Kansas Story
by Grace
Chapter 31 - 40
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Chapter 31 - Life On The Farm
November 8, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' farm
Ben: It's really beautiful here.
Meg: Yeah, right.
Ben: Really, I like it.
Meg: No, you don't. You just say all those things to be nice.
Ben: No, I don't. I really like this place. It's so calm, so peaceful.
Meg It is. Well, maybe not when my parents are giving a party. but that's another story.
Ben: So, did you spend all your life here?
Meg: Yeah. I was born here, I grew up here and I will probably die here too. Well, maybe not on the farm, but in Kansas.
Ben: Why would you say so?
Meg: Well, my whole life is here. I am a girl from Kansas and I guess that nothing will change that.
Ben: I wouldn't be so sure.
Meg: I'm not sure. I just had this stupid feeling that I will be stuck in Ludlow, Kansas for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong - I love Kansas, but sometimes I just need some more freedom.
Ben: I know what you mean - sometimes I feel exactly the same way about Sunset Beach.
Meg: But as for now I don't mind living here.
Ben: Did the farm always belong to your family?
Meg: Actually I don't know. I know that my grand-grand father owned the farm, but that's all. I think I will have to ask mom about it, I wonder myself.
Ben: You know, I always wondered how it's like to live on a farm like this.I used to see all those ranchos in the movies and it was always making me wonder.
Meg (laughing): There is nothing special about living here. Well maybe besides the fact that you have to go to school some twenty kilometers away.
Ben: You had to do that?
Meg: Yeah. It was fun. I mean the school bus was coming at seven and I always had trouble in being on time. Tim. (Meg stops for a while) He always was early so that he could book a seat for me. (laughs) This way I didn't have to stand in the bus.
Ben: Wasn't that terrible going to school so far away?
Meg: At first it was, but after some time I got used to it. Sometimes when dad was going to the city in the morning, he was giving me and Tim a ride to school and that always gave me fifteen more minutes of sleep, because we didn't have to leave so early.
Ben (laughs): I didn't know that you were such a sleepy head.
Meg: There are many things that you don't know about me.
Ben: Like what?
Meg: Well, for example that when I was little I used to always steal Christmas cookies from the larder. (smiles) My mother used to yell at me and she was always telling me that if I keep doing this, Santa Claus will not bringa present for me. But he always used to bring something. So I kept stealing the cookies.
Ben: And what was the best Christmas present you have ever got?
Meg: The best present. I think it was when I was seven.
Ben: And what did you get?
Meg: A bike. My first bike. You have no idea how excited I was when I saw it under the Christmas tree with a big red ribbon on it. It was like a dream coming true. I was extremely happy, but this was also the first time when I had a great argument with my sister.
Ben: A sister? I didn't know you had one. What's her name?
Meg: Sara. I remember how angry she was that I got the bike and she didn't. Parents told her that she was too little to have a bike like this, but she was only one year younger so she was really angry. But later she found many presents under the Christmas tree so she stopped being angry.
Ben: Honestly saying, I can't imagine anyone being angry at you.
Meg: Believe me, I was really annoying when I was a child.
Ben: Really?
Meg: Yes. I was a real trouble-maker.
Ben: You? A trouble-maker? I don't believe it.
Meg: I was. Actually I was a strange kid - one day I didn't want to take my lunch to school and the next day I was stealing Tim's.
Ben: You used to steal Tim's lunch?
Meg: Yes, I did. (laughs) He never had any idea that it was me.
Ben: Did you steal another kids' lunches too?
Meg: No, only Tim's, because I knew that even if he finds out that it was me, he will forgive me.
Ben: God, you really were nasty.
Meg: Oh, I was, I was. Even nastier than you think.
Chapter 32 - Gone Dancing
November 8, Ludlow, Kansas, Buckaroo
Matt: OK, who wants anything to drink?
Ryan: I'll have one beer.
Ben: Me too.
Meg: I'll take orange juice.
Matt: Again? Don't you drink anything besides that?
Meg: Of course I do, I just don't want anything else right now.
Matt (smiling): OK, OK. (turns to Ashley and Jessica) What about you?
Ashley: I'll have mineral water.
Jessica: The same for me.
Matt (sighs): Women.
Jessica: Any problems Mr. Roberts?
Matt: No, of course not Miss Mansfield.
Jessica (laughs): Good.
Matt walks away and comes back after a while with drinks for everyone.
Ryan: So, how do you like Ludlow, Ben?
Ben: Actually it's very nice here. It's much more different from Sunset Beach, but I like it.
Ryan: And what do you like the most about Ludlow?
Ben (smiling): Meg.
He looks at her meaningfully, Meg blushes.
Meg: Ben, please, be serious.
Ben: I am.
Everyone starts laughing. Suddenly Ashley jumps.
Ashley: I've got an idea!!!
Meg: What?
Ashley: Let's do some dancing. I'll ask the barman to play one of our crazy songs.
Jessica: Yeah, that's a great idea, Ash!
Meg: No!
Ashley: Yes! Come on, it's going to be fun.
Meg: No, you go. Ben and I will stay here.
Jessica: As you wish.
Ashley grabs Matt's hand and turns to Jessica:
Ashley: You take Ryan, I'm not gonna do any dancing with my brother.
Ryan: Well, thank you very much.
Ashley: You're welcome.
They walk away and come closer to the barman. Soon, the whole Buckaroo is full of crazy country music. Meg looks at her friends and laughs.
Meg: They look just great!
Ben: Yes they do.
Suddenly Ben grabs Meg's hand and pulls her towards the middle of the bar.
Meg (scared): Ben, what are you doing?
Ben: Dorothy once told me that she loved dancing. It's high time she showed it.
Meg: Ben, no!
Ben: Please, do it for me.
Meg (after a second of hesitation): All right, all right.
She takes Ben's hand and they join the rest.
Ashley: Looks like you finally made up your mind, Meg.
Meg: No, I did not make up my mind. Ben made up my mind.
Ashley: Whatever. It's going to be a great night.
Jessica (smiles): Very long night.
Meg: God, how did it happen that we're friends?
Ashley: Fate.
Meg: No. (she points Ben) THIS is fate.
Chapter 33 - Distrust
November 9, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Ben: Are you sure that this is a good idea?
Meg: Of course it is. I need to tell my parents how I really feel about you.
Ben: But they already hate me.
Meg: No, they don't.
Ben: Yes they do. I am the one who turned your life upside down. I am the reason you broke up with Tim, remember?
Meg: How many times do I have to tell you that you are NOT the reason I broke up with Tim! You just made me realize that I didn't love him.
Ben: Whatever. For your parents it's the same.
Meg: No it's not. Ben, please just stop being so pessimistic.
Ben: I'm not being pessimistic. I just don't like the idea of your parents hating me.
Meg: They won't hate you. They will love you, just like I do.
Ben: I'm not so sure about that.
Meg: I am. Look, sooner or later they will see how wonderful you really are.
Ben: I hope so. That is if I really am wonderful at all.
Meg: Oh, you are, you are.
Meg takes Ben's hand and they walk downstairs when Joan and hank are bustling in the kitchen.
Meg: Mom, dad.
Joan: Yes, sweetheart?
Meg: I would like you to meet someone. (Meg sees Joan's sight saying 'we already know him') Well, you've already meet him a few times, but you've never been actually introduced. (Meg points Ben) This is Ben Evans.
Hank: Yeah, yeah, the man you claim to love after knowing him for one month.
Meg: Dad, I don't just CLAIM to love Ben, I DO love him. And besides we have known each other for much longer than a month.
Joan: What do you mean?
Meg: I met Ben a few months ago over the Internet.
Hank: The Internet?
Meg: Yes, Ben is SB. I told you about him.
Hank: Maybe. But still I don't think that it was enough reason to break up with Tim.
Meg: Dad, I didn't love Tim.
Hank: I don't know. Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. But what I do know is that some strange guy comes into your life and after knowing him for two orthree weeks, you break up with your fiancé. And I don't like that.
Meg: Dad, why can't you just understand me?
Hank: Understand? I don't think I can ever understand why you left the boy you have been with for such a long time to be with some guy you don't even know.
Meg: You're wrong daddy, I do know Ben. I do know him very well. And that's why I love him.
Hank: But does he love you? Maybe he just wants to have some fun!
Meg: Dad! How can you say that?
Ben: With all respect Mr. Cummings, you have no right to judge me like this. I love your daughter more than anything and I feel honored that she loves me too. And maybe it's right that we have known each other for such a short time, but isn't it what real love is all about? One look is enough to say that this is the right person. And that's how it was with me and Meg. We just looked at each other and we knew.
Meg: That's right, daddy. And there was nothing either of us could have done, it just happened.
Hank: I just pray that this won't happen again in another three weeks.
Meg: It won't, daddy, it won't. Ben is the one. I know that.
Chapter 34 - The Storm
November 11, Ludlow, Kansas, Somewhere outside
Ben: So, where are you taking me this time?
Meg: You'll see.
Ben: Mrs. Cummings, why are you being so mysterious?
Meg: There's no mystery, I just want to show you something. And I am sure you will like it.
Ben: Of course I will. As long as you are with me.
Meg takes Ben's hand and they continue walking, just holding hands and enjoying each other's touch, which gives them so much pleasure. From time to time Ben takes a short glimpse at Meg's face as if making sure that this absolutely beautiful, perfect lady is really there with him. He can't believe that he got to be so lucky to have her in his life.
He smiles when he sees how the wind plays with Meg's hair. She tries to fight it and fix her hair, but she can't. He thinks that she looks really sweet going her hand through her hair to keep it in order, even though it has no intention of listening. Finally Ben can't help himself and bursts into laughter.
Meg (confused): What?
Ben: Nothing. I was just thinking how beautiful you are. And how happy I am to be here with you.
Meg: Even though it's sunny in California and so freezing here.
Ben: I could spend my whole life on Antarctica if only you were by my side.(smiles) And don't worry about cold - I grew up in England so even Kansas winter can't scare me off.
Meg: And what can scare you off?
Ben: Nothing, absolutely nothing. Nothing can make me live my life without you.
Meg: Good.
She smiles and pulls Ben for a kiss. Suddenly she realizes that they are nearly in a place she wanted to show Ben.
Meg: Ben, can you please close your eyes?
Ben: Why?
Meg: It's a surprise.
Ben: What kind of surprise?
Meg: Ben, please, do you trust me?
Ben: Of course I do.
Meg: Then close your eyes.
Ben (smiling mysteriously): On one condition.
Meg: Which is?
He doesn't answer just pulls her closer for a long, passionate kiss.
Ben: Now, I can close my eyes.
Ben smiles and does what Meg has asked him to do. She takes his hand and leads him a few steps forward. When they reach their destination, Meg makes sure that Ben's eyes are still closed.
Meg: OK, you can open your eyes now.
Ben opens his eyes and is stunned by the view he sees. It's a small lake surrounded by a forest from one side and by the fields of corn from the other.
Ben: Wow, it's really beautiful!
Meg: Yeah, that's why I wanted to show you this. No one knows about this place because there is only one way leading here and it's well hidden. I found it when I was a kid. After that I always used to come here when I needed some peace and wanted to be alone. I can't count how many times I've been here.
Ben: Well, there's no wonder, this place is really amazing.
Meg: Yeah. And I always waited for someone to share this place with.
Ben: And I am this SOMEONE?
Meg: Yes, I waited for you my entire life.
Ben: And I waited for you. You know, there was always something missing in my life. until I met Dorothy. She filled the empty space.
Meg: I feel the same way about SB.
Meg smiles and they share another kiss. Suddenly they hear a thunder.
Meg: Oh no! Is that what I think it is?
Ben: I'm afraid so.
Meg: Gosh, we're so away from home. We won't make it before.
Meg doesn't finish because the rain starts to fall.
Ben: So what do we do know?
Meg: Come on. I've got an idea.
She takes his hand and they start running.
Ben: Where are we going?
Meg: Don't ask, just come with me.
Ben: All right, all right, I'm coming.
Ben smiles and lets Meg lead the way. He doesn’t actually care where they are going, because he feels that he would go anywhere just to be with her.
Chapter 35 - Reaching The Stars
November 11, Ludlow, Kansas, Somewhere outside
After twenty minutes of running Ben finally realizes what they are heading for - the old house which looks as if it was totally abandoned. They go inside, happy that they finally found a shelter from the rain, although, as they both believe, they wouldn't get more wet than they already are.
Meg: Oh gosh, there hasn't been a rain like this for ages.
Ben: I don't remember a storm like this in my entire life.
Meg: Then you should have lived in Kansas for at least a year. We always get storms like this when the winter is coming. (Meg looks at herself) Oh gosh, I'm completely wet.
Ben (laughs): You're not the only one.
Meg smiles and catches herself on thinking how handsome Ben looks when he is wet. She looks around, but there is nothing inside the house except for a few dusted cupboards and a bed.
Meg: Looks like we're stuck in here.
Ben: I don't complain.
He smiles and looks at Meg. He can't stop feeling how beautiful she looks with the raindrops rolling on her cheeks. He walks closer, gently touches her face and starts wiping the raindrops from it. This simple action makes Meg shudder. Suddenly she remembers that she is wet.
Meg (pointing the wet clothes): We should probably get rid of those.
Ben (smiling): Yeah, probably.
They take off the wet coats and put them on one of the cupboards.
Ben: When do you think this is going to stop?
Meg: I don't know. Sometimes they last only for a few hours, but sometimes even one day.
Ben: So looks like we're really stuck in here.
Meg: I guess.
Ben: Are you sure there aren't any blankets here?
Meg: Doubt that.
Meg starts looking around and finds two blankets in one of cupboards.
Meg: Looks like I was wrong.
She sits on the bed and covers herself with one of the blankets.
Meg: Looks like all we have left to do is wait.
Meg looks meaningfully at Ben. He sits on the bed next to her. They look deep into each other's eyes.
Ben: So what did you say about the storm? That it can last a day or.
Meg: Yeah, it can..
Meg stops and one more time looks at Ben. A strange thrill crosses their bodies. Ben pulls Meg closer and they start to kiss passionately. They both feel the electricity between us and either of them can't deny what is happening. They continue to kiss. The blankets fell on the floor. After a while Ben looks at Meg with all the love he feels for her and he starts to unbutton her dress. For a moment he stops and looks into her eyes.
Ben: Meg, are you sure about this?
Meg: I've never been so sure about anything in my entire life.
She smiles and starts to unbutton Ben's shirt. When it lands on the floor, Ben knows that Meg really has no doubts. He finishes unbuttoning the dress and soon it lands on the floor next to Ben's shirt. Ben starts kissing Meg's neck and he places her gently on the bed. He lies on the top of her and they continue kissing.
Meg (moaning as Ben tries to fight the zip of her bra): Ben?
Ben: Yeah?
Meg: I just want you to know that I've never wanted anything as much as I wanna do this.
Ben: Neither have I.
He gets rid of the bra and lets her take off his trousers.
Ben (kissing her again): You are so beautiful.
Meg: Ben.
Ben: What?
Meg: Just shut up and.
Ben: I know.
He smiles and gets rid of the rest of her clothes. She does the same with his. The touch of his naked body next to hers gives her shivers all over her body. His kisses and his caress make her feel like if she was in heaven. His tongue and fingers reach each centimeter of her body. Being inexperienced lover like she is, she didn't even know that it is possible to feel that way. She tires as much as she can to give Ben the same pleasure and he shivers every time she touches him with her gentle touch. He moans when he feels her hot mouth on his chest. He runs his hand through her hair and after a while their lips meet again.
Ben: I love you.
Meg: I love you too, Ben. With my whole heart and soul.
He can't believe the way she gives in to him, so innocently and so fully. And she can't believe the way he makes her feel. When they make love, they both feel as if it was a whole new experience, like the other times didn't count, just this one time when they reach the stars together.
Chapter 36 - Morning In Paradise
November 12, Ludlow, Kansas, Somewhere.
Ben wakes up and looks around. He feels he is in a place he has never seen before. After a while he remembers everything what happened earlier - the storm, finding the abandoned house and the most wonderful night of his life. He looks at Meg. She is still naked, with the lower part of her body covered by one of the blanked she found yesterday. Ben kisses her back and thenpulls the blanket to the top of her breasts. He sits on the bed and admires her beautiful face. He runs his hand through her hair and keeps thinking about this amazing night, when they gave absolutely everything to one another.
Meg slowly starts to stir. She opens her eyes and sees Ben smiling face and his blue eyes staring at her.
Ben: Hey beautiful.
Meg: Hi.
She smiles and he kisses her gently.
Ben: Did you sleep well?
Meg: This was the best night in my entire life. Ben, you've made me feel like no one else has before.
Ben: It was wonderful for me as well. Finally the two souls mates were together in all the perfect ways possible.
Meg: Yeah, it was so special. Thank you, Ben.
Ben: For what?
Meg: For this night and for being such a wonderful man. I love you.
Ben: I love you too.
Meg suddenly jumps.
Meg: What time is it?
Ben (looking at his watch): Fifteen past nine.
Meg: What? Oh my God, Ben, my parents must be sick worried about me. We need to go home.
She jumps out of bed and suddenly realizes that she is completely naked. Involuntary she covers herself with the blanket again. Ben smiles when she tries to hide something he has already seen anyway. Meg starts laughing as well.
Meg: Ben, can you please.
Ben (laughing): Sure.
He hangs her her clothes and she gets dressed. He does the same. They share a quick kiss and they go outside. When they reach Cummings' farm about forty minutes later, Joan and Hank are already waiting for her daughter and of course, as Meg suspected, they are sick worried about her.
Joan (sighing with relief): Oh my God, sweetheart, where have you been? We were worried about you. We thought that something had happened to you.
Meg: I'm fine mom. Ben and I were taking a walk and we were caught by a storm, so we spend the night in this abandoned house.
Hank (suspiciously): Abandoned house?
Meg: Yeah, we wanted to wait until the storm ends, but we fell asleep and woke up this morning.
Ben: We're sorry we worried you.
Joan: It's OK, your friends are upstairs, they were worried about you too.
Meg: Well, then I'll go and talk to them.
Ben: I'll walk you.
Ben and Meg go upstairs. Ashley and Jessica are there.
Ashley: Finally. We thought that you would never come back.
Meg: Oh come on, guys, it wasn't that bad.
Ben: I think I should go to the motel, I need to.
Meg (looks at his hair and clothes and laughs): I know.
Ben: Bye.
Ben and Meg share a passionate kiss and Ben leaves. Ashley and Jessica notice this mysterious connection between Ben and Meg.
Jessica (looking meaningfully at Meg): So, what were you guys doing there anyway?
Meg (blushing): What makes you think that we were doing anything?
Jessica: Come on, Meg, we've seen this.
Meg: What?
Jessica: This spark in your eye. What happened?
Meg (sighs with excitement): Well, let's just say that Ben and I moved our relationship a little forward.
Ashley: What do you mean? (keeps looking at Meg for a moment) Oh my God, you're not saying that you and Ben. (Meg nods) Oh my God, you DID. Oh my God!
Jessica (laughs): Well, now there's no wonder why you weren't home for night..
Meg: Jess.
Jessica: OK, I'm shutting up.
Meg: But you know what - the truth is that this was the most amazing night in my entire life.
Ashley: Oh really?
Meg: Yes, Ben was so sweet, so gentle, but at the same time so passionate. He made me feel so special, like I've never felt before in my entire life. It was so amazing.
Jessica: God, you really love him, don't you?
Meg: With everything that I am.
Chapter 37 - Going Home
November 13, Ludlow, Kansas, Local motel
Ben looks at his picture with Maria. He realizes that he has been away for about month and a half. He comes to the conclusion that he needs to go back home, to his wife. He has a flashback of the night when he made love to Meg and sighs.
Ben: Oh Meg, I wish that I could stay here for the rest of my life.
He takes up the earphone and dials the airport number. He books a ticket for the nearest flight to Sunset Beach. Then he packs his things and goes to the reception.
Linda (disappointed): Mr. Evans, don't tell me that you're leaving.
Ben: I'm afraid so. I'd like to pay for the room.
Linda (sad): Sure.
She hands Ben the bill and he gives her his credit card.
Linda (giving Ben the card back): It's a pity you're leaving.
Ben (having a flashback of Meg): Believe me, I wish that I could stay here too, but I need to go back home.
Linda: It was nice meeting you.
Ben: It was nice to meet you too.
Ben smiles and leaves. He gets into the car and sets of. His heart breaks on the thought that he has to leave Meg now, when they finally made love. But he knows that he has a life in Sunset Beach.
He reaches Cummings' house and rings the doorbell. She smiles happily when she sees him, but soon the smile disappear when she notices the suitcase.
Meg: Ben, are you.
Ben: I'm afraid so. I'm going back to Sunset Beach.
Meg: I wish that you could stay.
Ben: I know, but I still have a life there.
Meg: I know.
Ben: Meg, I love you, you know that, don't you?
Meg: I do.. it's just hard that I'm not gonna be able to see you.
Ben: I know. I'm gonna miss you every second of the day. and night.
Meg: I'm gonna miss you too.
Ben: Will you. Will you wait for me?
Meg: Of course I will. I would wait for you for the rest of my life if only it was necessary.
Ben: It won't be, I promise. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Meg (with tears in her eyes): Ben, did that night mean as much to you as it did to me?
Ben: Of course it did. I told you - it was wonderful. And I know that there are many more nights like this for us to come. We just need to wait patiently.
Meg: I will.
Ben: I love you Dorothy from Kansas.
Meg: I love you too SB.
Ben embraces her and covers her face with kisses.
Ben: Remember that wherever I am, I am thinking about you and that whatever I do, my heart is always with you.
Meg: I know that Ben, I always feel it.
She smiles and they kiss once again. Ben takes her and kisses it. He looks into her eyes and slowly lets go of her hand. She watches him getting into his car. He sets off and one more time he turns his head to look at her.
Ben (to himself): Goodbye, Meg. Please, wait for me.
Meg has tears in her eyes and she feels as if someone was taking a piece of her heart away.
Meg (to herself): I will wait for you Ben. I will wait as long as it takes.
Chapter 38 - It's Party Time
November 17, Sunset Beach, California, Annie and Bette's house
Maria: It's s great party, isn't it?
Ben (without even listening to what she is saying): Yes, yes.
Maria: Annie and Bette did a great job.
Ben: Yes.
Maria: Ben?
Ben: What?
Maria: Are you listening to me?
Ben (confused): Of course I am.
Luckily for Ben, Annie walks over to them with two glasses of champagne. She hands them the glasses.
Annie: It's time for the toast, come on.
Ben and Maria walk closer to the others.
Maria: So, what are we toasting?
Annie: Well, we have many reasons, but I'll start with the most important ones.
Ben: Which are?
Annie: First of all - my absolutely wonderful, amazing and talented aunt has just got the promotion.
Bette (blushing): Annie, everybody already knows that.
Annie: Oh, I know, but I just wanted to remind everyone. Besides we have another reason to celebrate.
Everybody keeps looking at Annie, because no one has any idea what the second reason is. Annie smiles mysteriously.
Bette: Well?
Annie: The second reason is that my absolutely favourite neighbour and my best friend Ben Evans has finally found his way home.
Ben: Annie.
Annie: And is finally back with us after a long month and a half of absence.
Ben: Annie, you are unbelievable.
Annie: Now, isn't that a reason enough to celebrate?
Maria (smiling and kissing Ben's cheek): Of course it is.
Annie: I knew you'd agree with me.
Maria: And in case someone forgot to tell you - it's a wonderful party!
Annie: Thanks. (she lifts her glass) Cheers.
Everyone starts drinking the champagne, except for Ben. He puts the glass down and heads towards the deck. He goes outside and breaths some fresh air. Annie follows him.
Annie (appearing at the deck): Ben?
Ben: Yeah?
Annie: What's wrong with you?
Ben: What do you mean?
Annie: Something is going on with you. You've changed since you came back from that trip of yours. Again - where did you go?
Ben: Kansas.
Annie: Right, Kansas. So what happened there that has changed you so much?
Ben: I don't know what you're talking about.
Annie: Come on, Ben. Everyone has noticed that you have been acting so strange lately. You're not the same man anymore. Look at the way you treat your wife.
Ben: What the hell do you mean?
Annie: Ben, I can't just sit and wait when I see what you're doing to her. You don't go anywhere together, I don't remember when was the last time I saw you kissing her. And when was the last time you two made love?
Ben: This really is not your business.
Annie: It is my business, Maria is my friend.
Ben: She may be your friend, but let us solve our problems on our own.
Annie: So you're admitting that there are problems.
Ben: I didn't say that.
Annie: Ben, I'm your friend, you can tell me anything, you know that.
Ben: If I wanted to tell you, I would have a long time ago.
Annie: So, there is something.
Ben: Why don't you just let it go?
Annie: I can't, because your behaviour is hurting Maria.
Ben: Maria and I can handle this.
Annie: But Ben.
Ben (nearly angry): Just let it go, Annie.
Ben leaves.
Maria (seeing Ben leaving): Annie, what happened to him?
Annie: I wish I knew.
Chapter 39 - Lonely nights
November , Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Joan: Honey, would you just stop doing this to yourself?
Meg: What?
Joan looks at Meg meaningfully and Meg immediately knows what her mother is talking about.
Meg: I can't help it, mom. I miss him so much.
Hank (entering the kitchen): The question is - does he miss you as much as you miss him?
Meg: I know he does, daddy. I can feel that he is longing for him just like I'm longing for him.
Hank: I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't show up here anymore.
Meg: Don't say that. Ben loves me.
Hank: I really wish I could believe that sweetheart.
Meg: Then believe it, daddy. Because I know it.
Meg smiles and the same second the telephone rings.
Joan: Hi. yes she is. sure. Meg, it's Ben.
Meg (jumping with excitement): I'll get that in my room.
She heads towards the stairs. Hank looks meaningfully at the earphone.
Joan (knowing exactly what her husband means): Oh no, Hank! No!
She puts the earphone down. Meg reaches her room and picks up the phone.
Meg: Hello.
Ben: Hey sweetheart.
Meg: Hi Ben, I was just thinking about you. Actually, I can't stop thinking about you.
Ben: I can't stop thinking about you either. I wish I could be there with you right now.
Meg: I wish you could be here too. There are so many things I would like to show you. So many places I would like to share with you. You can't even imagine how much I miss you.
Ben: I think I can. I miss you even more. Every time I go to sleep at night, I wish that I had you by my side.
Meg: I know, I feel the same way. So, what are you up to in Sunset Beach?
Ben: Nothing interesting. I had to catch up to some business. We had a few meetings here. Oh, and I had to attend a few terrible parties.
Meg: Why terrible?
Ben: Because you weren't there with me.
Meg smiles. She feels that every single word Ben says makes her shiver. She wishes that she could feel his breath right now. She closes her eyes trying to imagine Ben's face.
Ben (after a while): Meg, are you there?
Meg: Yes, yes, I am, I'm sorry.
Ben: And what are you up to in Kansas?
Meg: Nothing really. I'm helping my parents on the farm. But most of the time I think of you.
Ben (smiles): It's nice to hear.
Meg: Ben, I'm really going crazy here without you.
Ben: I know, but I promise that we will be together again soon.
Meg: I hope so. Thanks for calling.
Ben: It was my pleasure.
Meg: I love you.
Ben: I love you too. Bye.
Ben smiles and hangs up.
Maria (entering the room): Who were you talking about?
Ben (confused and scared that Maria has heard everything): No one, why?
Maria: Well, it certainly looked like you were talking to SOMEONE! Someone you love!
Ben: Maria.
Maria: Who was that?
Ben: It was Annie, OK? Is that such a big deal? She's my friend, isn't she?
Maria: Ben.
Ben: I have a right to tell her that I love her, don't I?
Maria: Of course you do. I'm sorry for snapping at you like this.
Ben: It's OK.
Maria: Good. I'm gonna prepare a dinner.
Ben: OK, I'll be there on a few minutes.
***
November 21, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Meg gets ready to go to sleep. She makes her bed and gets inside. She lays her head on the pillow and closes her eyes. She sees Ben's face. His eyes are bluer than ever and they keep saying "I love you, Meg" Meg smiles but when she opens her eyes she realizes that this was just her imagination.
Meg (sighs): God, I have to stop doing this to myself.
But she can't help the way she feels. The only thing she wants is for Ben to embrace her and hold her in his arms for the rest of her life. She wants to feel his touch, she wants to feel the sweetness of his lips, she wants to get lost in him forever.
***
November 21, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Ben wakes up in the middle of the night, haunted by his dreams about Meg. He sits on the bed and looks at his wife lying next to him. He hates lying to her. He knows that she didn't deserve all this, but he just can't help the way he feels about Meg. He knows that this is meant to be and he knows that sooner or later he will have to tell Maria the entire truth.
Ben stands up and gets closer to the window. He keeps staring at the moon and has a flashback of him and Meg making love. He would give anything to feel her touch right now.
Maria: Ben, what's wrong?
Ben: Nothing, nothing.
Maria: Then why don't you come back to bed?
Ben smiles and gets in the bed. Maria places her head on Ben's chest and starts stroking it gently. Ben closes his eyes, trying to imagine that this is Meg's hand caressing him. But it's not and that makes him miss her even more.
Chapter 40 - Unsuccessful Seduction
November 24, Sunset Beach, California, Annie and Bette's house
Maria (appearing at the doorstep): Annie, I'm really sorry to bother you, but I need to talk to you about Ben.
Annie: Sure, come in.
Maria goes inside and they sit on the coach.
Annie: So, what's on your mind?
Maria: Annie, you know exactly what's on my mind. Don't tell me that you haven't noticed the changes in Ben's behaviour.
Annie: OK, so maybe he has been acting a little bit strange.
Maria: A LITTLE BIT?! Annie, we haven't made love for over two months! Ben seems a completely different man. He doesn't talk to me. He stays at work till late night and when he comes back he sits by his computer claiming to have work to do. Annie, I don't know what's going on with him?
Annie: Have you tried to talk to him about it?
Maria: Of course I have, but every time I mention this, he gets angry and tells me to let go. I don't know how to get through to him.
Annie (smiles mysteriously): I think I've got an idea.
Maria: What?
Annie: Romantic dinner, some sexy clothes and believe me - Ben is yours!
Maria: I don't know Annie.
Annie: Trust me - that always works.
Maria: But Annie.
Annie: No buts. Just listen to my advice.
Maria: OK, I'll try.
Maria smiles and leaves Annie's house.
Maria (to herself): All right, Ben Evans. This night is ours.
***
November 24, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Ben enters the house and sees the table with tons of tasty food on it and with the candles. There is also a note there saying "I'll be there in a minute"
Ben (thinks): What the hell is going on here?
Soon he finds an answer as he sees his wife going down the stairs in a red dress, which looks like new. Maria smiles.
Ben: Maria, what are you doing?
Maria (smiling seductively): Isn't it obvious?
Ben: No.
Maria: I just though that we have been spending so little time together recently, so I figured that a romantic dinner is exactly what we need. Actually it was Annie who came up with this idea, but I think she was right.
Maria smiles and hands Ben the glass. Then she opens the champagne and pours it to the glasses.
Maria: So, here it is to us.
Ben: Maria.
Maria: Don't say anything, Ben. Just enjoy our dinner.
Ben sits and starts eating. He doesn't say a word. Maria knows that there is something on his mind. Little does she know that this is someone not something.
Maria: What are you thinking about, Ben?
Ben: Nothing.
Maria: Good, because I'm gonna make you think about SOMETHING.
She stands up and plays some music. She walks back to Ben and takes his hand.
Maria: Come on, this is our song.
Ben: Maria, I don't feel like dancing.
Maria: Please.
Ben smiles and stands up. Maria wraps her arms around Ben and starts kissing Ben's neck. She then begins to kiss his lips and starts to unbutton Ben's shirts. She runs her hand on Ben's chest, but he suddenly pulls away.
Ben: Maria, don't.
Maria: Ben, what's wrong?
Ben: Nothing. I just can't.
Maria (angry): You can't what? Make love to your own wife?
Ben: Maria, please, just leave me alone!
Maria (screams): Damn you, Ben!
Ben: Maria. I need to tell you something.
Maria: Go to hell!!!
She runs out of the house. Ben doesn't even try to stop her. He wants to be alone. He feel like the worse bastard in the world. He wishes that the things were different. But they are not and he hates himself for not having enough courage to be honest with Maria and Meg.
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