I love you. Forever.

Chapter 11: Jackass

Matt’s POV

I never had this much fun with others. Becca and I always had fun when it was just us two but adding Ben to the mix has been great. I am really thankful Ben and his family moved next door. He has brought me out of my shell little by little. Even my parents noticed. Becca has a special place in my heart she’s like a sister to me and I always will cherish our friendship. Ben is my first guy friend. I never thought I would have any. This year is turning out to be a good one.

“Hey Ben, can I tell you something?” I ask hesitantly.  I know I need to share my experience with him. He needs to know just how wonderful Becca is. “Sure brother, what’s up?” Ben says curiously. “I’m glad you moved here and became my friend. I know Becca is glad too. I have never seen her this happy. She is very special to me. I don’t know how much you know but I want to tell you my story and Becca can fill in the blanks when she’s ready.” I say before taking a breath collecting my thoughts. “She’s confided in me. I know you were her only friend after her accident. You were there for her.” Ben said smiling gently. I respond with a sad smile. “I am glad I could be, but I’m afraid that’s when I made her life harder, though she would never admit it. Had she mentioned what happened to me in middle school?” I asked shyly. “Only that it was your story to tell. But Matt, you don’t need to…”Ben started before I interrupted. “I want to. I need you to know just how wonderful she is even when many others don’t treat her that way. A group of boys cornered me in the boys restroom at school in between classes. They pushed me down and yanked my clothes off to make fun of my thin body. They took pictures between hitting and kicking me. They tore through my belongings, clothes books, you name it. They even started throwing the books at me. I called out for help and before I knew Becca stormed in like a tornado and starting pushing and smacking the other boys away from me. She took off her jacket and covered me as I was still curled up trying to protect myself. She stood in front shielding me from further abuse. Without hesitation she pushed the leader against the wall with everything she had and kneed him where it hurts. She glared at the others asking whose next. She had fire in her eyes and had all of them frozen in their place. As soon as the leader hit the ground she moved on to the next one demanding the rest to strip down and give their clothes to me or she’d hit where it hurts. She also broke the one kid’s phone who had taken pictures. One thing about Becca, she can be scary when she wants to be. She’s tough as nails. When she pushed the leader he swung at her and connected with her jaw. She took it like a champ; never phased her. You would not have even known she was punched if it wasn’t for the bruising. She never complained though.” I took a breath not realizing just how much I needed to get that out. Ben had a scary look on his face but his eyes soften when he realized I was looking at him as I continued. “I found out later that Tara, the popular girl, was acting as lookout by the boys bathroom. Becca was walking past when she heard me and saw Tara looking smug hearing my cries. Becca went to push past Tara but Tara grabbed her arm. So Becca turned and punched her in the face breaking her nose. She had to get plastic surgery. Tara ran to a teacher to blame the whole thing on Becca. Unfortunately Tara’s family is well connected in this town and Becca received most of the punishment even when Tara put her hands on Becca first. Tara didn’t even get detention or a slap on the wrist. Her parents made it sound that her broken nose was going to kill her, that surgery was the only solution. She had suffered enough, especially since she was ‘innocent’. The boys only got 3 days of detention after school. Even when the school nurse saw my bruises from the attack it didn’t matter. The boys were popular and came from important families. But Becca was suspended for 2 weeks and kicked off the volleyball team for the season. She didn’t want to cause any problems for her mom knowing how delicate she was. So she just took it. She also had to meet with the school counselor for a month. Tara had complained to the teacher that Becca had anger issues because of her accident. That she forced the boys to attack me so she could save the day. She was an attention seeker. It was all lies Ben. I know Becca would never do that to me. I tried telling the principle but his mind was made up. Hec, the boy who punched her didn’t even get punished for that because he was defending himself. And the fact that she made them give their clothes to me didn’t help. She never stood up for herself, she only stood up for me and explained what she saw happened. She just took Ben, all of it. I am thankful she is well liked now, but those involved still hassle her because they can. She gives them hell back, but they never stop. I know it affects her. I know she harms herself, but she doesn’t think I know. I never knew how to ask her about it. Ben, she’s a great person. I don’t want her suffering anymore because I can’t defend myself. Promise that you will take care of her.” I ended in a whisper. Ben facial expression had every emotion. I could tell he truly loves her. “Matt, thank you for sharing this with me. And I do know about her cutting. We are working on it together. I promise to always take care of her. But Matt, you and me are going to work together too. I am going to teach you self defense. Its time for you to learn how to protect yourself. I have you’re back.” Ben responded. “You are a great person too, Matt. Don’t let anyone tell you different.” Ben added sternly. “I will try my best, Ben. Thank you for everything.” I said. “I’m surprised she hasn’t come back yet.” Ben got up “I’ll go find her, want to pick out a movie?” Ben asked. “Sure, I’ll make it a good one.”

Becs POV:

I had just left the kitchen and walked towards the living room when I overheard Matt tell his story. I thought it was best if I let them be, so I stepped out on the front porch and sat on the step. The clear sky was beautiful with a slight chill in the air.

Poor Ben probably didn’t expect both Matt and I to unload on him in such a short period of time. He is so wonderful and takes in stride. He has such a big heart, even if he hides it from the rest of the world. I truly hope this helps Matt. Matt has never spoke of that day, only to thank me and help me stay caught up with schoolwork when I was suspended. I know he felt guilty how it turned out even when I told him he was not at fault. I would do it all again, especially punching that Tara. b***h had it coming for a while. I was getting lost in my thoughts when I heard the front door open.

“Hey Becs, what are you doing out here?” Ben asked sweetly. “Just enjoying the sky and the quiet. I wanted to give you two privacy to talk.” I smiled back up at him. He reached out his hand to me and pulled me up and cupped my face with both of his hands giving me a long tender kiss before leading me back in the house. “What was that for?” I asked. “Just felt like it.” He smiled gently. “Matt is picking out a movie to watch. Let’s get the snacks.” He added.

…

Ben’s POV

It has been a fun day with Matt and Becs. I made plans with Matt to meet a few times a week for weight training and to teach him self defense. It took everything in me to not blow my top hearing Matt’s story. I know it happened 4 years ago, but just knowing that he was attacked like that and those bastards barely suffered any consequences is extremely irritating. Then my Becs taking the fall for defending her friend is f*****g ridiculous. And she was hit. I swear if I ever see anyone lay a finger on her ever I put them in the ground. It was getting dark outside at 7pm when I heard a knock at the door. I got up leaving Matt and Becs on the couch enjoying the show to answer the door.

“Good evening Ben, can you let Matt know to come home in 30 minutes. His father will be back from a work trip and I know he missed him.” “Hi Mrs. Smith, sure thing. Hey, thanks for the cookies. They were delicious though Rebecca snagged most of them.” I pouted. “No problem Ben. I know how that sweet girl loves my cookies. I will be sure to sneak you a dozen just for yourself. Rebecca knows she can come over anytime and have some. I bake regularly.” “Awesome, thank you! I will let Matt know. Have a good night Mrs. Smith.” “You too.” She chirped before walking back next door.

We spent the last 30 minutes joking and laughing while watching tv. We will definitely hang out more. Matt is hilarious. Wish he shared more of his sense of humor at school. Maybe one day when his confidence is built up more. I walked Matt out after hugging Becs goodbye and watched him walk to his house. The kid broke my heart earlier. I don’t get how people can be that cruel. I walk back inside finding Becs cleaning up our mess. I decide to be playful and annoy her. She was at the sink washing dishes when I pinned her; making her jump a little.

“Can I help you Benny?” She sighed annoyed. “I’m trying to clean here, do you mind?”

“Not at all baby. Continue what you are doing.” I say as I move her hair to one side and nuzzle her neck. I just barely graze my nose against her skin making her shutter just a bit.

“Ben, please stop. Let’s clean up first. I don’t your parents coming home to our mess.” She pleaded. “They won’t mind.” I whisper into her ear before nipping her ear lobe. “I’m warning you Ben, cut it out.” She said trying to sound irritated. Key word trying. I’m getting to her. “Are you threatening me sweetheart?” I whisper again before nipping her neck leaving a small mark. “Ben, I don’t threat, I promise.” She said as she turned to look me in the eye. I smirk and go to lean in for kiss but she ducks under my arms and scurries off to the living room. My prey drive is kicking in. “You will regret running from me babe.” I shout when I hear her sweet giggle. I find her cleaning some more but she drops what she’s doing seeing me advance towards her aggressively. “Ben, no. Stay back, let me clean!” She squeaked before taking off into the kitchen again. The island separated us in the kitchen. I remain completely silent with a evil grin on my face. I know exactly what I’m going to her when I catch her. “Baby just wait until I catch you. You can keep running but you have nowhere to go.” I threaten before jumping and sliding across the island to her side. “What the hell….Ben. Not fair!” She shrieked before running away from my me again making me chuckle. We play cat and mouse a few more minutes before she I catch her. “I got you know baby doll.” I chuckle as I throw her over my shoulder smacking her ass. “Ben, put me down!” She yelled hitting my back and ass. She is too cute. “Ben where are you going…you better not…NO!! NOOOO!” She screamed as I opened the back door and made a v line to the swimming pool. “I swear Ben, throw me in there I will make your life a living nightmare.” She pleaded. “Promises, promises.” I mutter before taking off and jumping into the pool with her still over my shoulder. “NOO!” She shouted right before hitting the water. “What the f**k Ben. Jackass!” She yelled splashing water at my face before swimming to the ladder. “Oh come on, Becs. Have some fun. Come here.” I laugh. “It’s freezing Ben, I really hate you right now.” She tried getting away but I caught her. “Oh baby, you don’t mean that. I’ll warm you right up.” I lift her out of the water and throw back in again with her cursing at me the whole time. “I swear to God Ben, let me out of here. Its too cold!” She chattered her teeth. I grabbed her again but she dunked my head under water and got away getting out the pool. “Benjamin Rylie Wilder. What are you doing? Did you throw the port girl in there” Mrs. Wilder scolded. “Mrs. Wilder may I have a towel please.” Becs chattered holding her arms tightly together. “Mr. Wilder, can you please let you son know that he’s a jackass and that payback’s a b***h?” She asked. My dad chuckled. “Of course my dear. Head in and warm up.” Dad said. “Son, you’re a jackass and better watch your back. She had that fire in her eyes. You’re in trouble. Have I mentioned that I like her.” He chuckled again. “I know dad, we were just having fun. I’ll make it up to her.” I chuckled back. Mom came back out with a towel for me too. “Really Ben, Rebecca is freezing. I sent her to take a warm shower. You better finish cleaning up after yourself. I can’t believe you did that!” She glared at me shaking her head. “Sorry mom, it probably will happen again.” I say sounding guilty with a devilish grin. “Oh Ben!” She threw her hands up and walked away. My dad just laughs shaking his head too. “I think Rebecca is the only person who could put up with you son. You better keep a hold of her.” He said patting my shoulder before heading back in. “I know dad and I will. She’s the best.”

I finish cleaning before heading up to my room. Becs was still in the guest shower. So I decide to hop in mine real quick before I ask for forgiveness. Though I’m a little intrigued by her promise of payback. I know she will make good on it and I can’t wait. I put on a pair of joggers and remain shirtless. Figure it couldn’t hurt in helping her forgive me. I walk into my finding her buried underneath blankets scowling at me. “You can’t still be cold baby doll.” I laugh. “Shut up ben, I chill easily and it takes forever for me to get warm. And I’m not talking to you. Jackass.” She mutters. “Oh baby, want me to warm you up? I’m sure I can do better than the blanket.” I smirk. She growls at me. She f*****g growls at me. God this girl. “Did you just growl at me, sweets?” I chuckle and she rolls to her other side facing the wall in a huff. I slide in next to her under the covers and pull her close to me. “You’re silent treatment won’t last my girl. Might as well give in and kiss and makeup.” I purred into her ear. I run my hands down her arm before I slip my head under her shirt and gently rub her flat belly. “Damn you are cold.” I say starting to feel a little bad. “Come here, face me baby doll. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you would be this cold. Come here, I’ll make it up to you.” I coo in her ear. She sighs and rolls to face me but buries her face in my naked chest as I embrace her and rub her back. “You won’t know when, you won’t know how, Wilder. But I will get you back.” She said sternly. “I look forward to you babe.” I laugh before kissing her forehead.