With Ben as our new friend, life with the jeers was a little easier. The other kids seemed to take his assertiveness seriously and left us alone for the most part. He was also charismatic which helped in opening up to the people who were too shy or too scared to come out and talk with the rest of the student body. Over time, the other kids grew to accept us and some even began to like us again. The only exception to that one was Chase. He was so bitter towards us, he wouldn't even be in the same room as me at home. My parents began to question both our behaviours and life was becoming more stressful with him at odds with us. We told Ben about it when he asked if Chase was bothering us still.
"He's not bugging me at all, he won't even go near me now even at home.""I haven't heard from him in weeks," Luna said a little hurt.
"Hmm, maybe he needs someone to talk to, a neutral party that'll listen," Ben answered frankly and stood up.
"I know I'm not the first person he'll want to talk to, but maybe he'll say something to me or to a friend of mine.""Thanks Ben," I said gratefully and squeezed Luna's hand reassuringly.
"Anytime," he answered and went to go look for my brother. After searching for him, Ben found Chase sitting by himself under an oak tree outside. He walked over and stuffed his hands in his pockets as he approached him.
"Hey, are you doing ok?"Chase looked up at him with mild irritation on his face,
"Ya why shouldn't it be?""Well based on how quiet you've been lately, it appears that way. I'm sorry about how we first met, as much as it may seem like I'm completely on Marina's side, I'm not. I'm just lending support as it's needed," he said sitting down on the grass.
"Well I don't need any, thanks. I don't need anyone," Chase snapped a little before turning sideways away from Ben.
"Alright Chase, but if you just want someone to rant to or anything, you know where to find me," Ben said and went to get up but was stopped short when Chase turned back towards him.
"Wait, I'm sorry for being short with you. I really do need someone to talk to," he said as Ben eased himself back down. They spoke for hours. Neither Luna or myself saw Ben or Chase the rest of the day. I later got a text from Ben when Chase didn't come home after rowing practice telling me Chase was at his. Feeling some relief that my brother had someone to talk to, both Luna and I were able to relax that night.
The next morning at school, Luna, Ben and I were sitting in one of the corridors when Chase came up to us.
"Hey you three, I just wanted to apologize for my behaviour lately. It wasn't ok at all of me to be that way. I'm really sorry, I miss my sister and I miss my best friend," he said and sat beside Luna and Ben.
I just couldn't help but smile and playfully jostled him.
"We all missed you too, it's great to have you back again.""Don't worry, I'll make it up to both of you," he said with a smile to Ben. Sure enough, he did.
After that day, no one ever bothered us again. We were all best friends and everyone at school seemed alright with having two girls go together as prom dates. Prom night itself was wonderful, and Chase had kept his word in a way I never thought possible. When it came to announcing the prom king and queen, Chase took the stage with Ben with the envelope in his hands.
"Good evening you charming people! How are you enjoying prom!?" Ben called out loudly to the students. He was answered with a loud roar from everyone. With a laugh, he turned it over to Chase who was waving the envelope.
"Now we have what you've all been waiting for: the results for prom king and queen! The only thing is, there's a bit of a twist this year. No one promoted a boy to be king, so this year we actually have two queens: Marina and Luna!" Chase announced and everyone applauded. Completely in shock, we both went up and tackle hugged them both.
"Chase, I couldn't have asked for a better brother. Thank you so much. And thank you too Ben, I couldn't ask for better friends," I said with a watery smile. Both Chase and Ben smiled and jostled us lightly as the night rolled on and life paused to party.
Fin
• Atheist
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