Captured by: Love Or Hatred?

custard waits for no man

Chapter 8: custard waits for no man

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Jennifer's POV:

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Sometimes I think time flies like a thief— too fast, too quiet, stealing moments before I even realize they’re gone.

Today is the day Ben leaves for his vacation.

I took a day off work for it. That alone was enough to shock him. I never take leave unless one of us is sick or something serious comes up. So yes, his surprise was justified.

I don’t even know how long I’ve been standing here, just watching him move around the room, fussing over his luggage like it’s the most complicated thing in the world.

Taking things out.

Putting them back in.

Zipping.

Unzipping.

Repeating the same motions again and again, like he might suddenly forget how a bag works if he doesn’t double-check it every five seconds.

He keeps ordering me around— hand me this, check that, where did I put this, did you see that— while clearly having no idea what he’s actually doing.

I watch him for a moment longer, arms loosely folded, a small, knowing sigh slipping past my lips.

' Nervous. '

That’s what this is.

And honestly— it suits him less than he thinks.

Finally, I push myself off the couch and walk over to him.

I place my hands on his shoulders, stilling his restless movements, forcing him to pause— even if just for a moment. When he looks up, I tilt my head slightly, making sure he meets my eyes.

" Relax! " I say gently.

" Your luggage is already packed. You’re not forgetting anything. And even if you are… just buy whatever you need there. "

I pause, waiting for a response. It doesn’t come. Instead, he breaks eye contact.

" You took the international money card I gave you, right? "

He nods.

" Then that’s enough, " I continue softly. " Even if you forget something, you’ll manage. So don’t worry. "

I continue, softer now. " And about me— you don’t have to worry. You know I can handle things. I’ll take care of myself. For your sake. "

" But Jenn-- "

I offer him a small smile, trying to lighten the moment. " No you listen to me young man. You will actually enjoy yourself there. For my sake. Deal? "

He still doesn’t answer.

I sigh inwardly, already knowing where this is going, and add quickly— " I’ll call you every single day. "

Nothing.

I shake him lightly.

" Okay, fine. Twice a day. "

Still silence.

" Ben!!! " I say, exasperation slipping into my voice now, " You’re going on a vacation. If I call you every hour, what’s the point? You’re supposed to relax and enjoy out there. Please— just agree before I change my mind. "

That— finally gets him.

He looks at me with that familiar, stubborn expression— the one that always means he’s about to bargain.

" Okay, " He says at last. " But you’ll come home early from work. No overtime. No late-night parties. And no clubbing. Understand? "

' Seriously..!? '

I blink.

' You get beaches and sunsets… and I get a couch and reruns of football matches I don’t even like? '

I swallow the protest rising in my throat and force a smile instead— sweet, harmless, just a little mischievous.

" Of course, " I say lightly.

Then I step forward and hug him tightly, wrapping my arms around him before he can add anything else, holding on just a second longer than necessary.

He pulls back slightly, just enough to look at me properly.

" Jenn, " He says, his voice turning serious again. " Are we clear? "

I roll my eyes, but nod anyway.

" Aye-aye, Captain…! "

For a moment, neither of us moves. Then I step back, my voice quieter this time, softer without meaning to be.

" Okay… let’s go before you miss your flight. I’ll… I’ll wait in the car. "

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For over fifteen minutes, I had been waiting at the car. At last, the front door swung open.

' Oh, finally. '

Here comes the star of the show— Mr. Benjamin Franklin Jones— walking out like he has all the time in the world.

I step out and open the trunk of my car so he can load his bags. The metal groans as the heavy luggage drops inside, the sound louder than necessary in the quiet.

He gives me a look— one eyebrow raised. He knows I’m annoyed.

' And why wouldn’t I be annoyed? How long does it take to grab two bags, lock the door, and walk to the driveway? But no— he has to take an eternity. '

I slide back into the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel as I start the engine. The moment he settles in beside me, silence settles inside the car like a heavy blanket.

I know this version of him. When Ben goes quiet, it’s not indifference.

It’s worry.

He rarely starts conversations, only speaking when necessary— but I can feel it, the way his silence stretches, the way it presses against me.

And I can’t sit with it. Not today. I need noise. I need words. Anything before he disappears miles away.

I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and pull onto the road.

" Hey… do we need to pick up Aunt Marina? " I ask, forcing my voice to sound casual.

His gaze remains fixed on the window.

" No. Lucas will drop her off. "

' Oh...!! So Mr. Lucas-the-activist suddenly remembers he has a mother to look after. Good boy. ' Though, I don’t say it out loud.

Instead, I inhale slowly and try again, glancing at Ben briefly, before looking back at the road.

" So… Hawaii, huh? " I say, keeping my tone light. " You’re finally going to see something other than office files and my messy room. That’s a big upgrade. "

A pause.

Then— he chuckles softly.

There it is.

Small. But enough.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

" You packed sunscreen, right? Or are you planning to come back roasted? " I add, a hint of teasing slipping in.

He shakes his head slightly, the corner of his lips lifting just a little.

" I packed everything, Jenn. "

" Hmm… I’ll believe that when you don’t call me asking where your charger is. " I mutter.

That earns me another faint reaction.

And for a moment— it feels normal.

Almost.

I should have been happy for him.

And I am.

I really am.

But there’s something else there too— something I don’t want to look at too closely.

Because the thought of going back to an empty home… no Ben breathing down my neck, no one nagging me about food, laundry, cleaning my room, or sleep— it doesn’t feel like freedom.

It feels— wrong.

Maybe I needed that more than I ever admitted.

The road stretches endlessly ahead of us, the hum of the engine steady, almost hypnotic, and for the first time since morning, the silence doesn’t feel irritating.

It feels… lonely.

And the drive to the airport suddenly feels too short.

Even though I hate goodbyes, and even though his absence already aches somewhere deep inside me, seeing him smile makes breathing just a little easier.

Because if anyone deserves happiness after everything, it’s him.

The airport is thirty minutes away, but with my driving, we make it in barely twenty. We could reach even sooner, but Ben keeps shooting me dagger-glances every time I press a little harder on the accelerator.

I ignore them.

Well… mostly.

I can’t help the thrill that rushes through me, that familiar sense of speed and control settling in like something I’ve missed.

Old habits die hard.

Especially when you once dated a street racer back in your sophomore year of college.

After parking in the exact spot Ben directed me toward, I step out and immediately spot Aunt Marina near the entrance, her suitcase beside her, looking like she’s been waiting for us.

" Wow..!! " The word slips into my mouth before I can stop it.

She looks stunning in a mint-green floral dress, standing out softly against the sharp, steel-gray airport around her.

While Ben wrestled with the bags, I hurried toward her like a child. She opened her arms, and I stepped into them without thinking, the hug tight and familiar— the kind that makes you forget, just for a second, that you’re about to say goodbye.

A throat cleared behind us. Intentional

' Lucas? '

Of course.

" Hey, you two… I’m still here. Or did you forget I exist? " He says dryly, folding his arms across his chest.

The stance is meant to look casual— but the flicker of jealousy on his face gives him away.

Even after all these years, he still hates sharing his mother’s attention.

' How childish. '

I point a finger at him, narrowing my eyes.

" Actually, I’m more surprised you’re here. Nice to know you still exist in this world. Right, Aunt Marina? "

My sarcasm drips, sweet on the surface but sharp underneath. I play up the annoyance on her behalf, even though I know exactly why he’s like this— always caught up in his activism, always somewhere else, rarely where he’s supposed to be.

He lifts both hands in surrender.

" Fine, fine. My fault. I know I can’t win against you. It’s pointless. "

He steps forward, hesitating just a second before leaning in for a hug.

I pause.

My eyes flick toward Aunt Marina, asking, " Should we forgive this i***t of yours? "

" We can’t be as heartless as him now, can we? " She teased softly. Only then do I let Lucas pull me into his arms.

" Mom! " He groans, pretending to be offended. " At least take my side sometimes. "

I roll my eyes and mutter into his shoulder, " You’re an a*shole. "

His chest shakes with a quiet laugh.

" I heard that. "

" It was meant to be heard, " I shoot back, pulling away.

" It’s good to see you too, Miss Jones, " He teases, deliberately stressing my last name in that annoying way only he can manage.

I roll my eyes again— but I can’t deny the faint warmth settling in my chest.

Ben joins us, and for a few minutes, it’s just easy conversation— light, normal, almost enough to forget what’s coming next.

But it doesn’t last. Because soon— it’s time. The moment we’ve both been avoiding. The goodbye we don’t know how to make easier.

Ben pulled me into a tight embrace— too tight, like he feared letting go— and whispered against my hair, " Remember our conditions. Lucas will help you. Just call him if you need anything. "

His breath trembled against my hair. That alone was enough to twist something inside my chest.

Ben rarely showed vulnerability— not even to me. Especially not to me.

I clung to his shirt, inhaling the familiar scent of sandalwood and old books— the scent of home.

For a second, I was a child again. Terrified of losing another person I loved.

" Don’t worry, Uncle Ben. I got her. I’ll make sure lockdown starts sharp at seven. " Lucas cut in, trying to lighten the mood. He ruffled my hair playfully like I was a child and he is my babysitter.

To which, I swatted his hand away and jabbed him lightly with my elbow.

" I don’t need a babysitter— especially one who’s never around when needed. " I muttered, narrowing my eyes at him.

Lucas clutched his chest dramatically. " Brutal as always. " He said, but amusement tugged at his lips.

Ben shook his head at the two of us, a weary smile softening the sting of goodbye.

" Mom, Uncle Ben… you two are getting late. The others have already gone in, " Lucas reminds gently, his voice low but firm.

And just like that, Ben turns toward the boarding gate, Aunt Marina walking beside him, their steps steady even if the moment isn’t.

They both look back at us one last time and wave.

I force a smile and wave back, my fingers trembling slightly now, even though I try to keep it steady.

A sudden weight pressed against my chest, heavy as stone. An unexpected tear slid down my cheek before I could wipe it away.

Lucas wrapped an arm around me and murmured softly, " He’ll be alright. You know that. "

I nodded, swallowing around the knot in my throat.

The airport lights blurred for a second and the emptiness beside me was loud.

I already missed him.

" By the way, " He said, narrowing his eyes, " I heard you finished my custard when I wasn’t home. "

I blinked, then scoffed.

' Perfect timing. The jerk just had to ruin the moment. '

" No, I didn’t, " I argue, lifting my chin defiantly. " That was my portion. You didn’t come home that night. Your loss. Loser. "

Technically, I did eat his portion too.

After I had finished mine, Aunt Marina being Aunt Marina, had casually offered if I wanted more— the portion that was kept at her place, the one that belonged to Lucas. And as shameless as I was for that yummy custard, I said yes.

To which I did receive a deathly glare from Ben too. But honestly, I don’t regret being shameless when it comes to Aunt Marina’s dessert treats.

Lucas muttered, " It’s not like I wasn’t going to come home at all. "

" Jennifer, you’re heartless— and hungry enough to devour my portion too. "

For a moment, it felt like time paused for us— me, trying not to crumble, Lucas, trying to distract me, and Ben… already gone beyond those sliding doors.

I wiped a tear from beneath my lashes and forced my voice to steady.

" Don’t blame me for your absence. If you abandon dessert, I claim ownership. Custard waits for no man. "

He barked a surprised laugh. " Custard waits for no man? Where on earth did you hear that? "

" I just made it up. " I sniffed, shrugging. " And honestly, it should be a universal rule. "

" Hah! Shut up. That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard. "

" Only because you’re the most outdated human being alive," I shot back, lifting a brow.

He scoffed. " Excuse me? Outdated? "

" Yes! " I said simply, turning toward the exit doors without waiting for him.

" You really think I’m outdated? " Lucas jogged to match my pace, tone suddenly serious— as if my joke carried genuine weight.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t stop walking. " Relax. I was joking. Mostly. "

He frowned, falling into step beside me. " Mostly? "

His attempt at appearing offended almost drew a real smile from me. Almost.

" Yes. "

He opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out. Just a defeated exhale.

The airport air smelled like coffee, disinfectant, and departure. My chest felt hollow.

" Come on, " I said softly. " Let’s get out of here. I’m starving already. "

Lucas shoved his hands into his pockets and walked beside me.

" You wanna grab something to eat? "

" Well… " I arched a brow at him, forcing casualness back into my voice.

" Depends. You going back to work or home? "

He paused mid-step, processing my meaning. His brows lifted in mock offense.

" Ohh, I see. Someone wants my famous fried chicken rice. "

I crossed my arms. " Don’t act like it’s not divine. "

He scoffed. " Thanks but I am not making anything. I’ve taken a half day, so I’m heading back to work, Ms Jones. "

There it was.

Work.

Always work.

Lucas walked ahead, already pulling out his keys, movements a little too fast, a little too sharp— as if slowing down might make him vulnerable, as if pausing would force him to face something.

' Why can’t he understand? '

I don’t want to walk back into that empty house alone. Not with silence waiting to swallow me whole the moment the door closes behind me.

The walls will feel… hollow.

Lucas should know that. He should feel it.

We’ve grown up side by side— shared childhood secrets, scraped knees, heartbreaks, grief. He’s seen me break, bleed, burn.

I’ve seen him disappear behind responsibilities and quiet sacrifices only he understands.

Yet here he is, retreating again— hiding behind deadlines, half-day excuses, and work that suddenly can’t wait.

Disappointment curls in my stomach, subtle and heavy. Not anger— just the tired ache of expectations collapsing.

" So that’s it then? " My voice barely rises, but it slices through the space between us.

Lucas freezes mid-stride, his shoulders tensing as the keys tighten in his grip, his back still turned toward me.

He hears the shift in my tone.

Anyone would.

" I promise, " I add, clutching his sleeve dramatically, as the mood around us turns slightly somber because of me, and right now I’m acting exactly like a kid who needs babysitting. " I’ll help chop the ingredients… and that too properly this time. "

No reply.

" And— and I won’t ruin your precious knifes. "

He turned to look at me— really look.

The playful smirk he always wore faltered, replaced by something quieter, almost vulnerable.

For a heartbeat, his eyes told a story he’d never dared to speak aloud— years of patience, silent worry, unspoken affection.

Just a flicker. Gone in a breath.

The Lucas I knew— the teasing, sarcastic i***t—slipped back behind his walls.

He exhaled slowly. " Fine. " He muttered. " But you’re washing the dishes. "

Relief bloomed warm in my chest before I could stop it. I grinned and nodded.

" Deal. "

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