(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Bennett and Brylee had always shared a complicated relationship. They were known to be frenemies, alternating between moments of camaraderie and rivalry.

In Topanga's one day after school, Brylee stared at her laptop screen, frustration mounting with every blink of the cursor. It was almost as if the laptop was taunting her. She sighed and rubbed her temples, trying to coax the words out of her mind and onto the page. She had been struggling with writer's block for weeks now, and her writing class was suffering for it.

"I can't believe this, Bennett," She mutters, running a hand through her hair. "I used to be good at this. What happened?"

Bennett, who was handing a coffee he finished making to the customer waiting, shrugs and smiles. "Hey, it happens to the best of us. Maybe you're just overthinking it."

"Easy for you to say," Brylee retorts, tossing a crumpled paper ball at him. "You don't even care about grades or assignments. You just float through life."

Bennett catches the paper ball effortlessly, chuckling softly as he moves to stand by her. "That's not exactly true. But I'm definitely more chill about it. Sometimes." He raises his eyebrows at her. "Need a distraction?"

"Maybe." Brylee mumbles, glancing at her laptop. "I have this writing assignment due at the end of the week, but I can't seem to figure anything out. Maybe a break might help." As Brylee and Bennett chatted, Topanga's buzzed with its usual after-school energy. Bennett leaned against the counter, watching Brylee with a mixture of amusement and concern. He knew her well enough to understand the frustration she was experiencing.

"You know," Bennett began, tapping his fingers lightly on the countertop, "Sometimes, the best way to tackle a problem like this is to step away from it for a bit. Let your mind breathe, you know?"

Brylee nods thoughtfully, taking a sip of her half-finished coffee. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I've been staring at this screen for so long, I think my brain's turned to mush."

"You have a brain?" He teases, smiling slightly. "I thought all that caffeine was what kept you going."

Brylee rolls her eyes and lightly punches him in the arm. "Oh, ha ha. You're so funny, Bennett. No wonder the girls love you so much."

He shrugs, an impish grin playing at his lips. "What can I say? It's a gift."

Their banter continued, a welcome distraction from the task at hand. Bennett was always good at lightening the mood, his easygoing nature a perfect complement to Brylee's more intense focus. As they exchanged playful jabs and laughs, the weight of Brylee's frustration began to lift.

"You know," Brylee said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "I think you're onto something. Maybe I should take a break and let my brain recuperate."

Bennett feigns shock. "Wait, did I just hear you admit that I'm right?"

Brylee chuckles. "Don't get too used to it. It's a rare occurrence."

He nods, his expression serious. "I'll be sure to cherish it."

With that, they both laugh and shake their heads. The moment may have been short-lived, but it was enough to help Brylee regain her focus and determination.

As she returned to her work, the smile on her face remained.

***

(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

The next day after school at Topanga's, Brylee was still having trouble with figuring what to write. Bennett noticed this as he was cleaning things.

"So, Brylee, writer's block got you in a chokehold still?" Bennett asked curiously.

Brylee sighs, her eyes glued to her notebook as if the words would magically appear if she stared hard enough. "Yeah, it's like my creativity has taken a vacation or something." She said with frustration. "My last few assignments have been...Mediocre at best."

Bennett chuckles, rolling his eyes. "Mediocre? More like downright snooze-worthy. You're slacking, Brylee." He teases, pausing when she didn't laugh. "Seriously, though, you can't keep beating yourself up. Every writer has blocks, it's normal." He added, feeling a little sorry for his teasing.

"I guess." She said quietly, biting her lip as she continued to stare at the blank page.

Bennett sighs, setting down his rag and looking at her. "Look, Brylee, I know it's frustrating, but you can't force it. Creativity doesn't work like that."

She looks up at him, her expression softening slightly. "I know, I just...I'm worried that if I don't come up with something good soon, my GPA will suffer."

Bennett smiles sympathetically. "I know, but trust me, your GPA will be fine. You're one of the smartest kids in our class, I'm sure you'll be fine." He reassures. He reaches over and gently places a hand on her shoulder. "And hey, if you ever need help bouncing ideas around or just need someone to vent to, you know where to find me."

A surprised look passes over her face. "Really?"

He nods, his hand lingering on her shoulder for a moment before dropping back to his side. "Of course. What are friends for, right?"

Brylee's lips quirk into a smile, and she suddenly feels a lot better. "We're friends now?" She asked teasingly.

"Frenemies, remember?" He retorted with a wink.

Brylee couldn't help but giggle and roll her eyes at him. "Yeah, that's better."

Bennett's expression becomes serious. "But seriously, though, I mean it. You can always talk to me, Brylee." He said sincerely. He could see the anxiety behind her eyes and wanted to do whatever he could to help her. He knew they always didn't get along, but he hated to see her struggle when he could help her out.

"Thanks, Bennett, I appreciate it." She admitted.

They exchanged another smile, then resumed their respective tasks. As she worked on her assignment, Brylee found herself glancing at Bennett more often. She couldn't help but admire his kindness and willingness to help, even though they weren't always on the best of terms. She watched as he swept the floor and cleaned up the tables, his movements fluid and efficient. His dark hair fell over his forehead, and she had the sudden urge to brush it back.

Bennett's eyes meet hers, and she quickly averted her gaze. Her cheeks flush, and she can't help but smile to herself. Maybe, she thought, he wasn't so bad after all.

Bennett smiles to himself as he finishes sweeping the floor. He glances at Brylee, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. He felt a flutter in his chest and couldn't help but smile wider. He had always been attracted to Brylee, even though they never got along. There was just something about her that drew him in. But now, seeing her smile, he knew there was something deeper there. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was something special. She just seemed to have this way of drawing him in and making him want to be around her, no matter how difficult or annoying she could be. He could never stay mad at her, no matter how hard he tried. And he did try, especially when she would tease him or get on his nerves. But deep down, he knew that he cared for her and wanted to be her friend. Maybe, he thought, there could be something more between them.

****

(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

The days passed, and Brylee's writing block lingered still. It was getting so frustrating for her. One morning, she woke up late and missed her writing class. Panicking, she dashed to school but couldn't shake the feeling that her writing woes were affecting her entire life. During lunch, Bennett found her sulking in the courtyard. He saw she was sitting on the bench, her face in her hands, and he couldn't help but feel bad for her. He knew how important her writing was to her, and it must have been killing her to not be able to create the way she wanted.

"Hey, Brylee, what's going on?" Bennett asked with concern.

Brylee looks up at him, her eyes filled with anguish. "It's this stupid writing block! I can't seem to get past it, and it's driving me crazy! And on top of that, I was late this morning and missed my writing class, now I have to make up for it during free period and I just know the teacher's going to give me a hard time about it! And my grades are starting to suffer because of it and—"

Bennett's eyes widen slightly with surprise as she started to ramble, he had never seen her this distressed before. She was usually so calm and collected, the sight of her being this upset was unusual. She was always so sure of herself and her writing. He felt a twinge of sadness in his heart as he looked at her. She was one of the best writers he knew, and it hurt to see her struggling.

He takes a seat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Woah, Brylee, calm down. First, breathe," He said gently, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay to feel frustrated, but let's take it one step at a time, okay?"

Brylee takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay," She murmurs, feeling a little embarrassed by her outburst. She was usually so composed, but lately, her writing had been stressing her out. The only way she could really describe how else she felt was out of sorts. She couldn't pinpoint exactly why, but it was almost as if everything in her life was off-balance and out of her control. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty and worry. "I just...I'm so stressed out, Bennett. I can't seem to get my creative juices flowing, and it's making me feel like I'm losing my mind. I don't know what to do." She felt embarrassed being like this with him, but she couldn't help it. She needed someone to talk to, and he was the only one around.

He nods, listening intently. "I understand, Brylee. Believe me, I do. But you can't let yourself get overwhelmed by it, or it will only make things worse." He said, his voice soothing. "Writing is a creative process, and sometimes the words don't flow as easily as we'd like. That's normal. Everyone goes through slumps from time to time, even the best writers." He pauses, thinking for a moment. "Though I have a feeling that's not the only thing bothering you, is it?" He asked, his eyes searching hers.

She swallows, her throat suddenly feeling tight. She shakes her head, looking away. "No," She says softly. "It's not."

Bennett leans closer, his gaze gentle. "Hey, you can talk to me. You know that, right? We might not always get along, but I'm still here for you. Even if it's just to listen."

Brylee glances at him, her heart thumping in her chest. His expression is so kind and genuine, she feels her resolve crumble. "I just...I've been feeling off lately, like I'm having some kind of quarter-life crisis or something." She confesses, letting out a small, humorless chuckle. "Everything just feels So...off."

Bennett listens attentively as Brylee opens up, his concern evident in his eyes. He nods understandingly, empathizing with her struggle. "I get that feeling, Brylee. Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and it can leave us feeling lost and unsure of ourselves. But you're not alone in this. We all go through periods of uncertainty, questioning where we're headed and what we're doing with our lives."

He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "But you're smart, talented, and resilient. You've got so much potential, Brylee. Don't let a rough patch convince you otherwise. And remember, it's okay to take a step back and reevaluate things. Sometimes, gaining clarity requires a bit of distance."

Brylee bites her lip, processing his words. She knew he was right, and his reassurance helped ease her mind a bit. Still, she couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at how she had behaved. She was usually so composed and level-headed, but lately, her emotions were all over the place.

"Thank you, Bennett." She says quietly, giving him a grateful smile. "I'm sorry for unloading all of this on you. I know we're not exactly the closest, but you've been a really good listener."

He chuckles, shrugging his shoulders. "Hey, don't worry about it," Bennett reassures her with a warm smile. "We may not always see eye to eye, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. We're all in this together, right?"

"Did you just quote 'High School Musical'?" Brylee teased, quirking an eyebrow.

He chuckles. "You know it," He admits. "Anyway, my point is, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. Whatever you're dealing with, I want to help you through it."

She felt a warmth spread through her chest as he said those words. Despite their rocky start, she was beginning to realize that Bennett wasn't as bad as she'd initially thought. In fact, he was a lot more sensitive and kind than she'd given him credit for. As she sat there with him, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she could allow herself to be a little closer to him.

"Thanks, Bennett." She said softly, smiling up at him. "I really appreciate it."

He returns her smile, his eyes twinkling. "Don't mention it. Just try to relax, okay? You're a good writer, and I know you'll get past this block soon enough."

With that, he stood and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the courtyard. Brylee watched him go, her heart feeling lighter than it has in days. She's still frustrated and unsure, but having someone in her corner has made all the difference.

****

That night there was a basketball game which Bennett would be playing. Riley and her friends always went to support him and cheer him and the team on. Tonight Brylee finally agreed to go with them to a game. She never agreed before because she and Bennett were frenemies and she could care less about sports, plus she hated big crowds. But tonight she wanted to support him, and she was curious to see him play. She wanted to see if he was as good as he claimed to be. He always said that he was a great player, but she was skeptical. She had never actually seen him play.

Bennett and the rest of the team were warming up as the girls took their seats along with the boys. Riley was so excited, she was practically bouncing in her seat. She loved watching Bennett play, his athleticism and gracefulness never ceased to amaze her.

Maya looks at her with amusement, smirking. "Someone's excited." She teased.

"Of course I'm excited, Peaches!" Riley said, her eyes twinkling. "It's a big game, and we always have fun when we come."

Maya chuckles, rolling her eyes. "You say that about every game, Riles."

"Yeah because we get to get popcorn and candy!" She chirped, her smile never faltering.

Maya sighs and shakes her head, her lips quirking into a smile. Only Riley would get so excited about things like that. Brylee watches the interaction with amusement, a soft smile playing at her lips. She always admired Riley's enthusiasm and positivity, it was refreshing and contagious.

Farkle chuckles, shaking his head. "Riley, you're ridiculous."

"And you love me for it." She quipped, sticking her tongue out at him.

Brylee laughs and rolls her eyes. "Yeah, well, we all love you, Riles."

Riley's eyes light up, and she practically launches herself at Brylee, giving her a big hug. Brylee chuckles, returning the embrace. She had always been close with Riley, but since the two had started hanging out more, they'd become even closer. It was ironic how she was close with Riley but not Riley's older cousin, Bennett, who was her age. She didn't quite know how to explain it, but something was holding her back from getting closer to him. Maybe it was their constant banter, or maybe it was the fact that they were so different. He was a star athlete and she was an up and coming author, not to mention their differences in style and personality. Still, she couldn't help but admire his kindness and willingness to help, even though they weren't always on the best terms. He had shown her a side of himself that she hadn't expected, and she found herself drawn to it, despite her reservations.

"Okay, you're crushing me now." Brylee chuckled a little, gently pushing the younger girl away.

"Oh, sorry." Riley said sheepishly, letting go. "I'm just really excited to have you here! This is the first game you've come to, and I'm so glad you're here!" She then looks at her with sympathy. "We all know you don't really like big crowds or sports, but thanks for coming anyway."

Brylee smiles and shrugs. "Well, I figured I could use a change of pace, and I've been wanting to see Bennett play. Wanted to see if he was as good as he said he is."

"He's really good." Lucas chimes in. "Honestly, baseball is more my thing, but I think Bennett's an awesome player."

Brylee raises her eyebrows, intrigued. She remembered hearing that before, but she hadn't had a chance to ask him about it. "So I'm guessing you're the reason why he's a huge Rangers fan, huh?" She asked with amusement. She had found that out about Bennett when she found him watching a baseball game, and she teased him relentlessly. He had a few Rangers shirts and hats and even had a signed baseball from his hero, Nolan Ryan.

Lucas chuckles, shrugging his shoulders. "Guilty," He said with a grin. "Though to be fair, he was already a pretty big baseball fan before we met. I just happen to be from Texas and a big fan of the Rangers. When he found out, we bonded over it."

"Of course, y'all bonded over sports." Maya chimes in, rolling her eyes playfully. "Leave it to you, Huckleberry."

Lucas looks at her with amusement, his lips quirking into a grin. "What's that supposed to mean, Maya?"

"It means you're predictable," Maya quips, nudging him with her elbow. "Come on, admit it. You're predictable, Ranger Rick."

Lucas sighs, shaking his head. "There you go again with the nicknames." He muttered.

Brylee watches their interaction with amusement and couldn't help but smile. Despite their banter, it was clear that they all had a strong bond. She had seen them together before, and it was evident that they were a tight-knit group. There was no doubt in her mind that they'd do anything for each other. It reminded her of her and her two best friends, Nikki and Francesca. The three of them had been inseparable since grade school and were basically sisters.

She's brought out of her thoughts by a loud whistle blowing that caused her to flinch slightly. She looks around, trying to figure out what was happening. Lucas nudges her gently. "The game's about to start." He told her.

Brylee nods, settling back into her seat. She was relieved she had some people with her who knew what was going on. She didn't have a clue about basketball or any other sports. She wasn't exactly a sports person, but she had promised Riley that she would give it a shot. So, here she was, ready to watch her first ever basketball game.

As the players begin taking the court, Brylee notices that Bennett is easily one of the tallest guys on the team. He's broad-shouldered and muscular, and he moves with an air of confidence and determination. He's wearing his typical basketball attire, which consists of a sleeveless jersey and baggy shorts. He looks like he's in his element, and Brylee finds herself mesmerized by his presence. He has an easy smile on his face, and his dark hair is tousled, giving him a boyish charm. She felt her heart skip a beat when his gaze landed on her. He looked surprise to see her, she couldn't blame him, she had never been to one of his games before. Then, his lips quirked into a grin, and he gave her a small nod.

"Looks like someone's happy to see you." Farkle teased.

"Shut up, Farkle." Brylee huffed, trying not to blush.

Zay chuckles, looking at her with amusement. "Hey, maybe he'll play even better since you're here." He teased.

Brylee rolls her eyes. "Why would he? We're frenemies, not even friends." She replied, though she wasn't entirely sure why she had said that. Maybe it was because she was trying to convince herself of that fact. Or maybe it was because she wasn't sure how to handle these newfound feelings. She didn't know why she was suddenly feeling giddy after seeing his smile, or why her heart fluttered when he acknowledged her. It was frustrating and confusing, but she pushed those feelings down. She had come to the game to support him, and that's what she was going to do.

As the game started, Brylee tried to focus on the players and their movements, but her gaze kept drifting back to Bennett. He was so skilled and athletic, his movements fluid and precise. He was a natural on the court, his passion for the game evident in his every action. She was mesmerized by his skill and his obvious enjoyment. His competitiveness and drive only seemed to enhance his already considerable charm.

Brylee couldn't deny that she was impressed. She didn't understand anything that happened, though she was grateful for her sister and the others who had gone through the effort of teaching her the rules. But even though she didn't fully comprehend the game, she could tell that Bennett lived up to his reputation as one of the best players in the school. He wasn't lying when he said he was a star player.

As the game progressed, Brylee found herself becoming more and more invested in the outcome. She was surprised herself, she thought she would be having a panic attack in a crowd like this, but her focus was on Bennett. Maybe it was because she didn't have anyone else to focus on, or maybe it was because of their conversation earlier. Either way, she was rooting for him and the team. She couldn't help but cheer whenever he scored a point, her excitement palpable.

She couldn't help but root for him, cheering him on as he scored basket after basket. She felt herself blush when his gaze kept drifting to her. He always seemed to smile or wink at her whenever their eyes met. Her heart fluttered each time, and she couldn't help but think about what was happening between them. Things had definitely changed since their encounter in the courtyard, and she wasn't sure what to make of it. She had always found him attractive, but now there was something else there, something more.

As the game progresses, Bennett's performance on the court only amplifies Brylee's admiration for him. Each time he scores a basket or makes a skillful play, she finds herself cheering louder, her support for him growing with each moment. Despite her initial reluctance to attend the game, Brylee feels a sense of exhilaration coursing through her as she watches Bennett's athleticism and determination.

However, amidst the excitement of the game, Brylee can't shake the nagging feeling of uncertainty that lingers in the back of her mind. She's unsure of what these newfound feelings for Bennett mean for their relationship. Is it just admiration for his talent and kindness, or is there something more there?

Brylee's internal conflict intensifies as she tries to make sense of her emotions. On one hand, she's drawn to Bennett's charm and charisma, and she appreciates the support he's shown her in the past. On the other hand, she's wary of getting too close to him, afraid of the potential consequences of crossing the line from frenemies to something more. As the final buzzer sounds and the crowd erupts into cheers, Brylee is left with a choice: to take a leap of faith and risk her heart, or to keep her distance and maintain the status quo.

****

After the game, Riley and her friends, including Brylee, decided to wait for Bennett at the doors to the locker room. He had wanted them to meet him there before going to a celebratory treat at Topanga's. Brylee was the first to notice him as he emerged from the locker room with his teammates. He had taken a quick shower, his hair still wet and slicked back. He was wearing a grey Rangers hoodie, black jeans, and black and white Nikes. She couldn't help but smile when she saw him, his handsome features highlighted by the soft glow of the lights. She blinked and shook her head when she realized she was staring.

"There's our champion!" Maya exclaimed, smiling brightly.

"You were great out there, Ben." Lucas smiled, clapping him on the shoulder.

Bennett grins, shrugging nonchalantly. "Thanks, guys," He said, looking at the group. "But it was a team effort. We all played well."

Brylee watched as Riley and the others congratulated Bennett, her gaze fixed on him. She couldn't help but admire his humility and his ability to credit his teammates. She could tell that he was truly a team player, something she hadn't expected from him. He had always come across as a bit of a cocky athlete, but in this moment, he was nothing but gracious and appreciative.

Brylee felt her heart skip a beat as Bennett's gaze met hers. His lips quirked into a small, shy smile as he looked at her, his eyes twinkling. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, and it was just the two of them. Brylee felt butterflies in her stomach as she returned his smile, her cheeks flushed. She couldn't believe how different he was acting, she didn't know he could be so sweet and genuine.

"Looks like someone's a bit smitten." Smackle teasingly spoke, breaking the spell as she leaned over to nudge Brylee.

Brylee felt her cheeks heat up even more as everyone turned to look at her. She couldn't help but smile, despite her embarrassment. She was surprised by her reaction, she didn't know why she was feeling so flustered. She had never reacted this way before, but there was something about Bennett that made her feel like she was floating on air.

Bennett's smile grew wider, and he cleared his throat. "I, uh, I'm glad you came to the game, Bry," He says softly. "It meant a lot."

Brylee bit her lower lip, her heart racing. She hadn't expected him to say that, and she wasn't sure how to respond. "Well, I'm glad I came, too, Bennett," She replies. "You really were amazing out there. I'm impressed."

Bennett chuckles, shrugging his shoulders. "What can I say? I'm a natural," He said, winking playfully. "But seriously, thanks. It's nice to have you supporting me for once."

Brylee rolls her eyes, though a grin plays at her lips. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," She responds, unable to hide her amusement. "Come on, let's go celebrate your victory."

The group laughs, and the mood is light and celebratory as they make their way to Topanga's. The night is filled with laughter and fun, and Brylee fond herself enjoying every minute of it. Maybe she should go to Bennett's game more often, especially if it's going to end like this. 

****

Later that week, Brylee found herself missing an assignment deadline after staying up late working on a school paper. It was unlike her, she was normally on top of things and rarely missed a deadline, but this time, it had completely slipped her mind. She was usually a stickler for deadlines, but she had gotten distracted and lost track of time.

Her English teacher, Ms. Anderson had talked with her at the end of class that day to check in with her. "Brylee, your recent performance in class has been below par, and now this missed assignment... Is everything okay?" She asked, concern etched on her face.

Brylee felt a twinge of guilt and shame, but she quickly pushed those feelings down. This was her fault, she had gotten distracted and made a mistake. "Yes, everything's fine," Brylee reassures her. "I'm sorry about the assignment, I got distracted and forgot to turn it in. It won't happen again." She fidgeted with a charm bracelet, one Shawn had gotten her for her recent birthday. It had different charms on it, when he went traveling for taking photos for his blog, he had collected a few charms from some places. It was a thoughtful and unique gift and she hadn't took the bracelet off since he gave it to her.

Ms. Anderson nods a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm glad you're okay, Brylee. Just remember, if you need anything, my door is always open." She tells her. "You're a smart girl, and you have a bright future ahead of you. Don't let anything get in the way of that."

Brylee returns the smile, appreciative of the encouragement. "Thank you, Ms. Anderson," She says. "I'll keep that in mind. I'm really sorry...I've just been going through some stuff and I kinda been in a slump lately. But I'll make it up, I promise."

Ms. Anderson nods, understanding. "Don't worry about it, Brylee. I know it can be hard to stay motivated and focused sometimes, especially at your age." She pauses before adding, "And sometimes you have to be careful with who you're spending time with, because some people can drag you down and cause you to make poor choices."

Brylee raises her eyebrows, a bit confused by the statement. "I'm sorry, what do you mean by that?"

Ms. Anderson shakes her head. "You've been hanging out with Bennett Matthews a lot lately, I noticed. Doing things you don't normally do like skipping classes, and now you missed an assignment deadline. He's a great basketball player, but he's also known for getting into trouble and not being the most responsible person."

"We're not that close." Brylee said, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. She was surprised by Ms. Anderson's accusation. Sure, Bennett wasn't a perfect student, but she hadn't pegged him as a bad influence.

"Brylee, I'm just looking out for you," Ms. Anderson explains. "You're a bright young woman, and you have a lot of potential. I don't want you to throw that away by hanging out with the wrong crowd." She pauses, giving Brylee a sympathetic look. "I know you're a good kid, but sometimes people can change when they're around certain people."

Brylee nods, though her mind was still reeling from the conversation. She had never considered herself a 'good kid', she was just trying to get by and stay under the radar. She had a lot of anxiety and had to work hard to overcome it, so she didn't have time for the drama most of her peers got caught up in. She didn't consider herself to be a social butterfly, preferring to keep to herself and her small circle of friends. But, Bennett wasn't a part of that circle. Sure, they had been hanging out a bit more, but that didn't mean anything...Right?

Brylee had noticed that her grades had slipped a bit lately, and she was more tired than usual, but she had attributed it to stress and overworking herself. But, maybe there was some truth to what Ms. Anderson was saying. She had been doing things she wouldn't normally do when hanging out with Bennett. Like cutting class, not doing homework, and even getting detention. That's not like her at all, but Bennett was always so charming and persuasive, and he had a way of convincing her to do things she wouldn't normally do.

Maybe she was becoming too wrapped up in him, too distracted by his presence. He had a way of making her feel special and important, something she wasn't used to. She had always been the quiet, nerdy girl, and Bennett was the popular, athletic jock. She knew it was such a cliché, but it was true. Maybe she was letting her guard down a bit too much, and maybe he was taking advantage of that. She had never thought of herself as weak or easily manipulated, but perhaps she was letting her emotions get the better of her. She couldn't deny that she was attracted to Bennett, both physically and emotionally. But, she had to be careful and not lose herself in the process.

She was still a bit shocked at Ms. Anderson's comments about her behavior, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to them. Was Bennett a bad influence on her? And if so, why was she so drawn to him? There was something about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on, something that made her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. He still got under her skin and made her blood boil, but there was also a softer, gentler side to him that she found herself longing for.

Brylee wasn't sure what to make of her newfound feelings, and she was conflicted about what to do next. Should she continue to hang out with Bennett, or should she distance herself from him? It was a difficult decision, but she knew she had to make the right choice. Her future was at stake, and she didn't want to throw it away because of her attraction to a boy. She had a lot to think about, and she hoped she would be able to make the right decision.

In the end, Brylee decides to focus on herself and her schoolwork, distancing herself from Bennett and the distractions he brings. It's a difficult choice, but she knows it's the right one. She can't afford to let herself get derailed, not when she has so much potential and a bright future ahead of her. She has to stay focused and committed, and Bennett is just too much of a temptation.

Still, Brylee can't help but wonder if she made the right choice. As the weeks pass and she goes back to her normal routine, she can't help but feel a pang of regret. She had been avoiding and ignoring Bennett, who was obviously upset and confused. They had grown closer over the past few weeks, and Brylee had allowed herself to start to care for him. But, now she was pulling away, and she knew it wasn't fair to him. He had no idea why she was suddenly acting this way, and she couldn't bring herself to tell him.

She was conflicted, and she wasn't sure if her choice was the right one. But, she had to stay focused and strong, and she couldn't let her feelings for Bennett derail her. She had to think about her future, and her feelings were only going to hold her back. It was a difficult choice, but it was the only one she could make.

One night she was sitting in her room, staring at a blank Word document on her laptop. She had a book report due soon, and she had barely started on it. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and she couldn't seem to focus. She knew she needed to get her act together, but she was struggling.

"Hey, B." She looks up to find her little sister leaning against the door frame, looking at her with concern. "Still having writer's block?" Maya asked softly, walking into Brylee's room and plopping down on her bed by her sister.

"It's so frustrating." Brylee groans in annoyance. "It's like no matter how hard I try, everything I write isn't good enough." She then looks over at her sister, gasping at seeing she was covered in purple paint. "Okay, what did I miss out on this time?"

"Me and Riley had a fight at the school." Maya admits. "I kinda had an artistic identity crisis and had an emotional break down. Then we ended up having a paint fight." She explains, noticing the worried look on Brylee's face. "But I'm good now. We're both good." She added.

"Are you sure?" Brylee asks, wanting to make sure her sister is truly okay. She had noticed that Maya had been acting a bit strange lately, and she was worried about her. "And I'm sorry, I feel so bad." She frowns. "I've been focusing on my own problems, and I haven't been paying attention to you or the others."

Maya shakes her head, smiling reassuringly. "No, you don't have to apologize, B. You've been busy with your own stuff, we get it. Speaking of that, what's going on with you and Bennet?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.

Brylee sighs, leaning her head on Maya's shoulder. "Can we not talk about that right now?"

"Why? I thought you guys were like this?" Maya asks, holding her index finger and thumb an inch apart. "What happened?" She was curious and concerned, especially since she saw how much her sister liked Bennett.

"I don't know," Brylee says, shrugging her shoulders. "We were getting close, but then I had to go and ruin it by overthinking everything. I just had a talk with Ms. Anderson, and she said I've been acting different since hanging out with him. And I'm starting to think she's right." She explains. "I-I mean, I'm not the girl who ditch class, gets detention or miss a deadline for an assignment. That's not me, you know?"

Maya listens carefully, nodding in understanding. "Yeah, that's true. You're not like that," She pauses, biting her lower lip. "But, don't you think you're overreacting a bit? You've been stressed out lately and I'm pretty sure you're just taking it out on yourself. You're not giving him a chance. I've seen the way you look at him, B. You have feelings for him, and that's okay."

"Yeah, well, feelings suck," Brylee replies, sighing heavily. "I don't have time for them right now, I have too much going on. I can't afford to get distracted."

Maya smiles softly, rubbing her sister's back gently. "It's okay to take a break every now and then. You're only human, B. And sometimes, love is worth the risk."

Brylee raises her head from Maya's shoulder, giving her a surprised look. "Woah, woah, hold on a second. Love? Where did that come from?"

Maya chuckles, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, come on. It's obvious that you have feelings for him," She teases, poking her sister's cheek. "I can see it in your eyes. And besides, he's a cool guy. A little rough around the edges, but he's not a bad guy."

Brylee shakes her head, though a smile plays at her lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"I learned from the best," Maya grins. "Seriously, B, give him a chance. You never know, he could surprise you."

"Maybe," Brylee concedes. "But right now, I need to focus on my book report. This assignment is worth half of my grade. And my brain is fried." She added, rubbing her temples.

Maya laughs, shaking her head. "Okay, fine. But I think you need a break. I wanna take you somewhere." She told her sister.

"Where?" Brylee asked, curiosity written all over her face.

"It's a surprise," Maya smirks. "Come on, get up and get dressed. We're going out." She replied, getting up from Brylee's bed.

"But, my book report-" Brylee started, but Maya cuts her off.

"Is due in two weeks. You can spare a couple hours. Now come on, let's go." She insisted.

Brylee reluctantly agrees, following her sister out of her room. Maya ended up taking her to the Matthews' apartment which surprised Brylee. "Why are we here?" Brylee asked.

"Just 'cause." Maya smiled, walking in with Brylee which caused her older sister to narrow her eyes at her.

"What are you up to, sis?" Brylee questioned, not convinced by Maya's nonchalant attitude.

"Nothing," Maya responded innocently, though a mischievous glint shines in her eyes.

"Mom?" Brylee asks with surprise, not expecting to see her there. She was sitting on the couch with Topanga. "This is where you've been all evening?"

"Yeah, sorry for not telling you, sweetheart." Katy apologized, sending her an apologetic expression.

"Bennett told us what's been going on with you." Riley speaks up, looking at Brylee in concern. "Are you okay?"

"I'm getting there." Brylee admits. "Not quite yet though. Just having a teeny, tiny, identity crisis and writer's block."

"Hey, same!" Maya smiles, pointing at her. "Except with art."

"I was wondering how long it would take for you to get back with her." Bennett chuckled, walking into the living room from the hallway.

Brylee felt like her heart stopped when she laid her eyes on him. Her breath hitched, her cheeks flushed, and her palms started to sweat. Her eyes followed his every move, and she couldn't help but admire his tall and lean frame. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and black jeans, and his messy dark brown hair was perfectly styled.

"You're staring, B." Maya murmured to her quietly, earning a glare from her sister.

"Is he why you brought me here?" Brylee asked in a whisper. She felt like her heart was racing a mile a minute, and she was struggling to maintain her composure. She was so confused, and her mind was reeling. She didn't know what to do, or how to act.

"Yep." Maya smirked, watching her sister's reaction carefully. She was clearly amused by the whole thing. She could tell that Brylee was completely infatuated with Bennett, and she wanted to help her get her man.

"You're the worst." Brylee hissed, but there was no malice behind her words.

"Yeah, but you love me anyway." Maya teased.

"Were you in my room?" Riley asked in confusion, looking at her cousin with furrowed eyebrows.

"Yeah, I was getting the update from Lucas about how he finally made a decision." Bennett replied with a shrug.

"Wait, really?" Brylee's eyes widen, looking interested. "Who did he pick?" She questioned, trying to ignore her feelings.

Before Bennett could reply, suddenly, the door opens and Cory and Shawn run into the apartment, gaining everyone's attention. "I have been reminded...That you can't help but be influenced by the people or the events of your life." Shawn exclaimed, sounding out of breath as he looked at Katy with a smile. Katy stood up, looking at him with confusion, but she had a smile tugging on her lips.

"Where were you guys?" Riley curiously questioned.

"We had to pick somethin' up." Cory admitted with a small shrug.

"And these can cause you to...Lose a part of yourself sometimes." Shawn continues, walking over to Katy as Cory closes the front door. "Or... Forget who you are for awhile...Or what you need...To be what you always wanted to be." He takes ahold of Katy's hands. "I've been unfair to you. You don't know me. Y-You don't even know that I'm a creature of..." He leans over to Cory to whisper, "What was it?"

"Reckless spontaneity." Cory whispered back to him.

"Shawn, what are you saying?" Katy asked, looking confused and intrigued. Brylee also noticed she looked hopeful.

"I love your daughters," Shawn confesses, causing Brylee and Maya to share a look of surprise. "And I'm in love with you." Katy's eyes widened, staring at him in shock. "I want us to take care of each other forever." Brylee smiled widely, watching as Shawn knelt down on one knee, holding out a ring. She moved to stand by her sister, their hands intertwined. Katy's eyes widened, kneeling in front of him.

"Do you wanna get married?" Shawn inquired.

Unknowingly to everyone, Farkle, Zay, and Lucas had peeked out into the hallway to watch. "Yes." Katy immediately replied, her face brightening with a big smile. With tears in their eyes, the sisters squeezed each other's hands and Riley hugs them both while Katy and Shawn kiss. Bennett smiled softly as he watched this. smiling along with the others.

****

(brylee's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(bennett's outfit for this part of the chapter)

In the next two weeks that followed, Brylee had finally went back to hanging out with Bennett, explaining to him what was going on. He had listened to her attentively, and assured her that he didn't intend on changing her. Instead, he encouraged her to still be herself and to not be afraid to let her guard down and trust him. She had taken his advice to heart, and things between them have been great. He was the perfect gentleman, and he respected her boundaries. He had felt bad that he had been part of the cause of her stress, and he was determined to help her any way he could.

Brylee was at Topanga's after school the day before her report was due. She had her laptop open and a cup of coffee next to her as she worked on her book report. She had managed to finally get the words flowing and her fingers were moving across the keyboard quickly. Bennett would come by and offer to refill her cup of coffee every so often. He was impressed with how much she was getting done and did his best not to bother her too much. He didn't want to interrupt her writing process. As he worked, he couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring how beautiful she looked. He mentally scolded himself, reminding him that she was his frenemy, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was growing fonder of her by the day.

Finally, Brylee had finished her book report and she sighed with relief. She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a contented sigh. She hadn't realized how late it was. It was close to closing time and the only people left were her, a few college students and the employees.

"Done?" Bennett asked, looking over at her with a small smile.

"I think so," Brylee nods, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "Man, I'm exhausted." She yawns. "I feel like I could sleep for days."

Bennett chuckles softly, his smile growing. "I'm glad you got your book report done," He tells her sincerely. "I know it's important to you and you've been stressing about it." He added, his gaze softening. He really admired her dedication and determination. He had never seen anyone so committed and passionate about their studies. It was clear she loved what she did and she was good at it too.

"Yeah, me too," Brylee agrees, smiling brightly. "Thanks for the coffee and the company, Bennett. You've been a lifesaver."

Bennett smirks, giving her a mock bow. "Happy to be of service, ma'am."

"You're such a dork." Brylee snickers, shaking her head in amusement. She closed her laptop and slid it into her backpack. "Anyway, I should get going. It's getting late." She said, glancing at her watch. "See you tomorrow, Bennett." She told him, getting up and gathering her things. 

She glanced back at him with a smile before she left. She knew that things were different between them, but she was okay with that. They had grown closer over the last couple weeks, and she was enjoying getting to know him. Yes, he still annoyed her and challenged her, but he had shown her a different side to him. A softer side. He was still a sarcastic, stubborn, and sometimes rude guy, but there was a more caring and considerate side to him as well. She had caught glimpses of it when they were hanging out together, and it had only made her grow fonder of him. She still didn't know exactly what he was to her, or where they stood, but she was starting to care about him in a way she hadn't expected. And that was something she never thought would happen. 

A/N decided it'd be interesting if i did a parallel sister thing with brylee & maya so that's why this chapter might seem a bit similar to what happened with maya. bennett & brylee >>>>