Ben's POV:
Hello, my name is Ben Woods. I am an ordinary high school student with good grades. I tried for the football team. The thing is that I wanted to be with my friends. Soon I understood that it wasn't for me. I have nothing against the sport, but I don't feel it like my thing. For now, I will focus on my grades. After all, I want to be in a good university. I have a girlfriend named Ashley. She is the captain of the cheerleading team. I go to the games of the boys for her. The girls always perform before the boys go out. Let's say we are one big group of boys and girls hanging out together. They also go to parties together and have fun. I do it with the boys during the summer vacation. Once I threw a party, but it ended up being messy. Since then, I don't do it anymore. That's why I only invite my friends. They respect my decision to keep the house clean. My parents like everything to be in its place. If something is off, they will quickly notice and blame me. Well, there is no one else in the house. I have always cleaned after my friends go home. They are not messy, but I don't want mom and dad to be mad. When I buy a house, I won't be a clean freak. A little bit of dirt won't do any harm. Let me tell you something. In our old house, my parents used to invite friends. When they left, it was a mess. I mean, dirty cups everywhere and food on the couch. Mom and dad bought a new white one. Then someone spilled red wine on it. Mom was mad. Now they don't invite people often and want to keep everything clean. I understand them. I won't like it if someone turns my room upside down. Luckily, I don't have friends like my parents ones. They are ex-friends for them. I hope my friends and I will have a long friendship. I would love to keep it.
It's another day of my summer vacation. Honestly, I don't want it to end. I have fun with my friends every day. Also, my girlfriend is coming for a visit. I like spending time with her. She treats my parents well, and they appreciate her. It looks like I have a perfect life. I mean, I don't need anything else. My parents gave me everything I ever wanted. Well, I have the feeling that something interesting will happen this year. Maybe I won't be involved, but I'm excited about it.
Currently, I am in my room checking universities. I have a whole year to decide. The thing is that when I start school, I won't have much time for this. That's why I do it now. I still haven't decided in which city I want to study. It's not a lie that I was thinking about following Ashley. Relationships from a distance are not bad, but I don't want to risk it. After all, I want to keep mine. I know Ashley won't cheat on me, but we won't be able to see each other often. Soon there was a knock on the door, and she walked in.
- Hey.
- Hello. The front door was open, so I walked in.
- I planned to go out later. That's why I didn't lock it.
- What if a robber came in?
- During the day? I don't believe it.
- You never know what is going on in a robber's head. - Ashley said and kissed my cheek
- If you say so.
- What are you doing?
- Checking some universities.
- You have a whole year for that. Summer is to have fun.
- During school I won't have time for that.
- I hope you will have time for me. - my girlfriend said and snuggled
- I always have time for you.
- Are you sure? Now I am here, but you look at these universities.
- Ok, ok. What do you want us to do? - I asked and left my laptop aside
- I don't know. Something fun.
- Isn't lying down fun?
- No, but I know what can make it better.
- What?
- You have to guess. - she said with a smirk
- Does it have to be now?
- No, I can wait ten years.
- You know I am not a fan of this type of relationship.
- Don't you want to satisfy your girlfriend?
- I do, but not this way. One relationship shouldn't get based only on physical touch.
- Then we can go out. What do you think? Lunch in a restaurant?
- Why not? Let me get ready.
I quickly changed my clothes. Later, both with Ashley went out. I know she has needs, but I don't want to do these things. Not that often. I prefer to do something else. A walk or a movie is ten times better. Even a simple talk is worth it. We walked to a restaurant, and soon a waiter came. I order French fries with cheese. Ashley got a salad. For some reason, all the girls want to be skinny. I will never be able to understand that.
- What are your plans for tonight? - I asked
- I have plans with the girls.
- In that case, I can go out with the boys.
- Yes, you can. We can go out tomorrow.
- I would love that.
- Great.
- The food here is delicious.
- Yes, it is.
- Are you ok?
- I'm fine. I was thinking about something. It's nothing important.
- Can I do something to cheer you up?
- I'm not upset.
- Maybe, but you aren't in the mood either.
- Sometimes I think you are too good for me.
- Why? Did something happen?
- No, but you are nice to me, treat me well, and your face looks great. You are perfect.
- Trust me, I am far from perfect.
- Not in my eyes.
Some people asked me why I love Ashley. When someone treats you nicely, you can't ignore it. We have been dating for a year and a half. Both of us came to high school together. The thing is that we met at my tryouts for the team. They went well, but I didn't feel this was my thing. Then, I found something, or to say someone else. I'm happy that I have a girlfriend. That way, I can experience this. Some couples get married, but I won't think that far away. Many things can happen.
After lunch, I walked back home. Ashley said that she had to prepare for tonight. Sometimes I'm glad that I'm a boy. I don't have to think about so many things. When I arrived, I went for a shower. Later I took a nap. The boys said we could go out tonight. I don't go to the same places as them, but one night I will survive.
I woke up at 5 pm. My parents were already at home. I had messages from my friends. They sent the location. I took my things and went downstairs to take my shoes.
- Are you going out, honey? - mom asked
- Um, yes. The boys asked me out.
- Ok, have fun. Don't stay until late.
- Don't worry. I will come soon.
- I hope so.
- You and dad can have a date night.
- We'll think about this.
- The house is only yours.
- I know. Thanks for the reminder. - mom said, chuckling
- Ok, I will go out. Have fun.
- You too.
The location turned out to be a diner. I believe we won't stay here the whole night. When I walked in, everyone was there. I sat next to James. All of them looked at me.
- What?
- Did you and Ashley have a round or two? - James asked
- No, she wasn't even at home.
- Yeah, right.
- Call her if you want. She left after lunch.
- Ok, ok. What's the plan for tonight? - Bobby asked
- We'll go for dinner somewhere. Later, a bar or a nightclub. The girls won't find out. - Nate said
- Do we have to go there? - I asked
- Yes, why?
- Because I don't drink alcohol. What do I have to do there?
- Ashley is not here. You can calm down.
- What does she have to do with that?
- I can't believe you have a girlfriend. - Derek said
- And I can't believe you can't accept me. I mean, the way I am.
- Hey, we want to have fun. Please, don't ruin it. - Nate said
- Let's go for dinner. - I said
The boys and I walked to a restaurant. One thing about me is nightclubs or bars are not something I like. It's too loud and crowded. Also, you are supposed to drink. My friends only want to have fun, but I'm not the person for that. I like parties, but this is something different. Soon our food came, and we started eating.
- What will we drink at the bar? - James asked
- I think it's time to get Ben drunk. - Nate said, chuckling
- Guys, that won't happen. I don't want to get wasted.
- Ashley is not here.
- So? I'm not doing this even if you pay me.
- Can I know why we are friends?
- I didn't beg any of you to be my friend.
- Man, we want you to have fun. - Josh said
- Thanks, but I prefer to do it my way.
- Ok, we won't argue with you.
- Thanks.
After dinner, the boys and I went to a bar. Of all of them, I am the only one who officially has a girlfriend. The rest of the boys hang out with the cheerleaders. Also, they check out other girls. I mean, it's not f*******n. I wouldn't do that. If I wasn't dating Ashley, I still think checking someone else while you are already interested in a girl is wrong. Maybe I am too nice to people. My friends ordered drinks. I was on a juice. It looks like alcohol from far away. I have no problem drinking, but I don't want to do it. I wonder what Ashley is doing now. She is probably having a better night than me. I won't lie that I am a bit bored.
- James, she is looking at you. - Nate said
- And I am looking at her.
- Won't you take a shot?
- Not now. I will let her think I'm not interested. Soon she will come here.
- What if she goes away? - I asked
- That is impossible. No one rejects James. - Nate said
- I won't be so sure. - I mumbled to myself
After some time, a couple of the boys went to talk with some girls. They were sitting at a table next to ours. The rest of them went for alcohol. That's how I was left alone. I looked up to see Ashley with the girls. I guess this is how she will spend her night. Honestly, she has the right to do whatever she wants. I don't want to be a stalker and always walk after her. I am bored here, and I will make her a small visitation.
- Hello, ladies.
- Ben. Um, what are you doing here? - Ashley asked
- I am here with the boys. It wasn't my idea.
- I believe that. Can I help you?
- I got bored and decided to see for a while. I won't stay much.
- You can stay as much as you want. I don't think the girls will mind.
- It's ok. - Becky said
- Thanks, but I prefer to go home. This place is not for me.
- Have fun. School starts soon. I'm planning to make a party for the new school year, and you will be the first invited.
- Oh, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- I will go back to the boys. Have fun.
- Thanks, you too.
I planned to go back to the boys. Seeing our table empty made me change my mind. I went to pay for my drink and walked out. It's a bit early to go home. That's why I will walk around. I passed by a park and sat on one bench. Soon someone sat next to me. I looked up to see Jasmine.
- Hey, Jasmine.
- Hey. Why are you here alone?
- I was with the boys but got bored.
- Nightclub or a bar?
- Bar.
- If you don't like what they do, why don't you find friends with your taste? At least you will have fun.
- Ashley enjoys their company.
- So, you feel unhappy thanks to her.
- I'm not unhappy. Let's say that I don't like everything that we do.
- Then don't do it.
- If I stop, they will think that something is going on. I don't want my friends to ask me ten thousand questions.
- Which you don't have to answer.
- Why are you here alone?
- I was outside with my friends. We had dinner and later went for ice cream. Now I am going home. Well, I saw you here alone and decided to check on you. Let's hope Ashley won't get jealous.
- Don't worry. I won't tell my girlfriend.
- Thank you.
- Can we walk around before you go home?
- Yeah, sure. Where do you want us to go?
- It doesn't matter.
- Ok, let's go.
Jasmine and I were walking around the town. I try to be friendly with everyone in school, but I don't think my friends appreciate it. There is nothing wrong with being nice. I don't say my friends are mean. Let's say they are not friends with all the students.
- Can I ask you something?
- Go on.
- Why are you dating Ashley? There is so many fish in the sea.
- She is nice to me and treats me well.
- She acts like that only in front of you. Ashley doesn't like everyone.
- I know, but I can't change her. Why are you asking? Don't tell me you are interested.
- No. I'm not. Also, I have a boyfriend.
- Oh, congratulations.
- Thanks. I think you deserve a better girl. I mean, a girl who will understand you and appreciate everything you do.
- Sometimes, I feel like I'm too nice to people.
- Maybe because it's true.
- Seriously? You think it too.
- I know it. Ben, you are a good boy but don't get carried away. One day someone might stab a knife in your back.
- I will think about it.
Both with Jasmine walked for a while. Later, I went home. It was a good day. Well, in the beginning. I like going out with my friends, but not to all the places we go. Maybe I should listen to Jasmine and look for new friends or people to hang out with when my friends are busy. I will wait for the new school year. Some new students might come in. What I can do for now is enjoy my summer vacation. At least I have my girlfriend who is always free for me. I hope I will have a good school year.