Beside You Ch. 8: Some Kind of Disaster

Chapter Eight: Some Kind of Disaster

I could hear whispering, but my brain couldn't quite decipher them yet.

I moved just a little, I hadn't realized how hot the room was until I felt a light breeze near my face.

A barely audible whisper came from behind me.

"Shut up, Benny," Michael whispered, "She is sleeping."

I only knew it was him because I could feel his words from my face all the way to my stomach. Maybe even a little lower.

"She has to wake up soon," it was Gus this time, "It's almost nine."

"What happens at nine?" I asked.

"Fuck," Michael gasped.

I felt him jump a little under me.

"Today is Saturday," Benny stated, "You slept here for a while."

I opened my eyes to see that I was on Michael's chest, and I tried my best not to let my eyes wander.

I must have really been tired.

"Alright," I said slowly.

"We made date plans," Benny said excitedly.

"Is she usually this slow in the morning?" Michael asked.

I laid my head back down and groaned.

"Good morning, sunshine," Benny laughed.

I didn't want to get up, I wanted to sleep forever.

It felt good against Michael's warm skin. I could stay here forever.

"I need to get up," Michael stated.

"Why?" I asked, tightening my grip around him.

"He has to pee," Gus stated.

I frowned, but I rolled off of him to face Benny.

The bed moved as he got up, and I missed his warmth.

I pulled the blanket closer to me and stared at a now grinning Benny.

"What?" I demanded.

She didn't say anything, she just stared back at me.

Once the bathroom door shut, she made a weird surprised face.

"What happened?" she asked with too much excitement.

"What do you mean?" I asked, "Nothing happened."

Wouldn't Michael have told her? We were only sleeping.

She pointed at my pants on the floor.

I frowned, "We didn't do anything."

"Then why are your clothes on the floor?" she asked, "Are you naked?"

I glared at her as I sat up, I was clearly wearing the yellow shirt Michael was wearing yesterday.

Her eyes studied me, and she frowned.

I knew she wanted Michael and me together, but hell.

On instinct, I was going to stand up to grab my clothes, but of course, if I did that, my legs would be in full view.

The bathroom door opened, and I made sure to pull the blanket more towards me.

I made sure I didn't look at him as he stood there.

"Leave her alone," Michael said.

I could feel her gaze on me as I refused to look at him.

"Can we have a few minutes to change?" he asked.

Benny got to her feet and nodded, I didn't see or hear if Gus responded, but they walked out of the room.

I sighed once it was just the two of us again.

"Are you okay?" Michael broke the silence.

I nodded, "I'm fine."

Several minutes must have passed before he spoke again.

"Then why aren't you looking at me?"

I didn't respond. Had he already forgotten?

"Are you embarrassed?" he asked quietly.

I could feel him close to me, I just couldn't allow myself to look at him.

"I'm not embarrassed," I stated.

He didn't say anything.

"Have you already forgotten?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he said, "Looks like I was right then."

I made a face, and I stopped myself from almost looking again.

Right about what exactly?

"You should get dressed," he said, "Benny brought you some clothes."

"Okay," I said without moving.

He needed to move before I did, I promised that I wouldn't look at his scars. Why was he making this so difficult?

"You aren't moving," he stated.

"Neither are you," I said back.

Finally, he moved to the other side of the bed, and I felt myself relax.

My gaze dropped to the bag next to the nightstand, and I knew it was meant for me.

I reached for the bag and peeked inside.

These weren't my clothes. I had never seen these before.

Were they Benny's clothes? No, I couldn't fit my ass into her jeans even if I really tried.

I didn't have time to really think about it, I needed to get dressed so we could go out.

The first thing I saw was a pair of ripped black jean shorts that reached just above my knees. There were so many rips that I felt a little weird about wearing them at all. The thin black shorts that I pulled out after seemed like they were meant to go underneath. The fabric was thin, and when it stretched, it would be a little see-through.

I was quick to put them on, and I nearly fell on my face for trying to rush.

The next piece of clothing I pulled out was a dark gray long-sleeve shirt with light gray sleeves, and two black likes on either side of the elbow.

I peeked behind me to see what Michael was doing, and he was getting dressed too.

I had to get off the bed to retrieve my clothes from yesterday.

Next, I pulled the gold notebook from my jeans, and I decided that it probably wasn't a good idea to bring it this time, so I put in in the bag Benny brought me. The black undershirt was next over my head. I needed all the layers I could get.

I made sure to look in the bag again, and I was grateful. There at the bottom of the bag was a small tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush. I also noticed the little hairbrush and a small stick of deodorant. This is what it felt like to have people care.

It was silly, I know, but I couldn't help but smile like an idiot.

"Something funny?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts by his question.

"Nothing," I said, "I just feel freakishly wonderful."

"Freakishly wonderful?" he asked, "I hope that's a good thing."

I turned to grin at him, "It is."

He looked at me strangely before turning around to go back into the bathroom.

That was my chance to put on the deodorant and to put on the long sleeve shirt.

I knew the weather here changed during the seasons like most do, but it was usually colder most of the year.

So far, that is one of my favorite things about this place. One of four.

I glanced back towards the bathroom before focusing on getting ready.

Next, I ran the brush through my hair before putting my socks and shoes on.

I sat on the bed while I waited for Michael to come out of the bathroom.

It didn't take very long, but when he did, the scent of mint filled my nose.

"I'll let them back in," he said, making his way to the door.

I nodded, not trying to say anything with him so close, my breath was probably terrible.

Once I was in, I shut the door and placed the bag on the floor after grabbing the stuff out and setting it on the counter.

My teeth were first, and I brushed them thoroughly.

I met my reflection and frowned.

How the hell did my hair stand up like that? I took the brush and ran it under the faucet before brushing my hair, and to my satisfaction, it stayed down.

It didn't take much longer for me to finally walk out of the small bathroom.

"There she is," Benny said.

I greeted them with a smile, because damn it, I felt like it.

I got smiles back, and I instantly felt warm.

"Are you all ready?" Gus asked.

I was quick to nod, "What are we going to do?"

Gus and Michael exchanged looks.

"What?" I asked.

"You and I apparently don't get to know," Benny pouted.

Looking at the clothes they were all wearing, it was going to be something active.

Benny wore black shorts with a green shirt.

The shoulders of the shirt were black, while the long sleeves were light gray.

She carried a dark blue backpack.

Her shoes were the usual blue Converse.

What did they have planned? What could she possibly have in there? I thought we already talked about what we were going to do today.

She smiled at me again, and I felt a little lost.

My gaze went to Gus, and he wore shorts too, but he was going for neutral colors. The beige shorts definitely weren't jeans, they looked like dickey pants, only knee-length. His shirt was light gray with darker gray long sleeves. The only color he wore was on his camouflage Converse shoes.

I didn't expect to see Michael in shorts too, but they were black and just reached his knees. They looked like they had several pockets, and it made me wonder what he used them all for, or if he used them at all.

His gray shirt was definitely the best out of all of ours, it read 'absolutely will not, can not, shall not, adult today.' There was also a simple black ring on his middle finger.

His shoes were black Converse. That was just the color he always seemed to wear.

At first glance, I didn't really notice, but I can partially see a tattoo on Michael's left calf.

It was the first time I had actually seen him in anything other than his uniform pants.

Except for the first time in the motel. Though I felt like I purposely blocked some of that out.

It looked like a black phoenix overlapping a red-orange one. It took up the whole side, and part of the back of his left calf. Their wings were spread up and out, so it reached his knee cap. Their tails extended almost all the way to his ankle.

It looked well drawn. It made me wonder if it hurt or not.

"Is there a reason we don't get to know where we're going?" I asked.

Michael looked at Gus, and Gus shook his head.

"Gus said I can't tell you," Michael shrugged.

These jerks.

I had to sigh, there wasn't much I could do if I didn't know where we were going.

"Are you ready?" Gus asked me.

I nodded slowly as I thought about it.

"Let's go then," he said, making sure to push Benny out first.

"I have a feeling that today is going to be a very long day," I said to Michael.

"Spoiler," he said, "It is."

I groaned as I finally stepped outside.

"You'll be fine," Michael said before passing me.

His tone was strange, but I figured he was just tired.

++++++++++

I swear we were on the bus for a while. Forty-five minutes last time I checked the clock on my phone.

We talked about a bunch of random stuff, but slowly the conversation stopped. Michael was first to break from the conversation until it was just Benny and Gus. I pretty much just shut my mouth and let the two of them have some time together.

Random small talk was never my strong suit.

It felt like forever until Gus finally said something to someone other than Benny.

"We're almost there."

I looked around, but I had no idea where we were.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"We're near the trails," Benny answered.

"Like hiking trails?" I asked her.

"Yes," she said sourly.

I could hear her lack of excitement. I hope mine wasn't as obvious.

I looked over at Michael to see if he would finally give something away, but he didn't. He didn't even look at me. He was just staring at his phone.

It made me wonder what he was doing, but I figured it wasn't any of my business.

The bus finally stopped in front of a small store.

Gus stood up, "Everyone off."

I worried now what he had planned for us. Was it going to be crazy hiking? I don't think I was up for that.

I had to stop and watch the bus drive away as I stood there. Should I have gotten off?

"Just tell them already," Michael said, "They are freaking out."

Gus looked at both of us, and I could see the worry on his face.

"It won't be a surprise if I tell you now," he said, "Are you sure you want me to tell you?"

"Yes," I stated.

I hated surprises, and that was never going to change.

He looked at Benny, and I could tell that she had been bugging him about it, she seemed pretty irritated. That was not a face I had ever really seen on Benny.

He looked at her, and I could see his worried expression, he didn't like to make her mad that much was clear.

"We were going to hike the trail that leads to the golf course," Gus admitted.

Benny still didn't look too happy about the plan.

"I thought it would be a good idea," Gus said, like even he didn't believe it.

I had to force myself to smile, even if I wasn't thrilled about the idea.

I thought we already talked about this.

"What Gus forgot to mention," 'Michael said, "Was that we are on separate teams once we reach the golf course."

Benny looked at him. The irritation changed to what appeared to be anger.

"Me and Ren against the two of you," Benny said flatly.

Was she alright?

Gus looked like he was hurt, but I think there was more to it.

Michael moved in closer to say something to Gus so that we couldn't hear.

He let out a sigh before he opened the door into the small store.

They went inside, and I stood next to Benny, and I tried to read her mood.

"Can I ask?" I asked her.

She looked at me, and she shut her eyes but showed me a small smile.

"Did something happen?" I asked her.

"I don't know," she said, "Gus is planning to propose to me."

"That's great," I said.

"He has been acting really weird, though," she said, "This whole thing is weird."

"Weird how?"

"He is trying to include Michael," she said, "I'm surprised he is even in on this."

"So, this isn't usual Michael?" I asked.

She made a face, but it didn't look like that was really the problem.

"Is there something else?"

"I haven't told Gus yet," she said with a face.

Is she…

"My parents," she said.

"What?"

"They don't really like Gus," she said, "They are getting married again, and they want me to bring Michael."

That definitely complicated things.

"Do you really care what your parents think about Gus?" I asked.

She shook her head, "I worry about his feelings."

"He cares what they think," I said as if it should have been obvious.

She nodded.

"So then why do you look like you're in a bad mood?"

"It's easier to be mad, then it is to feel scared," she admitted, "I'm just afraid to tell him."

"How long have you known your parents were going to get married again?" I asked.

"They called me yesterday," she said, "And he took me to look at rings."

That must have made looking a lot more difficult.

"Did you find one?" I asked.

She smiled lightly, "Sort of."

"What do you mean by sort of?"

"There was one," she said, "But it was too much, I couldn't let him buy it."

"A ring that will last forever," I said, "Sounds worth it to me."

"You think we will last forever?" she asked.

I couldn't help but smile at her, "You two are so perfect together that it is gross."

She laughed, "We are."

We heard the bell on the door, and we knew the boys were back outside.

Gus stood there a little awkwardly.

Benny let out a sigh, "I talked it over with Ren, and we both agreed. The two of us on a team just isn't a fair chance for either of you."

Gus looked relieved, and when Benny went to hug him, I could see how tightly he hugged her back.

"Let's go," Benny said, "Today is supposed to be fun."

She was quick to rush Gus behind the store where the trails began.

"I'm guessing she told you," Michael said.

I looked at him, "She told me she found a ring."

"Don't worry," he grinned, "Gus got it."

This boys' smile really did mess with me.

"The one she wanted?" I asked.

He nodded, "Benny did exactly what we thought she would, she tried to get him to buy her a cheaper one."

I was glad for that, she really seemed like she liked that ring.

"Will I ever get to see it?" I asked.

"Gus might try to show it to you before he asks her."

I nodded, I would actually like that.

"Is that all she told you?" he asked.

I started to walk around the store, and he was quick to follow me.

"Maybe," I said.

"Nothing about her parents?" he asked.

I stopped to look at him.

He was really going to talk to me about this? Even though he avoided pretty much everything personal.

"They asked me," he admitted.

"Does Gus know?" I asked.

He shook his head, "I'm not going, and I would never do that to him."

I didn't think he would, not to Gus or Benny.

"What kind of people are they?" I asked.

"They are pretty out there," he laughed, "I'm not even sure really how to describe them."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Benny hasn't told you where she comes from?" he asked.

He started to walk, and I had to walk fast to catch up.

"She comes from money," he said, "That's why her parents don't like Gus."

That seems like a really shitty reason.

"They think he can't provide for her."

"We both know that isn't true," I said.

"We know that," he said.

"So why do they like you more than Gus?" I asked, "Because you come from money?"

He turned to glare at me.

Was that too obvious? He really hates me asking personal questions.

"I do come from money," he said.

I was surprised that he even answered.

"That isn't the reason," he said, "They don't really know me, but they know I owe them."

I had to stop him, "Owe them how?"

He just stared back at me. He didn't plan for that to come out of his mouth, did he?

"I'm not answering that," he said simply.

He started to walk again.

"Why tell me anything then?" I asked.

"I don't know," he admitted. He still sounded a little frustrated.

He walked faster than me, and I let him stay ahead of me.

The trail got steeper, and I was nearly out of breath as I tried to climb.

I was thankful he didn't try to talk to me. I still wanted to know, why did he owe Benny's parents anything?

It took forever for us to reach the course, and I was ready to drop.

I laid down on the ground once I was surrounded by grass.

"Here," I heard Michael say.

When I looked up, he was holding a bottle of water over my face.

"Thank you," I said, taking it.

"I forgot to give it to you earlier," he admitted.

I wanted to glare at him, but I just sat up and took a drink.

"You will have to talk to me now," he said, "It's you and me against them."

This wasn't what I had in mind when I told Michael that mini-golf sounded like a good idea.

Besides, I wasn't the one not talking to him.

"You might want to get up," he said, "We have to go in and get our clubs."

I looked at him like he was crazy, then my brain registered what he actually said.

It took me a minute to get up, then I followed him inside the white and gray brick building.

Benny and Gus were inside already.

They looked like they made up, and I was glad for that.

"Finally," Benny said, "What took you guys so long?"

Michael pointed back at me.

"Yep," I said, "All me."

I knew I was terrible at these kinds of things, but I wouldn't deny it either.

"Let's go check-in," Gus said.

He headed towards the main desk, and Michael went with him.

I knew it was my chance to ask her about Michael, but if I did, that would mean she would know that he already knows.

Instead, I decided I would ask her about something else.

"Are you planning to tell Gus today?"

She met my gaze and made a face.

She was trying to put it off.

"I don't know," she said, "I want to tell him, but I don't want to ruin the mood."

"So, tell him before the mood," I suggested.

"Then he won't want to stay," she said.

"You won't know until you talk to him," I stated, "When we go off and separate into our teams, tell him."

She hesitated before nodding, "I'll try."

"You will tell him," I said, "He deserves to know. Besides, you are going to bring him anyway, so he should know."

She smiled wide, "Okay."

"Are you two done?" Michael asked, "We're ready over here."

Benny tensed, but I could see how nervous she was.

"You got this," I said.

She nodded fiercely and went right for the boys.

I took in a good breath before I ran to catch up with them.

++++++++++

I sighed as I stared at the course.

This was going to suck. I was going to make us lose.

"We can't lie about our score, can we?" I asked.

"Nope."

I glared at the faded red club.

"Like I said before," Michael said, "Think of this as a monitored game, kind of like bowling."

"What?" I tried not to hiss.

"The clubs have some type of device in it that records every time it makes contact with the balls," he stated, "So when we are finished, we will go and check our scores at the desk."

That sounded terrible.

I didn't think this was really going to be a competition.

"I have to warn you," Michael said, "We used to come here a lot until Benny got inhumanly good at miniature golf."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"You guys got beat by Benny?"

"We don't joke about losing to girls," he said, "We learn from our mistakes, and then we destroy them."

"I can't promise I'll be very good," I warned.

"You couldn't be any worse than Gus," he stated, "He is the worst mini golfer I've ever seen."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Because you haven't seen me play yet."

"I hope you aren't that bad," he shrugged, "Because I want to win."

Doesn't everybody?

"Is there a reason?" I asked.

He turned to smile at me, "Gus and I are just having a little wager."

"That sounds dangerous," I said, "What happens to the loser?"

"I'll let you know if we lose," he said.

"I'm not involved in this wager, am I?" I asked.

He shrugged innocently.

This bastard.

"What does that mean?" I demanded.

"It means we need to win," he said, "Red needs to kick blue's ass."

I hesitated before nodding.

Let the games begin.

I watched Michael hit the ball first, and the ball just barely missed the hole.

I saw the irritation on his face.

"This is still a game," I stated.

He hit the ball again, and it landed in the hole.

"Two," he said, "Shit."

I felt my hands start to sweat once I set my ball down.

Why did it have to be a competition? I hated those things.

I took in a breath, and I hit the ball a little harder than I planned.

It rolled, and I had to shut my eyes.

"Well, shit," Michael said, "Seems like we might actually have a chance."

I opened my eyes, and the ball wasn't there.

He reached into the hole to grab both balls.

So, I made it in with one swing?

He held out the faded red ball, the one that went with my club.

His was dark red, that way we knew which ball and club belonged to who.

The next course had a small hill in the center.

Michael was first again, and I frowned as I watched him hit the ball.

I really wanted to know what the wager was.

"Michael?" I asked.

"Fuck," he hissed.

The ball didn't go in until his fourth swing.

"So, do I get to know about the wager?" I asked, "If I'm involved, I think I deserve to know."

I set the ball in front of me.

"If I tell you, we will definitely lose," he stated.

I hit the ball harder than I planned, and it went past the hole and hit the backside only to bounce off and land directly into the hole.

"That's why," he pointed.

So, what if I was doing surprisingly well?

He removed the balls from the hole again.

"Tell me," I said.

I felt like I was about to lose my mind.

I hated not knowing things. First this whole trip, now the wager.

Was he doing this on purpose?

He handed me my ball when we got to the next course.

"How many of these are there?" I asked, looking around.

"Eighteen," he stated, setting his ball down.

"So, what happens if we win?" I asked.

He hit the ball, and it barely skimmed the hole but didn't go in.

I watched him barely tap the ball into the hole.

He looked at me, and I felt a weird chill run through me.

I had to look away.

"You should tell me," I said, "Knowing is half the battle."

"I already told you no," he simply.

"If you don't tell me," I had to think of a good enough threat, "Then I'll purposely miss every hole."

"Then I'll play for you," he stated.

"I'll tell Benny and Gus you cheated," I warned.

He stared back at me, and I didn't want him to keep looking at me like that.

I felt weird.

I set my ball down.

"If you make it in one hit, I'll tell you," he said.

I met his gaze again, and this time I knew where I felt it.

I didn't want him looking at me, it felt kind of dirty. We're in public.

Since when did his gaze have that effect on me?

This was my chance. If I make this ball in one hit, he'll tell me.

I took in a breath before I hit the ball, it went over the first hill. The ball picked up speed going down, the first one made it fast enough to go over the second one, and right into the hole.

Damn, I was good at this.

"I'm impressed," he said.

He leaned down to retrieve the balls again.

"You were saying?" I asked.

He gave me a smile that made me glare at him.

"The losers have to do whatever the winners say," he stated, "It's the rule for every competition we have."

"Between you and Gus?" I asked.

"And Benny," he stated.

Which now meant, me too.

"Crap," I said.

"They might go easy on you since it will be your first loss," he stated, "But I will receive no mercy."

That sounded fair to me.

Take all the fun out of the games. That should be punishment enough.

Michael got his first hole in one on the next course.

I made it in two.

This was going to end sooner than I actually wanted it to.

I glanced up at Michael, and I felt a little guilty.

Part of me already knew that I kind of liked him, but I don't know to what extent.

He laughed when he completely missed the ball with the club.

His laughter was contagious, and I couldn't help but join in.

"That was bad," he said, "Did you see that?"

I nodded, watching him try to hit the ball again, but he couldn't stop laughing.

This is what I wanted to see.

He was having fun. He wasn't acting like a jerk at all.

I was too focused on him that I didn't pay much attention to anything around us.

"Ren!"

Michael turned to look at me.

He made a face at me.

"What?" I asked.

He pointed to my right, and I turned to see Benny waving wildly at me.

Was that Benny I heard calling me?

I waved at her and smiled.

"Remember the rules," Benny said, "Payback is a bitch."

I turned to look at Michael to see his reaction, and it didn't look good.

"Payback?" I asked.

He made a face.

"Let's not lose," he said.

It was my turn.

It took me three hits this time.

"What did you do to them?" I asked.

"Gus can be a wimp sometimes," he stated as we walked to the large gray castle, "Sometimes it's just Benny and me."

I nodded slowly.

"I'm guessing she lost," I said.

"Understatement," he stated, "She was destroyed."

"Okay," I said, "So what did you make her do?"

He smiled wickedly at me, "She had to get herself a spray tan."

I shrugged, "That doesn't sound so bad."

"She was orange," he stated.

"Some people end up orange," I said, "Don't they?"

"She was purposely sprayed orange," he stated, "Like carrot orange."

I gasped, "Evil."

Has it really been that long since their last wager?

"She was lucky that the color washed out after two weeks."

She was orange for two weeks? Poor Benny.

"I can't even imagine what she might have planned for us," he said.

I was quick to nod, "Let's not lose then."

Of course, once we were both on the same page, both of us were utterly missing the hole.

We were going to lose. I was terrified of the wager, but I would like to think that I would be shown mercy.

The sky was starting to darken, and the green surrounding the holes just looked dull. The structures around started to light up, making the course look a million times more exciting.

I knew it wasn't that late yet, the clouds just decided that the sunlight was done for now.

"It's nice," Michael said from next to me.

I didn't realize I was lagging until I noticed the way he was standing.

It was strange, I didn't notice before that his uniform was a little big on him. It made him look smaller than he was. The shirt and shorts he wore now fit him perfectly. I could see the muscles of his shoulders when he would swing. I couldn't help but stare at him.

I nodded, remembering what I was supposed to be doing before I set my ball down.

"Are you doing it on purpose?" he asked.

I turned to look at him, "Doing what?"

He looked down, and I didn't want to know where his gaze drifted, but I had an excellent idea.

"Every time I look at you, your legs are pressed so tightly together," he said, "I can't fucking think straight."

I felt the blood rise in my face. I suddenly felt very self-conscious about the shorts I was wearing. So many rips and tears. There was even a good-sized tear just under my left butt cheek.

"Stop doing it," he groaned.

I tried, but I couldn't do it.

"I don't think I can," I confessed.

He turned away, and I had to give myself a minute to relax before I could hit my ball.

Four hits until I made it that time.

I can't function if he is going to say that kind of stuff to me. I know I'm a pervert who has been watching him, but I wasn't thinking anything dirty.

I had to grab the balls this time.

He stood at the next course already.

I handed him his ball, and my hand made contact with his. They were warm, much warmer than the last time I touched him.

"We're going to lose," he said.

"I think we have a chance," I said.

"We had one," he stated, "Until we started looking at each other."

So, he knew then?

"Now would be the perfect time to take a bathroom break," he stated.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

The way he looked back at me made my entire body shake.

"You could always come with me," he stated.

"We need to finish this game," I stated, "We're almost done."

We had four more holes to go.

"We will definitely lose if we continue like this."

"What am I supposed to say?" I asked, feeling suddenly exhausted.

"Say yes," he said quietly, "Come with me."

I couldn't possibly do that. Even if I did feel the pull to follow him. It wasn't the time for that.

"There are two ways we can do this," he said, "Either you come with me, or you wait here for me to be done."

I opened my mouth, but he stopped me.

"Don't," he hissed, "You're about to ask me why, aren't you?"

I hesitated before nodding.

"You made your choice then," he said.

He started to walk away, but Benny and Gus walked up.

"You guys aren't done yet?" Benny asked.

I could see the frustration clear on Michael's face.

I don't think he would run off while they were here.

I wasn't wrong, he stayed, and he was quiet the whole time.

Benny tried to distract us, but it didn't work. We were already doing pretty poorly.

"That's the last one," Gus said once my ball went into the hole of the last course.

Benny got them out, and we headed inside to see the score.

"Damn," Benny said, "We beat you guys by five."

I felt pretty shitty right now.

Gus looked obviously triumphant.

"We should let Ren off the hook," Gus said, "It was her first loss."

"Oh no," Benny said, "She is one of us, so she gets her punishment fair and square."

I was nervous, and most definitely terrified.

She looks like she has a plan already.

Benny, you are officially evil.

"Come on," she said, "We have an appointment."

"We do?" I asked, "Where?"

"I planned for this," she said, "Of course, I hoped we would win, and I hate canceling plans at the last minute."

"Get on with it, Benny," Michael hissed, "What are we doing?"

"Right now?" she asked innocently, "Getting on a bus."