Kansas Story
by Grace
Chapter 11 - 20
********************
Chapter 11 - Needs
October 10, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummins's house
Meg wakes up and remembers what happened yesterday in the Buckaroo. She can't believe that Tim behave they way he did. He had no right to treat Ben like this. Besides, she wasn't doing anything bad. She was just talking to him. Was she?
Meg (to herself): I need to see how Ben's doing. But how? I don't even know where he stays. (smiles) But then again I don't have many places to check.
She goes to the bathroom, washes herself, gets dressed and comes downstairs.
Joan: Honey, good that you're here, the breakfast is ready.
Meg: Thank you, mom, but I don't want to eat right now.
Meg heads towards the door.
Joan: Where are you going?
Meg: I need to take care of something.
Joan: What am I supposed to tell Tim when he calls?
Meg: Tell him the truth - that I'm gone and you have no idea where I am.
Joan: OK.
Meg: Bye.
Meg leaves. She goes straight to the motel.
Linda: Hi, Meg, what can I do for you?
Meg: Hi Linda. I'm looking for someone, I think he might be staying here....
Linda (smiles): He. OK, what's his name?
Meg: Ben Evans.
Linda (excited): Ben Evans? You know him?
Meg: Kind of.
Linda: He's a hot one, isn't he?
Meg (blushing): I've noticed. Anyway, does that mean that he is staying here?
Linda: Yes he is. Room number 15.
Meg (laughing): God, you didn't even have to check.
Linda: Meg, believe me, I do remember such things.
Meg: I know, I know. Thanks for help.
Meg smiles and walks inside the corridor. She finds room number 15. She knocks. She waits a while and finally Ben opens the door.
Ben (surprised but glad): Meg, what are you doing here?
Meg: I just came by to see how you were doing. I'm so sorry about Tim. Sometimes he does stupid things.
Ben (pointing his swollen jaw): Like this?
Meg: Yeah, like this. Looks really bad.
Ben: Do you wanna come in?
Meg: If you want me to.
Ben doesn't say a word, he only takes Meg hand and leads her inside the room. They sit on the bed. Meg one more time looks at Ben's face. She touches it.
Meg: That looks really bad. Does it hurt?
Ben: A little.
Meg: You know what - my grandmother showed me how to get rid of swell immediately.
Ben (smiling): Oh really? I think I could use that.
Meg: Actually, if you don't mind I can try that on you.
Ben: I'd appreciate it.
Meg smiles and goes to the bathroom. She prepares a compress and comes back to the room.
Meg: That should help.
Meg puts the compress on Ben's face.
Ben (thinking about her being there): It does.
Meg (still holding her hand on Ben's face): You should keep it for about fifteen minutes.
Ben: Thank you. for being here.
Ben looks deep into Meg's eyes. She suddenly lets go of the compress and it lands on the floor. Ben leans to kiss her, but Meg pulls away.
Meg (frightened of what she intended to do): I think I should go now.
Ben (confused as well): Yeah, maybe you should.
Meg: Yeah, I should.
Ben (standing up): Yeah.
Meg stands up and heads towards the door. She presses the handle. Suddenly she turns around, runs to Ben, wraps her hands around his neck and lets their lips meet in a long passionate kiss. She tastes the sweetness of Ben's lips and he does the same. When they finally pull away, Meg looks confused at Ben.
Meg: I'm sorry, I shouldn't have.
Ben: Oh yes, you should have.
He pulls her closer again and kisses her for the second time. At first she returns the kiss with passion, but then she finally pulls away.
Meg: No, Ben, I can't. We can't. It shouldn't have happened.
She rushes out of Ben's hotel room.
Chapter 12 - Stings Of Remorse
October 10, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Meg runs through the corridor as fast as she can. Linda is shocked to see Meg in such condition.
Linda: Meg, what happened?
Meg: Nothing, I just need to get out of here.
Linda looks at Meg surprised and Meg walks out of the motel. She stops for a moment to catch the breath.
Meg (to herself): Oh my God. Oh my God. What's going on with me. Why did I let that happen? I've known him for two days. Then why did I feel like he was so close to me? Why?
Meg doesn't answer her question. She goes home and walks into her bedroom. She collapses on the bed.
Meg: Oh Gosh, what's going on?
Meg hears a knock on the door.
Ashley: Hey, Meg, it's me and Jess.
Meg: Come in, guys.
Ashley and Jessica come in and notice the strange expression of Meg's face.
Jessica: Meg, what is going on with you?
Meg: I wish I knew that myself.
Jessica: What do you mean?
Meg: You don't wanna know.
Ashley: Yes we do. And why do you look like you have been running the whole morning?
Meg (sighs): Maybe because I was.
Ashley: Now I really don't get it. Meg, what happened?
Meg: You're not gonna believe that.
Jessica (looking at Meg meaningfully): We're not, if you don't tell us...
Meg: OK, OK, I'll tell you.
Ashley: We're listening.
They sit on the bed next to Meg.
Meg: Remember that guy, Ben. He saved me from that creep.
Ashley: Yes, what about him?
Meg: Well, he was the guy I was talking to yesterday in the Buckaroo.
Jessica: That gorgeous one who had close encounter with Tim's fist?
Meg (laughing): Yes, the same.
Jessica: And?
Meg: Well, he ran out of Buckaroo so quickly yesterday. I didn't know how he was and I was worried. Anyway I went to his hotel room this morning to see how he was doing. I didn't even know where he was staying.
Ashley (cutting Meg short): You didn't have much choice.
Meg: Exactly. So I went to the motel.
Jessica: I bet that Linda knew exactly who you were talking about.
The girls start to laugh as they know exactly what Jessica means, they all know Linda too well.
Meg (not being able to stop laughing): Yeah, she didn't even have to check which room he was staying in.
Ashley: She is unbelievable!!!
Jessica: She is. But what happened later, Meg?
Meg: Well, I went to his room. He invited me to come inside. Anyway, I saw that his jaw wasn't doing well, so I offered to make a compress for him. And so I made that compress and when I was putting it on his face I felt something.
Ashley: Felt what?
Meg: I don't know. I can't describe it. But apparently he felt it too, because he leaned to kiss me.
Jessica: You didn't let him, did you?
Meg: Actually I did.
Ashley and Jessica: WHAT???!!!
Meg: Well, first I pulled away, but then I just couldn't stop the fire inside of me and. actually I was the one who kissed him.
Ashley: Oh God.
Meg: But you know what - this was the most wonderful kiss in my entire life!!!
Jessica: Hello Meg, WAKE UP! You've known the guy for. how long - a day or two.
Meg: I know. but it was something I've never felt before. Like if there was something pushing me to straight into his arms. Some kind of interaction between us.
Ashley: Oh Gosh, Meg, do you have any idea what are you talking about?
Meg: I don't!
Jessica: You're engaged to Tim and you were kissing another guy... and you're saying that this was the most incredible kiss in your life.
Meg: I know! I know it should never have happened. But it did happen and I had no strength to stop this. And I didn't want to stop this. If he had tried to make me stay, believe me, I would have.
***
October 10, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Ben remembers the kiss with Meg and suddenly comes back to reality. It has been three days since he left Sunset Beach and he hasn't even contacted his wife. He dials the number.
Maria: Hello.
Ben: Hi, Maria, it's Ben.
Maria: Ben!!! Oh my God, I was so worried about you, why haven't you called?!
Ben (has a flashback of Meg): Oh, I had a lot on my mind.
Maria: I see. Is everything fine?
Ben: Yeah, it's OK.
Maria: When will you be coming home?
Ben: I don't know. I'll call you in a few day.
Maria: OK.
Ben: Bye.
He hangs up and thinks about that phone call. He is shocked to realized that the only reason he called was because he felt like he had to, and not because he wanted to
Chapter 13 - Facing IT Again
October 10, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Ben looks around the room as if hoping that Meg will be somewhere around. But she's not. Ben looks at his watch. It's seven o'clock.
Ben (thinks): Maybe I should go to the Buckaroo. Maybe she's there.
Suddenly he realized that Meg's purse is lying on the floor. She dropped it when she was running away.
Ben (smiles): I think I should give that back.
He leaves the room and rushes to Cummings' farm. He sees Joan and Hank outside.
Hank (sighs): It's you again. What are you doing here?
Ben: I came to give it back to Meg.
He points Meg's purse.
Hank: How did you get that?
Ben: She left it this morning in my hotel room.
Hank: In your hotel room? What the hell was she doing there?
Ben (remembering the kiss): Nothing. She just came by to check up on me.
Hank: Check up on you? And why the hell do you need checking up?
Joan: Hank, honey, stop giving this gentleman such a hard time. (turns to Ben) Please, go inside and give it back to Meg. She is in her room.
Ben: Thank you.
He goes inside and climbs the stairs to reach Meg's room. He knocks the door.
Meg (apparently expecting someone else): Come in, Ash.
Ben: Sorry to disappoint you.
Meg (jumping): Ben! What are you doing here?!
Ben: I came to bring you this.
He hands her her purse.
Meg: Oh, I haven't even noticed that I've lost it.
Ben: Yeah. When you were running.
Meg: I guess that's when it happened. Anyway, thanks for bringing it back.
Ben (smiling): My pleasure.
Meg (trying to gather her thoughts): Look, about what happened earlier in your room.
Ben: I know. It should never have happened.
Meg; Yeah, it shouldn't.
Ben: It shouldn't. It was a mistake.
Meg: Right, a mistake.
Ben: A big mistake.
Meg: Yeah, a very BIG mistake.
For a moment they look into each other's eyes and without even realizing it, they let their lips meet again in a long, passionate kiss.
Ben (when they finally pull away): Was that a mistake too?
Meg: I don't know, but if it was then God let me make such a mistakes for the rest of my life.
Meg pulls Ben closer and again they kiss. Their lips linger in a kiss for about half a minute, the kiss is beginning to be more and more passionate. Suddenly Hank enters Meg's room and he almost has a heart attack when he sees what he sees.
Hank (angry): What the hell is going on here???
Ben and Meg immediately pull away from each other.
Hank (to Ben): What the hell were you thinking by coming in here???
Ben: I was just.
Hank: You were just what?
Meg: Dad, I can explain.
Hank: There is nothing to explain. (turns to Ben) Get out of here! And I don't want to see you near my daughter! Understood???
Meg: Dad, you don't understand.
Hank: I understand perfectly. (he turns to Ben again) Do I need to repeat?
Ben: No, I'm going.
Meg: Ben, no, he can't through you out of here.
Hank: Oh yes I can!
Ben: There will be no need, I'm leaving.
Ben leaves Meg's room and at the same time Joan enters.
Joan: What is going on here? Hank, why were you shouting?
Hank: Why was I shouting? I'll tell you why I was shouting. Because this GENTLEMAN as you called him came in here and started attacking our daughter!
Joan: What do you mean ATTACKING?
Meg (screams): He wasn't attacking me!!!
Hank: You were kissing!!!
Meg: That's right - we were kissing!!! WEEE!!!
Hank: Meg, you're not saying that.
Meg; That's exactly what I am saying - we were kissing! I let him kiss me. No, I was the one who kissed him!
Joan: What?
Meg: I kissed him, OK?
Joan: No, it's not OK. You're engaged!
Meg: I know, but it just happened. And I couldn't stop it... I didn't want to stop it...
Joan: Meg.
Meg: Can you please leave me alone right now?
Hank: But sweetheart.
Meg: Please just leave.
Joan: OK, come on, Hank.
They leave Meg's room. Meg sits on the bed and touches her lips. She still feels Ben's touch.
Meg (sighs): Oh God, what is it about you Ben Evans that makes me feel this way. Who are you?
Chapter 14 - The Apology
October 11, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Meg: Dad, I can't believe that you treated Ben the way you did.
Hank: And how was I supposed to treat him? I see some strange guy kissing my daughter. Every father would react the same way.
Meg: Dad, I am a big girl and I can take care of myself.
Hank: I wouldn't be so sure.
Meg: Dad, I kissed him, OK? I wanted that kiss as much as he did, so you cannot blame him.
Hank: If you kissed him, then I think there are still some things you need to explain.
Meg: I know. but not now. I need to take care of something.
Hank: Take care of what?
Meg: Bye.
Meg rushes out of the house. She heads straight towards the motel. When she finds herself in front of Ben's room, she stops for a while, takes a deep breath and knocks.
Ben (from inside): Come in.
Meg comes in and sees Ben lying on the bed, reading the newspaper. His heart jumps when he sees her.
Ben: Meg, what are you doing here?
Meg: I just came to say that I'm sorry about what happened yesterday with dad. Sometimes he is just a little bit over protective.
Ben: If I had a daughter like you, I would be over protective too.
Meg: Does that mean that you're not angry with him?
Ben: How could I be angry with him? He did what he thought was right. He thought that I was attacking you.
Meg: But you were not and he had no right to treat you like this!
Ben: Just let it go, Meg, OK? It's not a big deal.
Meg: You really mean that, don't you?
Ben: Why would I lie about it?
Meg: I don't know. It's just that my father wasn't exactly nice to you.
Ben: Don't worry, I will survive that.
Meg: Good. Ben, we need to talk.
Ben: About what happened between us?
Meg: Yes. I mean, we've known each other only for a few days.
Ben (cuts her short): But you can't deny that something is going on here.
Meg: No, I can't. And that's what scares me.
Ben: Are you afraid of me?
Meg: No, I'm afraid of my feelings for you.
Ben: And what do you feel for me?
Meg: I don't know how to describe it. It's just that every time I'm close to you I get this strange feeling. As if we have known each other. from some where. I don't know what's that.
Ben: I don't know either. but I feel exactly the same way.
Meg: You do?
Ben: Yes, I feel as we have known each other for ages... Definitely longer than a few days.
Meg: That's right. And every time you're close to me.
Ben: You feel like nothing else matters.
Meg: Exactly.
Ben: Just you and me.
Meg: Yes.
Ben: The only people in the world.
Meg: How did you know?
Ben doesn't answer. He walks closer and kisses her. She can't stop blazing when she feels his tongue in her mouth. They fell on the bed and continue kissing. Suddenly Meg pulls away.
Meg: Oh my God, Ben, what are we doing?
Ben: What?
Meg: I'm engaged to Tim. I can't. I shouldn't. I shouldn't be here. I'm sorry. I have to go.
Ben: Meg, let's talk.
Meg: Ben, we can't talk. Every time we do, it ends like this. I can't let that happen.
Ben: You're right, we shouldn't.
Meg: It's not fair to Tim. I can't do this to him.
Ben: That's right, you can't.
Meg: I can't.
She takes her things and walks out of Ben's room. She runs straight at Linda, not even noticing her.
Linda: Meg. AGAIN. Is there something I should know?
Meg (upset): No, no, just leave me alone.
Meg storms out of the hotel, once again beating herself up for what has just happened.
Chapter 15 - Adios Tim!!!
October 14, Ludlow, Kansas, Tim's house
Tim: Oh, Connie, it is so wonderful to be with you.
Connie: It is so wonderful to be with you as well. I just can't understand why you're marrying Meg. She is not good for you.
Tim: I know, I know. But our parents have known each other for a long time,besides Meg's parents have the farm and money.
Connie: So, that's what it is about.
Tim: No, not only. but mainly.
Connie: What about Meg?
Tim: What do you mean?
Connie: Well, she is such a sweet, innocent girl. How will you be able to put up with a wife like her? You're not the kind of man to have a wife like Meg.
Tim: I know.
Connie: Don't worry, you will always have me.
Tim: That's what I'm hoping for.
They start to kiss.
***
October 14, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Meg sits on the bed and looks yearningly at her computer.
Meg (sighs): Oh SB, if you only knew.
She realizes that she hasn't got any news from SB for a few days.
Meg: Why haven't you been writing, SB? What's going on with you? (she thinks for a while) what is going on with me? First I long for this mysterious SB from the Internet and now I meet Ben. And I feel like he was. like if he was my soul mate. That's exactly what I felt about SB. but SB is just a cyber-friend and Ben is real. Yeah, he is real. And he is so close. What should I do? I can't lie to Tim, but I also can't deny my feelings for Ben. I'venever felt anything like this before. Is that really possible to fell in love from the first sight? (thinks for a while again) I don't know. But I doknow one thing - it's high time to talk to Tim.
She grabs her purse and walks out of the house. She goes to Tim's house and rings the doorbell. When Tim opens the door, Meg sees Connie sitting on Tim's bed.
Meg (surprised): Connie? What are you doing here?
Tim: She was just.
Connie: I was.
Tim: Connie wanted to have part for Matt. his birthday is next week. So she came by to tell me about it.
Meg: And couldn't she do it by calling?
Tim: She could, but.
Meg: OK, OK, nevermind... Anyway, Tim, I came here because I wanted to talk to you. (looks meaningfully at Connie) Alone.
Connie: OK, I was to go anyway. Bye, Tim, we'll talk about the party later.
Bye, Meg.Tim and Meg: Bye.
Tim: So, what did you want to talk to me about?
Meg: Tim. I did some thinking.. And believe me, it took me a long time to figure this out..
Tim: Figure what out, Meg?
Meg: Tim, I know that we have known each other for a long time. And that we have been together for a long time. And that there were times when we were really happy, but.
Tim: But what?
Meg: I think that I'm not ready to get married.
Tim: What do you mean YOU'RE NOT READY?
Meg: Actually, I'm not ready to marry YOU.
Tim: And what's that supposed to mean?
Meg: Believe me, Tim, it was really difficult, but I realized. I realized that I don't love you.
Tim: What?
Meg: Well, at least not in this sense of the word. I love you as a friend. Very much. But that's just not the kind of relationship I've always wanted to have. Don't get me wrong. You are a great guy and we were happy together. But I. I just don't want to marry you.
Tim: Are you saying that the wedding is called off? Meg, we were supposed to set the date, what the hell is wrong with you?
Meg: Tim, believe me, I don't know that myself right now. But I know that Ican't marry you. And I won't.
Tim (as always needs an explanation): Are you breaking up with me?
Meg: Yes, Tim, I am breaking up with you.
Tim: But why? Is there anyone else?
Meg: No.
Tim: Is this that guy from the Internet? Ashley mentioned him once or twice. Damn it, Meg, are you leaving me for some guy you have never even seen?
Meg: No, Tim, it's not like that. I just don't love you. I don't. I'm sorry.
She wipes the tears rolling on her cheek and storms out of Tim's house.
Tim: Meg, wait!!! Meg!!!
But she doesn't listen. She runs as fast as she can to get away of Tim.
Chapter 16 - Parents
October 14, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Meg enters the house and sits by the kitchen table. She pours herself a glass of milk, but she doesn't drink it. She just remains staring at it for a moment. That's how their parents see her.
Joan: Meg.
Silence.
Joan: Meg, sweetheart.
Silence again.
Joan (louder): Meg, what's wrong with you?
Meg (as if she has just been woken up from a long sleep): What? Oh, mom. I didn't see you.
Joan (laughs): You didn't hear me either.
Hank (concerned): Sweetheart, is everything OK?
Meg: Yes, it's fine. (starts crying) No, it's not, like hell it's not.
Joan: What do you mean?
Meg: What do I mean, huh? Suddenly, during just a few days my life has become a total mess. I fell in love.
Joan: What do you mean YOU FELL IN LOVE? You already were in love.
Meg: No, mom, I was not. I just thought I was.
Joan: What's that supposed to mean? You love Tim.
Meg: No, mom, I don't love Tim. I don't.
Joan: But you are engaged.
Meg: Not anymore.
Hank: What?
Meg: Exactly what you heard - Tim and I are no longer engaged. I broke up with him.
Hank and Joan: What did you do?
Meg: I broke up with Tim today. I had to. I don't love him.
Joan: Honey, I don't get it. You and Tim were SO in love.
Meg: No, mom, we were not. Well, at least I wasn't. He was so close to me and I really thought that he was the one. But he's not.
Hank: And how do you know that?
Meg: I just feel it. I feel that Tim wouldn't give me everything I want to have in a relationship.
Hank: But Tim is a good boy.
Meg: I know, daddy, I know. But I just don't love him. Not the way you should love your husband. Not the way I always wanted to love someone. I can't love Tim this way.
Joan: Are you saying that there is someone else in your life?
Meg: Yes. No. I don't know. I wish I knew.
Joan: Who is he?
Meg: It's Ben.
Hank: What Ben? I don't know any Ben. Is he your friend from school?
Meg: No. God, it's sounds so crazy.
Joan: Why?
Meg: Because I'm talking about Ben Evans, the guy who saved me the other night.
Hank (shocked): Excuse me? But you've known him.
Meg: I know, I know, for a few days. But there is just something about him. I don't know if it's love, but every time I'm around him, everything is so different. I don't know how to describe it. I feel so attracted to him. When he looks at me with those beautiful eyes, I feel like I was gonna to explode. God, I don't know what's going on with me.
Joan: Oh Gosh, that sounds really serious.
Meg: This is serious, mom. And that's what scares me.
Chapter 17 - Falling In Love
October 15, Ludlow, Kansas, Tim's house
Tim goes to the kitchen and takes a bottle of beer from the fridge. He can't believe that Meg broke up with him. How could she? After all those years. She didn't even have any reason.
Tim: Damn you, Meg. You're not gonna get away from me just like that.
Tim goes to the bedroom and lies on the bed. The doorbell rings. Tim opens the door, it's Connie.
Connie (smiling): Hey, I came by to talk about the party for Matt.
She walks to Tim and starts kissing him passionately, but he pulls away.
Tim: Don't.
Connie: Tim, what's wrong with you?
Tim: Meg broke up with me.
Connie: What?
Tim: She came by yesterday just to tell me that it was over between us.
Connie (laughs): Looks like she's finally getting wiser.
Tim (angry): That's not funny!!!
Connie: OK, I'm sorry. I can't believe it.
Tim: I couldn't either. But she really broke up with me.
Connie: Do you know why?
Tim: She told me that she didn't love me and that she didn't want to have a relationship like this.
Connie: Damn it, what's going on with her?
Tim: I don't know, but I'm going to find out.
Connie: Later.
She comes closer to him and starts to kiss him. This time he doesn't object and soon he makes love to her, forgetting about the woman he claims to be in love with.
***
October 15, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Meg is standing in front of Ben's room not being sure whether she should come in. She hesitates for a while, but finally she knocks. She needs to tell Ben about Tim. Ben opens and doesn't hide his gladness that he sees her.
Ben: Hi Meg, come in.
Meg walks inside, still a little nervous.
Ben: So, what brings you here?
Meg: Something happened yesterday and I thought that you needed to know about it.
Ben: Me? Why?
Meg: Because it's because of you that I. I just wanted to tell you.
Ben: Tell me what?
Meg: I talked to Tim yesterday.
Ben: Tim? Who is Tim?
Meg: Right. Tim is my fiancé.
Ben: And why do I have to know about you talking to him?
Meg: Because I broke up with him.
Ben: What?
Meg: I broke up with Tim.
Ben: Why? Is it because of what happened between us? Meg, I didn't mean to. If you felt guilty about that kiss.
Meg: No, no it's not because of you or that kiss. Well, maybe partly yes. But I just wasn't happy with Tim. He wasn't the one.
Ben: But you didn't think that before we kissed, did you?
Meg: I think I did, I just didn't want to admit it because I was too afraid.
Ben: Of what?
Meg: I don't know. And maybe I wasn't afraid. Maybe I just needed to know for sure that I don't love Tim.
Ben: And now you know for sure?
Meg: Yes.
Ben: Because of what happened between us? Because of that kisses we shared?
Meg: Ben, we didn't just share those kisses. It was so much more. I just don't seem to find the right words to describe it. It was some kind of passion, but it was not just PASSION, it was more like.
Ben: The special bond. the connection.
Meg: Exactly. And I've never felt anything like this before.
Ben: Neither have I. I don't know what it is, Meg, but every time I look at you.
Meg: You feel like if we had known each other our entire life.
Ben: That's exactly what I feel.
Meg: Really?
Ben: Yes.
Meg: So, what do we do about it?
Ben: How about this?
He takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately. At first she is not sure if she's doing the right thing, but when she feels the warmth of Ben's lips on hers, she just has no choice but to give in and return the kisses. She feels that the whole world is spinning around her. She feels that she is so close to heaven that taking her hand up would be enough to reach it. When they finally pull away from each other to catch some breath, Meg looks at Ben scared, confused and excited at the same time.
Meg: Wow, that was.
Ben: Absolutely wonderful.
Meg: Even better. It was like reaching the stars. Oh God, Ben.
He doesn't say a word, just takes her in his arms again and lets her get lost in his kisses.
Meg: Ben.
Ben: What?
Meg: Ben, I think I'm falling in love with you.
Ben: That's good. Because I've already fallen in love with you.
He looks deep into her eyes, smiles and kisses her again.
Chapter 18 - Loosing The Man
October 18, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Maria sits on the coach and looks at the phone with yearning eyes. It has been nearly two weeks since Ben was gone, and he has called only once. Maria looks at her picture with Ben and wipes a tear rolling on her cheek. Suddenly the doorbell rings. Maria opens the door, it's Annie.
Annie (seeing Maria's face): Maria, what's wrong?
Maria (trying to hide that she has been crying): Nothing is wrong.
Annie: Are you trying to hide something from your friend?
Maria: No, why would I?
Annie: Come on, Maria. I know you too well, I can tell when something is wrong.
Maria: Annie.
Annie: So, are you gonna tell me or do you want me to get it out of you?
Maria: Annie, please.
Annie: So, how is it going to be?
Maria (finally giving up): OK, OK, I'll tell you. Come in.
Annie comes inside and they sit on the coach.
Annie (looking concerned at Maria): So, what is bothering you so much?
Maria (nearly crying): Annie, I think I'm loosing Ben.
Annie: What?
Maria: I think I'm loosing him.
Annie: Maria, that's ridiculous! Why would you say something like this?
Maria: Because it's true.
Annie: What are you talking about?
Maria: It's been going on for some time.
Annie: What?
Maria: Ben was different. He's changed. He stopped treating me the way he used to. He stopped looking at me the way he used to.
Annie: What do you mean?
Maria: It just wasn't the way it used to be when we first meet.
Annie: Maria, what are you saying?
Maria: I think that Ben stopped loving me.
Annie: What???!!! Maria, now that's ridiculous!!! Ben is crazy about you!
Maria: Maybe he was. But now. I wouldn't be so sure. I mean, he has been gone for two weeks and he called only once. once Annie. He used to call everyday when he was away. He used to tell me that he loves me and that he misses me. And now? He called to say that everything was fine.
Annie: I'm sure that he's extremely busy, and that's why he's not calling.
Maria: No, Annie, there is more to that. A lot more.
Annie: What do you mean?
Maria: I wish I knew. Look, Annie, there is something going on with Ben.
Maria sighs and looks at a picture of Ben, not even realizing how right she is. There is something going on with Ben.
***
Author's note: Actually Maria can't be loosing Ben since she never really had him, but... you know... she was his wife so he must have felt something for her... what doesn't exactly have to be called love, LOL.
Chapter 19 - Confessions
October 21, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Ashley: Meg, I still can't believe that you broke up with Tim.
Jessica: Yeah, you've been together for so long. I can't believe that you decided to leave him.
Connie: Neither can I. Meg, what's going on with you?
Meg: Nothing, I just don't love Tim and I don't wanna be with him. Is that enough?
Ashley: Actually not. Come on, Meg, we all know that there is something more to this.
Meg: And what would that be?
Ashley: We don't know. Why don't you tell us?
Meg: There is nothing to say.
Jessica: Is there? And what about Ben?
Meg: What about him?
Connie: What Ben? The one who saved you? Are you in love with him?
Meg: No. I just.
Jessica: Come on, you told us about your feelings for him. Is that because you broke up with Tim?
Meg: No. Yes. OK, so I broke up with Tim because of Ben! Happy??!!!
Ashley: Actually no!
Meg (a little bit angry): What else do you want to know?!
Ashley: For example. Do you love Ben?
Meg: Yes! No! Yes! God, yes, I do love him! I love Ben! I'm madly and passionately in love with a guy I have known for two weeks!!! (looks at her friends) Now, are you happy?!
Ashley, Jessica and Connie stare shocked at Meg, not being able to say a word.
Jessica: Oh my God!
Ashley: Meg, do you have any idea what you're saying?
Meg: Actually I do.
Jessica: Are you serious?
Meg: I've never been more serious in my entire life!!!
Connie: I think you owe an explanation to Tim.
Meg: I don't owe him anything.
Connie: He was your fiancé, you have to tell him how you feel about Ben.
Meg: Now, I don't. But I do have to tell someone else.
Ashley: Who?
Meg: Ben. I need to tell Ben.
Jessica: Are you out of your mind? What is he going to think?
Meg: I don't know, but I have to tell him.
Ashley: But Meg.
Meg: And don't stop me!
Meg takes her purse and runs out of the house, leaving Ashley, Jessica and Connie in shock. Meg goes to the motel and once again takes a deep breath when she stands in front of Ben's room. She knocks. Ben opens and immediately realizes that there is something wrong with Meg.
Ben: Meg, what happened?
Meg: Ben, I need to tell you something.
She comes in without waiting for an invitation. Ben closes the door.
Ben: I'm glad you're here because I have to tell you something too.
Meg: Really?
Ben: Yes.
Meg: Then you go first. I still don't know how to say this.
Ben: I don't know either, but I'll try.
Ben looks deep into Meg's eyes.
Ben: I love you. (you see Ben - it wasn't THAT difficult - author's note)
Meg ("A LITTLE BIT" shocked): What did you just say?
Ben: Look, I know that we have known each other for such a short time. And I couldn't believe myself that this was happening. I didn't know that love at first sight was possible. But when I saw you I knew it was. I know that you may be confused about it, so you can just.
Meg: I love you too!
Ben: What?!
Meg: I said that I loved you!!! Ben, I didn't mean for that to happen. I really didn't. But I fell in love with you.
Ben: Oh my God!
Meg: Looks like we're both in love.
Ben: Yeah.
Meg: Ben, I don't know how it happened.
Ben: Does that matter?
Meg: No, I guess not. But what are we going to do with it?
Ben: I don't know. I wasn't expecting this to happen. I don't have a plan.
Meg: I don't either.
Ben: But maybe that's better.
Meg: What do you mean?
Ben: If we had a plan, it wouldn't be so exciting, now would it?
Meg: No, I guess not.
Ben: Then maybe it's better it happened this way.
Meg: Yeah, maybe.
Meg sighs and once again they get lost in a long, passionate kiss.
Chapter 20 - Resentful Soul
October 22, Ludlow, Kansas, Tim's house
Tim takes the beer out of the fridge, goes to his room and switches on the TV.
Tim (taking the remote - control): Let's see. Maybe they air any football.
He doesn't happen to find out as the doorbell rings.
Tim (putting the beer away): I'm coming.
Tim opens the door.
Connie: Hi, Tim.
Tim: Connie? Hi, what are you doing here?
Connie (smiles mysteriously): I have the latest news for you.
Tim: What news?
Connie: About Meg.
Tim: Meg? And what's with her?
Connie: Did she tell you why she broke up with you?
Tim: Yeah, she told me that she loves me only as a friend and.
Connie (laughing): Bull shit!
Tim: What do you mean?
Connie: That's not the reason Meg broke up with you. She did it because she's got another guy.
Tim (shocked): Another guy? No, that's impossible! Not Meg!
Connie: Oh yes, Tim.
Tim: And how do you know?
Connie: She told me.
Tim: Told you?
Connie (smiling sarcastically): Yes. Don't forget that I'm one of her closest friends.
Tim: So she told you that she's got another guy.
Connie: Yes. She told me that she was in love with him.
Tim: Do you know who that is?
Connie (smiling mysteriously): Oh yes I do.
Tim (angry): Then tell me! Who is this guy!? Who is Meg in love with?!
Connie: It's Ben.
Tim: What Ben!?
Connie: The one she was sitting with in Buckaroo the other day.
Tim: That's the one who saved her life. She can't be in love with him. They have known each other only a couple of days.
Connie: Yeah, I know, but looks like that's enough for Meg fall in love.
Tim: No, no, this can't be true. this can't be. I need to talk to Meg (Tim heads toward the door) I'll see you later. You can wait for me if you want to.
Connie: OK.
Tim runs out of his house and heads towards Cummings' farm. He doesn't believe that what Connie said could be true. It can't be true. Meg can't be in love with that jerk.
He rushes into Cummings' house.
Joan (surprised): Tim, what are you doing here? What's wrong?
Tim: I need to see Meg. Where is she?
Joan: She is in her room. But what.
Tim doesn't listen, he runs upstairs and walks into Meg's room.
Tim (screams): Why didn't you tell me?
Meg (not knowing what's going on): Tell you what?
Tim: The real reason why you left me.
Meg: I told you.
Tim: You lied to me. You told me how you can't love me and all that stuff. Why didn't you tell me that it's because of Ben that you're breaking up with me?
Meg: Tim.
Tim: Are you really in love with him?
Meg: You don't understand, it's not because of Ben.
Tim: Then why? Why did you break up with me?
Meg: Because I don't love you. Is that so hard to understand? I DON'T LOVE YOU! That's it! End of story!
Tim: If you're lying to me.
Meg: Tim, please just go!
Tim: So first you break up with me and now you even throw me out of your house.
Meg: It's not that. I just want to be alone!
Tim: Why? So you can run to this whole Ben.
Meg: Just go!
Tim: Was I really that bad? (now that you finally figured it out, LOL... - author's note)
Meg: Tim, please just go and leave me alone!
Tim (heading towards the door): All right, I'll go, but it's not over between us Meg. Like hell it's not!
Tim looks at her angrily at leaves.
Meg: I'm sorry, Tim, but IT IS over between us. For good.
*******************************************************************