This time, Sara turned back to Benjamin and grinned honestly—the sort of grin that seemed not to be fake.
"She's smooth, eh?" Benjamin said, watching Sophie and John vanish through the canteen doors,
their hands are already linked. Shaking his head, half-laughing. "I believe she had scheduled that exit."
Sara produced a subdued noise, half a giggle, half a hesitant sigh. Though not the scared sort, her heart
was doing that bothersome flutter thing once more. Not entirely.
Leaning slightly, Benjamin elbows rested on the table. His voice fell off, softer now that just the two of
them were there. "Actually, I've been wanting to speak to you alone for some time. Never have I been
able to muster the nerve. You always appeared kind of unattainable.”
Sara head tilted, really astonished. “Me? Why?
He shrugged, yet his eyes stayed warm. "Because you're gentle. And humble as well. And brighter than
half of the students in our classes. I like being close to you. It is not complex.
Sara's chest flower was something soft and warm. At last, someone wasn't staring at her as though she
was the only pretty girl who stayed alone. He saw the rest of her. She did not attempt to conceal her
flushing cheeks.
“So,” he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck, “What are you up to this weekend?”
"Not much," she replied in a voice more constant than she anticipated. “I guess I'm simply
catching up on some reading."
Hoping, Benjamin grinned wider. "Shall we go elsewhere?" Whatever you sense, coffee and a stroll
about town… No pressure.
Sara stopped. That ancient fear flickered in the back of her mind — that little voice murmuring what if
— but it did not scream as it had formerly. She looked into his eyes and said the truth.
"Maybe. I want a little time to ponder over it. Is that acceptable?
He said softly, more than okay. No pressure, no letdown. Simply patience. "Take all the time you need."
He stood up, slung his bag over his shoulder, and walked with her all the way to her next class
discussing nothing of significance: the weather, how the cafeteria fries somehow always tasted better
Tuesdays. He gave her a brief wave when they arrived at her apartment and went off without causing it
to be uncomfortable.
Sara's phone lit up that evening as she was elbows deep in an assignment, highlighter in hand. She didn't
even need to look at the screen. Only one person called this late. Sophie didn't even wait for a hello.
“So? Spill! Did he admit it? Did he drop to one knee? Wedding time is now. Are we traveling on
a tropical honeymoon or anything?
Sara barely choked on her water. “Soph, have you lost your mind?”
Sophie's laughter blotted through the phone, brilliant and without apology. Come along! From week
one, he has been in terrible circumstances for you. He literally pleaded with me to enable him to get a
private moment with you. Let me hear the story.
Sara straightened up in her chair, laughing against her own will. “It was not that spectacular. We only
had a conversation. He inquired about my plans for this weekend and… he proposed we go out
some where."
“And?”
"I informed him I would consider it.” Sophie gasped dramatically. "The narrative starts! This is
very large, Sara. You make me proud enough to sob."
"Thanks," Sara muttered, meaning it. "I'm still figuring it out, but... it felt good. not spooky
“That’s all I needed to hear.” Once again, Sophie's voice became mocking. “Alright, I have to run;
tonight is my big date with John. Don't hang up too late ruminating, okay?"
"Uh-huh. Sara laughed and said, "Have fun."
"Regular meet-up, don't make it weird!" Sophie insisted, then hung up with a quick "Love you!"
Staring at her unfinished notes, Sara set the phone down. Her breast seemed lighter than it had in many
years. Still there in the corner, the terror wasn't guiding the show any longer.
The first time, she wondered what would happen if she said yes.
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