Kansas Story
by Grace
Chapter 1 - 10
********************
KANSAS STORY
Preface
Few words of explanation: The story starts in October 1996. Meg is still engaged to Tim, and Ben is married to Maria, who hasn't died in a boating accident, cause as we all know, in Sunset Beach everything is possible. Sara is conquering Washington.Anyway, since as you know from the title that the story is going to take place in Kansas, I added a few characters that did not appear in SB. All of them are Meg and Tim's friends whom they have known since high school years. These are: siblings Ashley and Ryan Williams, Jessica Mansfield and Matt Roberts. I hope that you will like the new characters and that you will enjoy the story ;-))))
Inscription
The story is dedicated to all the wonderful, talented fan fiction writers - it is thanks to you and your wonderful stories that I survived this horrible time after Sunset Beach's cancellation. If it hadn't been for you, I don't know if I would have made it. To all of you who were or most of all ARE still writing - THANK YOU!!! Thank you for writing and keeping the Legend alive!!! Please, keep up your great job, I love it! Oh and one word to those who have never tried to write - it really helps to get through life without SB. Besides by writing fan fiction we can have Ben and Meg (as Joanna once pointed on her site): "Not the way TPTB said it, but the way WE want it". Isn't that right?
Prologue
There's a secret path I follow
To a place no one can find
When I meet my perfect someone
I've kept hidden in my mind
Where my heart makes my decisions
Till my dream becomes a vision
And the love I feel
Makes him real somebody
Cause I know he's out there somewhere
Just beyond my reach
Though I've never really touched him
Or ever heard him speak
Though we've never been together
We've never been apart
No, we've never meet
But I know him by heart
Am I living in illusion?
Wanting someone I can't see
If I compromise, I'd be living lies
Pretending lot's not meant to be
Cause I know my heart's worth saving
All I know that he'll be waiting
So I'll hold on and stay strong till then
Cause I know he's out there somewhere
Just beyond my reach
Though I've never really touched him
Or ever heard him speak
Though we've never been together
We've never been apart
No, we've never meet
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart
No, we've never meet
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart
(Vonda Shepard - "I know him by heart)
Chapter 1 - Missing The Soul Mate
October 4, 1996 - Ludlow, Kansas, Buckaroo
Meg looks at the empty glasses on the table. Her fiance Tim and his friends - Ryan and Matt have drunk a few beers and now they play billiards. Meg lifts her head up and sees meaningful sights of her friends, Ashley, Jessica and Connie.
Jessica: Looks like boys are having a great time.
Meg: I guess so.
Ashley: Haven't they drunk a little bit too much?
Jessica (looking at Ryan): Your brother sure has.
Ashley (sighing): I know. Sometimes he behaves like a stupid teenager.
Connie: Not only him. Just look at all three of them, they are like boys from high school or even worse.
Ashley: Maybe. but generally they are pretty OK, aren't they?
Jessica: I guess you're right.
Ashley: Oh come on Jess, you have been with Matt for almost a year, you must be putting up with him somehow.
Jessica (smiling): I guess I am. He is really an amazing guy. he just sometimes needs a little freedom.
Ashley: Exactly. And look at you, Meg. You are already engaged to Tim!
Meg (nearly disgusted): Don't remind me.
Connie: Why, what's with you, Meg? Is there anything wrong between you and Tim?
Meg: No, everything is fine.
Ashley: Then why do you have such sad eyes every time you talk about him? What's going on?
Meg: Nothing is going on.
Jessica: Oh come on, Meg. You don't look like a woman happily in love. You should be laughing, jumping out of joy. You don't do that. Why?
Meg: Because I don't feel like doing it, OK?
Ashley: But why? You should have seen Jessica every time Matt is around. she is so cheerful, so happy. you don't behave like that when you're with Tim.
Connie: Meg, is there anything you're not telling us?
Meg: No, of course not, it's just that..
Connie: What?
Meg: I'm not sure if Tim is the one.
Ashley: What do you mean YOU'RE NOT SURE? Come on Meg, you have known each other your entire life, you have been together for ages. Of course he's the one.
Meg: I don't know... It just doesn't feel like the great love, you know - the one that happens only once in a life time.
Jessica: What do you mean?
Meg: I don't know myself. It's just that sometimes I feel like there is so much more I'd like to have in a relationship and I just don't seem to find it with Tim. And I don't seem to give in to him completely, if you know what I mean.
Connie: No, we don't.
Meg: I just can't open up for him. I can't give my heart to him. I just can't.
Connie (standing up): Listen, guys, I promised my parents to help them tonight, so I've gotta be going. I'll give you a call.
Meg: Sure. Bye.
Connie walks away.
Ashley: So, what's up with you and Tim? Is it really that bad?
Meg: I don't know. I just can't confide in him. Not the way I.
Jessica (cutting Meg short): Not the way you do it with this whole SB or whoever he is.
Meg: SB. He is so different. so romantic. so understanding. and so funny. I don't know. There is something about him. It feels like he was the one perfect for me.
Ashley (looking meaningfully at Meg): Meg, you're not saying that you prefer that cyber-guy to Tim?
Meg: Ash, that's exactly what I AM saying.
Jessica (sighs): Oh Gosh.
Ashley: Speaking of Tim, I can't see him anywhere. Where is he?
Meg: I don't know and I don't care.
***
October 4, Ludlow, Kansas, Tim's house
Tim and Connie are lying on bed kissing.
Connie (laughs): I can't believe that Meg hasn't found out about us yet.
Tim: Yeah, that's unbelievable!
Connie: God, she is SOOO stupid!
Tim: Hey, hey, hey. She is going to be my wife soon.
Connie: Sorry, I forgot that you're marrying this.
Tim: No more word about her, OK? Besides, she is your friend and it's not nice to say mean things about your friends, is it?
Connie: I guess not.
Connie starts laughing again and they continue to kiss.
Chapter 2 - The Lost Soul
October 5, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Maria Evans tries her new night dress which is made up mostly of the air, but that's the reason Maria bought it in the first place - she wanted to impress her husband Ben. She puts the night dress on and waits for Ben to come upstairs.
Maria: Ben, sweetie, what's taking you so long?
Ben (bored): I'm coming, Maria.
He walks upstairs and sees Maria in her new night dress.
Maria: And? How do I look?
Ben: Fine, fine.
Maria: That's it? Just fine?
Ben: Maria.
Maria: Oh, come on Ben, you could find more sophisticated words to describe it.
Ben: I'm sorry, Maria. I had a hard day. There were problems in the Liberty Corporation and we don't have enough waiters at the Deep.
Maria: Ben, it's evening, that's not the time to think about those things.
Ben: Then what shall I think about?
Maria: Me.
Ben: Maria, please.
Maria: Oh, I see that I need to do something to make your bad mood disappear.
Ben: Like what?
Maria: Like this.
Maria takes off her night dress and walks closer to Ben.
Maria: Is that better?
She kisses Ben and starts unbuttoning his shirt.
Maria: Make love to me Ben.
Ben: Maria, please, stop.
He edges away.
Maria: Ben, what's wrong?
Ben: Nothing, I'm just not in a mood for that.
Maria: You haven't been IN MOOD for ages. What's going on, Ben?
Ben: Nothing, just leave me alone!
Maria: Ben.
Ben: Just get dressed.
Maria looks angrily at Ben, grabs her clothes and runs out of the room. Ben sighs and sits on the bed. He looks at his laptop with yearning eyes. He never realized that there was so much missing in his life. until he meet her.
Ben (to himself): Oh, Dorothy, if you only knew.
Chapter 3 - Finding The Way Out
October 6, Sunset Beach, California, Liberty Corporation - Ben Evans' office
Gregory: Madison Enterprises have decided to sign the contract with us.
Ben: That's great. That means that we can start building the coast resorts this winter.
Gregory: Exactly. And if it everything goes well, they will be finished in a year.
Ben: Finally. I mean, we have been waiting for this contract for so long.
Gregory: Yeah, I'm glad that they have finally made up their minds. We really needed this contract.
Ben: Yes we did.
Gregory (looking meaningfully at Ben): And you look like if you needed a good therapist.
Ben: What makes you say so?
Gregory: You look so far away. I haven't seen you with your wife anywhere for ages. Is everything fine between you and Maria?
Ben: Everything is fine between us.
Gregory: Are you sure?
Ben: Yes, I'm sure. I was just busy with the Deep and Java Web.
Gregory: Are you sure that it's only about this?
Ben: Of course. What else would that be about?
Gregory: I don't know. I just feel that there is something going on with you and I don't know what it is.
Ben: I assure you that there is nothing going on with me.
Gregory: Ben, I am your friend and you know that you can talk to me about anything.
Ben: I know, Gregory, but I have nothing to say.
Gregory: All right then, but let my just give you a piece of advice - if there is anything wrong going on between you and Maria, then go away for a few days together. You know - just the two of us. It can do really good to both of you.
Ben: Thanks for your advice, I'll think about it.
Gregory: OK. Listen, I still have a few calls to make, so I'll talk to you later.
Ben: Sure.
Gregory: Bye.
Ben: Bye.
Gregory leaves.
Ben (to himself): I'm sorry Gregory, but Maria and I don't feel like going anywhere (thinks for a while) Or maybe we do. or at least I do.
Ben puts up the earphone and dials the number to the airport.
The woman: Sunset Beach airport. How can I help you?
Ben: I'd like to book the first flight to Kansas City, when is it?
The woman: The first flight is in two hours, at eleven o'clock.
Ben: Perfect. Can you please book a ticket for me?
The woman: Sure. What is your name?
Ben: Ben Evans.
The woman: Do you want the ticket to be sent to you?
Ben: No, I'll take it at the airport.
The woman: OK.
Ben: Thank you.
He hangs up and sighs. The only thing he knows about Dorothy is that she lives in Ludlow, but he has a feeling that this is enough to find her.
Ben (to himself): Dorothy, I don't know who you are or where you are and I'm sorry if I mess up with your life by my arrival, but I just have to do this. I have to.
Chapter 4 - Goodbye California
October 6, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Maria walks in the room and sees that Ben is packing his things.
Maria: Ben, what are you doing?
Ben: I'm packing.
Maria: I can see that, but why?
Ben: I'm going away for a few days.
Maria: Why? What happened?
Ben: Nothing happened, just a business trip.
Maria: Liberty Corporation?
Ben: No, I've got some important things to take care of concerning the Deepand Java Web.
Maria: Any problems?
Ben: No, no, no problems, just a few issues I need to have settled.
Maria: OK, but where are you going - Santa Barbara, San Fransisco.
Ben: Actually it's Kansas.
Maria: Excuse me?
Ben: Kansas. That's one of the states in our country.
Maria: You know what I meant.Why Kansas? It's so far away.
Ben: Yeah, I know, but I have a few things to take care of.
Maria (confused): Well, then go.
They hear the doorbell.
Maria: I'll get that.
Maria walks down the stairs and opens the door. It's Annie.
Annie: Hey you.
Maria: Hi Annie.
They hug.
Annie: Listen, I'm kind of a little bit alone right now. Aunt Bette is working. Anyway, I was just wondering if you and Ben could join me for lunch.
Maria: I'm afraid that's not possible.
Annie: Why? (sees Ben) Oh, you're going away. You're eloping. Oh, that is so sweet!
Maria: Actually Annie, Ben is going alone.
Annie: Alone?
Maria: Yes, it's a kind of business trip.
Annie (turns to Ben): Gregory is giving you a hard time, huh?
Ben: Not exactly. This trip is not about the Liberty Corporation. It's about the Deep and Java Web.
Annie: Well, then good luck I guess (she turns to Maria) But you can still come with me, right?
Maria (smiles): Absolutely.
Ben: I think I should go. My flight is in half an hour. Bye.
Maria: Bye.
She kisses him passionately, but he doesn't return the kiss. He hugs Annie and leaves.
Ben (thinks): Why did I lie to Maria? Why didn't I tell her the truth - that I just need some time alone. She wouldn't understand. she wouldn't.
Chapter 5 - Hello Kansas
October 6, plane to Kansas
Voice: Ladies and gentleman, please fasten your seatbelts. We're gonna be landing in Kansas City any minute.
Ben smiles. He gathers his things and put them into his briefcase. Soon, the plane touches the grund.
Voice: We have landed in Kansas City. Please take your luggage. Thank you for flying with us.
Ben takes the briefcase and walks to get his suitcase. He takes his luggageand walks to one of the ticket offices.
Ben: Excuse me, I'd like to rent a car, is this possible around here?
The woman: Sure, you can rent a car just round the corner (she shows him the direction) Over there.
Ben: Thank you. Oh, and one more thing - I'd like to get to Ludlow, do you know where it is?
The woman: It's not very far away from here, but I suggest buying a map since you're not from Kansas. because you are not, are you?
Ben: No, I'm not, I'm from California.
The woman: Oh, California. I've been there once, Los Angeles is really beautiful.
Ben (smiles): I think so too.
The woman: Have a nice stay in Kansas.
Ben: Thanks.
Ben walks away. He goes to the airport shop and buys a map of Kansas state.Then he goes to rent the car.
Ben: Good afternoon.
The man: Good afternoon, how can I help you?
Ben: I'd like to rent a car.
The man: This is everything we have available right now (he shows Ben the cars) You can choose whatever you want.
Ben: I think I'll choose this one (Ben points the white BMW) I like it.
The man: Sure. How long do you want to rent it for?
Ben: I don't know. A week maybe. or two. I will pay for two weeks right away.
The man: That's great.
The man walks to his desk and writes a note.
The man (handing Ben the note): Please, sign here.
Ben: Sure.
He signs the papers and gives the man his credit card. The man puts it ontothe machine and when he is done, he gives Ben another note to sign. When Ben signs it, the man gives him the keys.
The man: Here you go, Mr. Evans.
Ben: Thank you.
Ben takes the keys and gets in the car. He looks at the map he has just bought.
Ben (thinks): All right, the road 17 A, then 3 B and then straight to Ludlow. OK, off we go.
Ben starts the car and sets off.
Ben (smiles): Ludlow, get ready.
The journey lasts about two hours. With relief Ben sees the sign 'Welcome to Ludlow'. He smiles and starts to look for a place to stay. After a few minutes he sees a kind of motel. He stops the car and walks inside. Nice looking, blonde woman welcomes him.
The woman: Hello stranger, how can I help you?
Ben (blushing): Hi, I'm looking for a place to stay.
The woman (smiles): Then you are in the right place.
Ben: I'm glad.
The woman: How long will you be staying?
Ben: I don't know. Maybe a week or two.
The woman: Do you want a single room or.
Ben: Single please.
The woman: All right. What's your name?
Ben: Ben Evans.
The woman: Ben... that's a nice name.
Ben (blushes again): Thanks.
The woman (handing Ben the key): Here you go. Room number 15.
Ben: Thank you very much. Where do I need to sign?
The woman (showing him the note): Here.
Ben signs.
Ben: Shall I pay now or later?
The woman: That's your choice.
Ben: Then I'll pay later. I don't know exactly how long I'll be staying.
The woman: Sure. Have a nice stay, Mr. Evans.
Ben: Thank you.
The woman: Oh, and by the way - I'm Linda.
Ben: Please, call me Ben in that case.
Linda (smiling): With great pleasure.
Ben: Oh, and one more thing - is there any place I can eat something?
Linda: There is a local pub just round the corner. It's called Buckaroo, you can eat there.
Ben: Thanks. I'll check it out. Bye.
Linda: Bye.
Ben takes his luggage from the car and goes to his room. He unpacks his things and looks at his watch. It's eleven o'clock.
Ben (thinks): Let's see if nights here in Kansas are as beautiful as those in California.
He smiles and leaves his room.
Chapter 6 - For The First Time
October 6, Ludlow, Kansas, Buckaroo
Meg: It's pretty late and I'm kind of tired. I think I will go home now.
Ashley: But the boys are still playing billiards. Who's going to walk you home?
Meg: I'll ask Tim to stop the game for a few minutes.
Jessica: I think he can do that for his fiance.
Meg: Who knows.
Meg comes closer to Tim, Matt and Ryan.
Meg: Tim, I would like to go home now.
Tim: Now? We haven't finished the game.
Matt: Come on Tim, she's your fiancé.
Tim (sighs): All right, all right.
Meg (seeing Tim's face): Or you know what - on second thought - don't bother, I'll be fine on my own.
Tim: Meg.
Meg: Just stay here, I'll be OK.
She comes to the table and takes her things.
Ashley: So, is Tim going with you?
Meg: I told him not to.
Ashley: What?
Meg: I figured that I needed some time alone to think.
Jessica: Are you sure? Don't you want at least us to walk you home?
Meg: No, thanks, I'll be fine. Bye.
Meg rushes out of Buckaroo. She starts walking towards her home. When she is a little away from Buckaroo, she sees a guy coming from behind the trees.He looks like if he has been drinking. Meg gets scared. The guy comes closer to her.
The guy: What is such a beautiful lady doing here all alone?
Meg: I'm going home.
Meg speeds up. The guy catches her arm.
The guy (laughing): Home? Why don't we go to my place and have some fun?
Meg: Why don't you leave me alone?
The guy: Leave you alone? I don't think so.
He pulls her closer. She tries to pull away, but he is too strong.
Meg (with tears in her eyes): Please, let me go.
The guy: I will. As soon as we have some fun.
Meg (crying): No.
The guy: Yes.
He smiles ominously and starts to kiss Meg. He does it harder and hared every minute. Meg desperately tries to pull away.
Meg: Let me go, do you hear me??!!! Let go of me!!!!
The guy doesn't respond, he only starts to kiss Meg even harder. He makes her lay on the ground and rips off her clothes.
Meg (screams): Help me!!! Somebody, please, help me!!!
The guy: Don't bother, no one will hear you.
Meg (cries as she feels the guy's tongue on her nearly naked breasts): Please don't hurt me!!!
The guy: I won't hurt you, it's going to be fun.
Meg: No, leave me alone!!!!
The voice from behind the trees: You heard what the lady said, let go of her you bastard!!!
The man comes out. He runs to Meg and pulls the guy away from her. The guy tries to struggle, but he is too drunk to face the stranger. The stranger hits him and they guy falls on the ground. He stands up and gets away.
The stranger: I'll get you, bastard!!! One way or another!!! (turns to Meg)Lady, are you OK?
Meg (trying to put her clothes in the right place): I'm fine, I think.
The stranger: Did he hurt you?
Meg (cries): No. He tried, but you saved me. Thank you.
Meg suddenly wraps her arms around the stranger's neck and he hold her close.
The stranger (with soothing voice): Hey, it's OK, it's OK, he is not going to hurt you.
Meg (standing up): I need to go home.
The stranger: Let me walk you. This guy may be somewhere around.
Meg: And why should I let you walk me home? How am I supposed to know that you're not some kind of a psycho too?
The stranger: You just have to trust me.
Meg (looking into the stranger's eyes): I do.
The stranger: Good.
Meg: You are my hero.
He wraps his arms around her waist and helps her to walk.
The stranger: Oh, and by the way - I'm Ben Evans.
Meg: I'm Meg.
For some reasons she doesn't say her surname, and for some reasons he doesn't ask for it.
Ben: It's nice to meet you, Meg. It's a pity we meet under such circumstances.
Meg (sighs): Yeah. And it's nice to meet you too, Ben.
He smiles and they continue walking. Soon they reach Meg's house. Meg enters home and Ben enters after her.
Joan (seeing Meg): Oh my God, sweetheart, what happened?
Meg: Nothing. Some guy attacked me and this man here (she points Ben) saved me.
Joan: Are you sure you're OK? (Joan touches Meg's face) Oh my God, is this blood?
Meg: It's really nothing, mom..
Hank (coming into the room): What is nothing, sweetheart? (he sees Meg) Oh my god, Meg, what happened to you?
Meg: Nothing, daddy. (points Ben again) Thanks to him. He saved me.
Meg smiles and Hank turns to Ben.
Hank: Thank you.
Ben: It's nothing. I'm glad that your daughter is OK. I think I should be going. Bye, Meg. Goodnight.
Meg: Goodnight, Ben.
Ben leaves.
Joan: Meg, are you sure it's nothing?
Meg: Yes, mom, I'm sure. I just need to get some sleep.
Hank: Since this man saved you, then where the hell was Tim?
Meg: He was at the Buckaroo.
Hank: He let you go home alone this late?
Meg: I didn't want him to walk me home, OK? I'm going to my room. Goodnight.
Meg walks to her room, sits on the bed and remembers what happened. She can't believe what might have happened if Ben hadn't saved her. She remembers how he held her in his arms, saying that it's going to be fine. She remembers his eyes when she first looked at him.
Meg (confused): What the hell.
She goes to the bathroom and takes off the dirty clothes.
Chapter 7 - When The Morning Comes
October 7, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Meg comes downstairs. Joan and Hank are bustling in the kitchen.
Joan: Good morning, sweetheart.
Meg: Good morning.
Joan: The breakfast will be ready any minute.
Meg: Thanks.
Meg sits at the table and at the same time the doorbell rings.
Meg: I'll get that.
She walks to the door and opens it. She is surprised to see Ben at her doorstep.
Meg: Hi, what are you doing here?
Ben: I was wondering..
Hank (coming to the door): Meg, who's there?
Meg: It's Ben.
Hank: Ben? Ben who? (he sees Ben) Oh, it's you... But what are you doing here anyway?
Ben: I just came by to see how your daughter was doing.
Hank: Well, you saw her, she is fine. You can go now.
Meg: Dad!!!
Hank: What?
Meg: Don't be so rude (turns to Ben) Come in.
Ben comes in.
Meg: We'll be in my room. I'll eat later.
Joan: OK.
Meg (to Ben): Come on.
She leads him to her room and tells him to sit down. She does the same.
Ben (feeling a little bit awkward): As I told your father, I just came by to see how you were feeling. I mean, this guy could have hurt you yesterday.
Meg: He could have, but thanks to you he didn't. What were you doing there anyway?
Ben: I was just taking a walk.
Meg: A walk? (laughs) Kansas boys don't go for a walks.
Ben: I'm not from Kansas.
Meg: You're not?
Ben: No, actually I'm from California.
Meg: California, wow! I've always wanted to go to California. I know someone there.
Ben: You've got a friend in California?
Meg: Well, you can say that. But what are you doing in Kansas?
Ben: Nothing special, I'm just on a little get away from home. I needed some time for myself to think everything over.
Meg: Oh, I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I feel that I'm stuck here in Ludlow, Kansas and have absolutely no way to get away from here.
Ben (laughs): I just bought a ticket and off we go.
Meg: I know that it's not so difficult, but I just wasn't ready to do anything like this. Besides I really like Ludlow. Do you?
Ben: Actually I don't know. I haven't seen much. I arrived yesterday.
Meg: You're from California.
Ben Yeah.
Meg: Then why Kansas?
Ben: I don't know. Maybe it's fate.
Meg: Fate?
Ben: Yes. Something tells me that someone needs me here.
Meg: Needs you? You're some kind of a weirdo or what?
Ben: Call it what you want. I just have this strange feeling.
Joan (calling from the kitchen): Meg, your tea is getting cold!!!
Meg: I'm coming, mom. (turns to Ben) I'm beginning to be hungry right now. I will go to eat the breakfast.
Ben: Sure. I have some things to take care of anyway.
Meg: OK.
Meg walks Ben to the door.
Meg: It was nice for you to come by.
Ben (smiles): The pleasure was all mine. Maybe we will meet again. someday.
Meg: Yeah. maybe.
Ben: Bye.
Meg: Bye.
Ben leaves Cummings' house.
Hank (harsh): What did he want?
Meg: Dad, you didn't have to be so rude. He just came by because he was worried about me.
Hank: Worried about you?
Meg: Yes - WORRIED.
Hank: Is that everything he wanted?
Meg: Dad!!!
Joan: Hank, don't be so mean.
Hank: All right, all right, I'm sorry. I guess I should be thankful to that guy for saving your life and who knows what else.
Meg: That's right - YOU SHOULD!
Chapter 8 - Fiance
October 7, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Ashley (coming into Meg's room): Meg, we came as soon as we found out what happened.
Meg: Hi you.
Ashley, Jessica and Ryan come into Meg's room.
Jessica: Are you OK?
Meg: I'm fine now.
Ryan: Your dad said that there was some guy who saved you.
Meg: Yes - Ben. He even came this morning to check up on me.
Ashley: He did?
Meg: Yeah.
Jessica: That's nice of him.
Meg: You don't even know how nice.
Ashley: What do you mean?
Meg (confused): Nothing. I don't mean anything.
***
October 7, Ludlow, Kansas, Tim's house
Tim and Connie are lying in bed after making love.
Connie: Tim, what are you thinking about?
Tim: You.
Connie (laughing): Aren't you supposed to be thinking about your fiancé?
Tim: Do I have one?
He smiles and starts kissing Connie. The phone rings. Tim answers.
Tim: Tim Truman.
Hank: Hi Tim, it's Mr. Cummings.
Tim: Oh, hi Mr. Cummings. What's up?
Hank: What's up? You tell me what's up!!! How could you let Meg come home alone at night yesterday??!!!
Tim: She didn't want me to walk her home.
Hank: Don't you know that you're not supposed to let a lady stay out alone at night? Do you know that Meg was attacked by some psycho who.
Tim (shocked): What?
Hank: Yes, she was attacked by some guy and if it wasn't for Ben.
Tim: What Ben? Doesn't matter. Is she OK?
Hank: She is fine.
Tim: I'm on my way.
Tim hangs up.
Connie: On your way where?
Tim: To Cummings' place.
Connie: Cummings' place? Why? What happened?
Tim (going out of bed and starting to get dressed): I need to see Meg.
He finishes getting dressed and kisses Connie.
Tim: Bye, I'll call you.
He rushes out of the house and heads towards Cummings' farm. When he reaches it, he enters the house without even ringing the bell. He rushes into Meg's room and sees her talking to Ashley, Jessica and Ryan.
Tim: Meg, I heard what happened and I came as soon as I could.
Meg: You shouldn't have bothered.
Tim: Are you OK?
Meg: I'm fine.
Tim: Who's this whole Ben?
Meg: He's the guy who saved my life.
Tim: You sound as if he was some kind of a hero.
Meg: He is. What we unfortunately can't say about you.
Chapter 9 - Talk In The Bar
October 9, Ludlow, Kansas, Buckaroo
Meg looks at Tim playing the billiards and sighs.
Meg (thinks): God, Tim, why did I agree to marry you? Why?
Connie: Meg, what are you thinking about?
Meg (confused): Nothing, nothing. I was just.
Ashley: Thinking about SB?
Meg (more and more confused): No, no.
Jessica: All right, all right, leave her alone. Let's go and play billiards with boys.
Ashley: I'm in.
Connie: Me too.
Jessica: What about you, Meg?
Meg: I don't feel like playing billiards. You go and I'll just sit here.
Jessica: Are you sure?
Meg: Yeah, I think I need some time alone.
Jessica: OK.
Ashley, Jessica and Connie walk away and start playing billiards with Tim, Matt and Ryan. Meg starts thinking about the mysterious Ben who saved her life. She doesn't know why, but she keeps having flashbacks of him all the time - how he held her yesterday, how he came to check up on her, how he was smiling. She has no idea what's going on with her. Suddenly she notices Ben entering the Buckaroo. He notices her too. He sees that she sits alone so he walks closer.
Ben: What are you doing here alone?
Meg: Nothing, I'm doing some thinking.
Ben (smiles): Thinking?
Meg: Yeah, THINKING.
Ben: Do you mind if I join you? (looks at her and smiles) I heard that doing thinking together may be great.
Meg (laughs): I haven't heard that. but sure, join me if you want.
Ben: What do you want to drink?
Meg (lost in Ben's eyes): What?
Ben (laughing): I asked what you wanted to drink.
Meg (confused): Oh, I'll take orange juice.
Ben: OK, I'll be right back.
Ben walks away and after a minute he comes back with orange juice and a beer.
Ben (placing the juice in front of Meg): Here you go.
Meg: Thanks.
Ben (looking around): So, is this where young people from Ludlow meet?
Meg: Kind of. It's more like some kind of a country club, I'm sure you don't have many of those in California.
Ben: No, actually we don't.
Meg: Well, here they are quite common. I'm sure you have all those posh clubs in California and places like this.
Ben: Not necessarily. We have those too, but we also have ordinary clubs or pubs.
Meg: Well, it depends what you mean by ORDINARY. For me THIS is ordinary. (laughs) I'm sure you're not used to places like this.
Ben: Actually, I like it here.
Meg: You do?
Ben: Yes, I do. It's so much different from typical Californian clubs. I guess I needed some kind of a change. It's really cosy in here.
Meg: Well, I have been coming in here for ages. I don't even remember the times when we weren't all meeting in Buckaroo after school or work. It's kind of daily routine.
Ben (a little ironic): Is coming home alone at night also a daily routine?
Meg: No, it's not.
Ben: Then what were you doing there alone yesterday?
Meg: I just wanted to be alone.
Ben: Your friends didn't want to walk you home?
Meg: They did, but I didn't want them to. As I told you, I just needed to be alone.
Ben: You could have been hurt. This guy was drunk.
Meg: I know, and I was so scared when he approached me. I though that he would really. well, you know.
Ben: I know, I know.
Meg: But you didn't let him. I don't know how I'm gonna be able to repay you.
Ben: Just smile a little bit more often. You seem to be so sad.
Meg: Sorry if I seemed like this, but I'm just having hard time deciding what to do with my life.
Ben: I see. Anyway, I would be really glad to see your smile.
Meg (smiles): I'll try.
Ben: That's better. A lot better
Chapter 10 - The Hand Of A Kansas Girl
October 9, Ludlow, Kansas, Buckaroo
Ben: Do you want another drink?
Meg (looks at two empty glasses and smiles): Third one? No, thank you, Ben.I don't even know why I agreed for the second one.
Ben: Hey, it was my pleasure to buy you a drink.
Meg (smiles again): I'm glad you think so.
Ben: I do. Oh, and it's really better when you're smiling.
Meg: Do you Californian smile so much?
Ben: I don't know, I'm not originally from California.
Meg: You're not?20
Ben: No, I'm from England.
Meg: England. Europe. I haven't been there, but I hope I'll see Europe someday.
Ben: I'm sure you will.
Meg: How do you know?
Ben: Because dreams come true for good people.
Meg: And how do you know that I'm good?
Ben: Isn't that obvious? One would have been a blind not to notice that.
Meg: Notice what?
Ben: I don't know. The way you talk. The way you smile. There's just something about you what tells people to believe that you're good.
Meg: And you believe that?
Ben: Of course I do.
Meg: And you're not saying this just to make me feel better?
Ben: No. I do want you to feel better, but that's not the reason I'm telling you this. I'm saying this because it's true.
Meg: Well, thank you. And you know what, there is something about your eyes too.
Ben: Really?
Meg: Yes, these are the bluest eyes I've ever seen. (Meg blushes) OK, I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. But I guess that my mouth don't shut. just like my hands didn't want to stop shaking when I was little. That's the reason I couldn't play the piano.
Ben (taking Meg's hand): Oh, I think that your hand is fine.
Meg: You think so?
Ben: Absolutely.
Ben smiles and doesn't let go of Meg's hand. They both feel the electricity between them. Matt looks at them and smiles.
Matt: Hey, Truman, you'd better keep your eyes on your fiancé, or someone is going to steal her from you.
Matt points at Ben holding Meg's hand and smiling. Tim gets angry and comes to the table.
Tim: Hey you, who do you think you are holding her hand like this?
Ben (standing up): And who the hell do you think you are talking to me like this?
Tim (harsh): I'm her fiancé.
Ben (surprised): Fiance?
Ben looks surprised at Meg and she nods confused.
Meg: Tim, please, just calm down.
Tim: Calm down? I won't calm down when I see some guy intruding my fiancé..
Meg: He wasn't intruding.
Tim (to Meg): And what the hell do you think you're doing? Drinking with a stranger like some kind of.
Ben: Hey, you'd better watch out of you're saying! Besides, if you are so damned concerned about your fiancé, then what was she doing the other day alone at night, huh?
Tim (hitting Ben): You bastard!!!!!!
Ben falls on the table and Meg gets frightened.
Meg: Tim, what the hell are you doing? (she walks closer to Ben) Are you OK?
Ben: I'm fine..
Tim: Just get out of here!
Ben: With pleasure!
Tim: And leave her the hell alone!!!
Ben: We'll see about that.
Ben heads towards the door.
Meg (grabbing Ben's hand): Ben, you don't have to go.
Ben (touching his bloody face): I think I do. I don't like to be in places where I'm not wanted.
He leaves.
Meg (thinks): But I DO want you here.
***
October 9, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Ben puts some ice on his face.
Ben (thinks): Nice fiancé she has. What is she doing with a guy like him?
Ben has a flashback of holding Meg's hand. He remembers the warmth he felt and the electricity between the two of them. He remembers her smiling face.
Ben (to himself): What the hell is going on with me?
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