally did me some good," he chuckled.

"My God, you look old. I haven't seen you since... you left," he suddenly stumbled, and I knew that he was going to say since your mom died but had somehow managed to stop himself, which I was grateful for.

"Yeah, I guess college matures a person," I joked, and he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at my positivity despite his words.

"So, college then? The whole shebang?"

"The whole shebang. This is my last year."
"You know, I'm proud of ya. Makin' something of yourself. Heard about the shithole you got stuck in for a while," he stated, and I tensed slightly as his words.

"It wasn't too bad," I mumbled, trying to brush the topic under the rug.

"Those two were trash. But sure, not too bad," he laughed, and I laughed with him because that was easier than letting myself actually think about it.

"So, you celebrating your twenty-first yet?" he smirked.

"Not quite yet," I responded, flashing the large X on my hand.

"Come here with anyone then?" he asked, his eyes looking past my face and to Greyson, causing me to realize that I had been accidentally ignoring him. I had been so caught up in the surprise of seeing Ben, I had totally forgotten he was standing right there.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so rude. I'm sorry. This is Greyson, he's a friend. This is Ben, he's an old friend too," I said, gesturing between the two of them. They gave a quick shake of hands and mumbled brief greetings.

"Hey, Ben! Another round over here?" a random guy shouted from the bar.

"I'm coming you bastard! Wait a second!" Ben yelled, and the guy laughed and flipped him off simultaneously.

"Friend of yours?" I asked.

"More like a persistent acquaintance. He's loud, but funny as hell."

"Sounds like your twin flame," I laughed, which had him nudging my shoulder slightly.

"Well, I should get back. But you come here again, alright? 'Specially for your twenty-first. Free drinks, remember?" he exclaimed, and I nodded in agreement, unable to keep the smile off my face.