Lost Treasure: Into the City

“So, what do you want to do Ben? It’s your birthday, you choose.” I say splashing Jade.

Jade giggles and splashes back, but I dunk under the water and come up behind Michelle.

Ben scratches his chin and looks off. “Want to play chicken?”

I’m still dodging Jade’s splashes as I ask how to play. She stops and looks at me.

“You’ve never played chicken before?”

“I have a feeling the chicken I know and the one you’re referring to are two different games.” I say with a chuckle.

The one we use to play back home involves a bow staff and a balance beam. She explains that we get on the guys shoulders and try to knock the other girls off. It’s similar, but no stick. They’re no fun.

Ben, of course, chose me as his partner. Buster partners with Michelle, and Chuck and Jade. The girls and I climb out of the pool while the guys move to the edge. We climb onto our partners shoulders.

Ben grabs my thighs firmly while I hook my feet behind his back. I weave my fingers into his hair as we get balanced. The other two groups are doing the same.

“Jewel, loosen your thighs! You’re choking me! I’ve got you.” Ben whines.

I relax, “oh sorry.”

We square off with Jade and Chuck. Her and I lock hands. After we push and pull each other, I manage to knock her off. However, she had a death grip on my hands and drags Ben and I down with her.

We pop up from the water laughing. I climb back onto Ben’s shoulders. Michelle and Buster are ready. We spare a bit before Ben trips Buster and they both are falling under the water.

Ben’s parents announce it’s time for the cake. He let’s go of my legs and I lean back to fall into the water. Then we all get out and dry off.

In the dining room we get cake and sit at a table together. The cake was soft and moist, white buttercream frosting on marble cake. Two layers. Very good. After we finish, I asked where the restrooms are. Ben brings me to it.

When I came out, I wasn’t expecting him to still be there. We are alone, I start to feel nervous. He has a look in his eye like Ramon had.

“Um, What’s up Ben?” I squeeze out of my throat.

He takes my hand and leads me to another room. Once inside he let’s go and shuts the door. I lean against a wall not sure what he’s up to.

“I’m sure, by now, you can tell I have feelings for you, Jewel. Yet you resist me. I just don’t understand. I’m the most popular guy in school. Every girl wants me to be their boyfriend. I’m even sure I could get Michelle or Jade out there.” He gets closer as he speaks.

“Ben, I already told you I don’t see you that way. I do cherish our friendship. I just don’t have feelings for you like that. My parents died not too long ago.” I try to explain.

“Oh, is that so, yet you can kiss Michelle’s cousin? Yeah, I heard about that Jewel.” He is now leaning against the wall on both sides of my head, caging me in.

“Oh well, that was different. I didn’t kiss him, he just...I don’t know. Um, he’s older and...” I struggle for an excuse.

It was a bad excuse. How could I tell him the difference between was simply he was human, and Ramon was not? I’m sure Ben would think I’m nuts if I told him I’m a werewolf. I can’t really prove it yet. Yet I can’t help but wonder if it matters. I feel mixed up, and don’t know what I want.

While I’m contemplating how to answer him, he cups my face. “So, you’re into older guys, huh? I get it, but I can be more mature if that’s what you like.”

He then presses his lips to mine. He was gentle, I could feel his desperation in the kiss. He wants my affection so bad. I care about him, I really do. So... Why not...I let him. Maybe I could make this work. I kiss him back.

He pulls my body close to his. His kisses get faster and deeper. Finally, he pulls back for air. We stare at each other breathing heavy.

“So, you know, I never planned on doing anything with Ramon. I do still plan on talking with him.”

“I never said you were. I just got jealous. I saw you first, yet you never gave me a chance.” He said dropping his hands to his sides.

“Ben! You never even said anything to me until now. You can’t be subtle about these things. I didn’t know for sure how you felt. Ramon was direct, up front.” I say combing my hair back.

“Oh, kinda how I was just now?” He says coyly.

I nod. “Yeah”

“Fine. I want you to be my girlfriend, Jewel. Yes or no?” He asks firmly.

Well damn. That’s pretty direct.

“I want your affection and your attention.” He takes my hands and kisses the tops of them.

“Okay, then I will be your girlfriend.” I reply.

His face lights up and he picks me up and spins us around. I hope I’m doing the right thing.