The Arks: Over Heaven (by Ben)

Chapter 18: Forever Promise

Part 2/2

“Soooo, you gonna tell anyone about who you’re going to get with?” Ben asked as he crept up to her.

“I’m not getting with anyone,” Aurora shot back.

“Come on, it isn’t fun bottling up your emotions like that,” Ben retorted, “Hey, seems like Neddy and Ruby’s getting along really well, if you know what I mean. I thought you’d like Samuel-”

“NAH,” Aurora quickly responded, “I already said I’m not getting with anyone.”

Although it was clear that Aurora’s ears were burning up.

“It’s not a good idea to deny your emotions,” Ben told her, “Keep them hidden for too long, and they spoil fast. Then everything gets ruined. Just let loose and have some fun. You’ll appreciate it.”

Aurora scoffed and said back, “Don’t be so hypocritical. After you beat me in that tennis match, that girl was trying to get with you. You KNOW she was. So don’t try to pretend as if that didn’t happen. Trying to deny it and pretend you couldn’t see the signs. Why should I follow your advice when you can’t even follow your own?”

Ben was silent for a bit upon her words. He knew. He put his hands in his graduation robe pockets, and a waft of serenity floated in the air. He pulled his hand out to reveal a hibiscus wedged within his fingers, vines intertwining with his hands.

“Because I had a PROMISE to keep,” Ben answered solemnly, “A forever promise. And if I ever broke that promise, I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

Ben put his hands back in his pockets and the flower disappeared.

“Besides. She isn’t my type. Nobody is, really.”

Ben stopped speaking and began to shuffle away.

“Just consider what you feel toward certain people whose names start with S,” Ben said, “Why do you feel that way? Then take action. Because you might really like him without realizing it.”

Ben brushed his hair to the side, then rubbed his forehead intensely.

“Otherwise one day, you’re really going to regret it. And you’ll never be able to go back.”

Ben turned around with a big grin and closed eyes on his face. He put his hands up in the air with a smile.

“Well, nobody’s forcing you! You can do whatever you want you know,” Ben shouted with glee.

Suddenly, a large bellow radiated from the water, and Aurora got a chill of fear down her spine.