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

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

Brylee and Bennett had planned to hang out at his place after school which was why she was following him to his apartment. They were holding hands as they talked about anything and everything, a bright smile on both their faces. Bennett opened the door for her, letting her in first. 

She giggles and rolls her eyes. "Why thank you, good sir." She said in a fake British accent, curtsying as she walked past him, kissing his cheek when he closed the door.

"Anything for a pretty lady like yourself." Bennett replies in the same accent, winking at her. He closes the door behind him and locks the door. He pauses when he noticed his dad laying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. "Dad? You good?" He questioned, furrowing his eyebrows while standing by Brylee.

Brylee turns to Eric, glancing at him with confusion and concern. She nor Bennett could tell if he was awake or not. "Is he awake?" She whispered, leaning over to him.

"I dunno." Bennett whispers back, shaking his head. "He's breathing, though. He must be asleep."

Brylee glances back at Eric, raising her eyebrows. He had his eyes open and it looked like he was awake. "With his eyes open?" She questions, furrowing her eyebrows. "Does he sleep with his eyes open? It wouldn't surprise me." She muttered, chuckling a little.

Bennett snorts and nods his head. "I've seen him do that before a few times. It's really creepy." He shudders, grimacing at the memory. "He probably is asleep."

"I can check." Brylee grabbed a throw pillow, chucking it at him, hitting him right in the face.

"Ow, hey!" Eric yelped, grabbing the pillow and throwing it back at Brylee.

"He's awake now." Brylee laughed, dodging the pillow and letting it hit Bennett instead.

"Bry, I was going to check." Bennett groans, picking up the pillow and chucking it at her. He had to admit it was amusing though, what  she did. She laughs and catches the pillow, throwing it back. "Didn't have to throw a pillow at him." He mutters, setting the pillow on the couch. "Dad, you good? You were sleeping with your eyes open again...Which is still creepy."

Eric sits up and rubs his face as he sighs. "Sorry, kids. Just a lot on my mind." He apologized.

"What's wrong?" Bennett asks, sitting on the arm of the couch. He was worried about his dad. He had noticed his dad being really distracted lately, and he was concerned that something was seriously wrong. "You've been acting strange recently. Are you okay?"

Eric sighs and runs a hand through his hair. He knew he couldn't keep this from him for much longer. And he needed to tell him eventually. "Your mom is back, that little witch. She's gonna come knocking at our door and wants us to act like a happy little family again." He scoffs, standing up and heading towards the kitchen. "I'll need a drink for this conversation." He muttered.

Bennett felt like he had just been punched in the gut. His mom was back? And she was trying to reconnect? This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. His head spun as he tried to process this new information. He had known his mom left for a while, and he knew that his dad didn't know where she went. But he never thought that she would ever come back.

"Dad," He said shakily, trying to keep his emotions in check. "What are you talking about? I thought you didn't know where she went. How do you know she's back? Has she contacted you? When did this happen?" He fired off question after question, not giving his dad a chance to respond. He felt his hands shaking and his chest tightening. He needed to calm down. He couldn't lose control.

Eric poured himself a glass of wine, taking a sip and leaning against the counter. He looks at his son, frowning at how he reacted. He couldn't blame him. He wasn't even sure how to feel about her coming back. He had so many mixed emotions about the whole situation. He knew his son was panicking and he hated himself for it. He could tell by the way he rambling and his body language that his son was spiraling. Brylee had noticed too, moving closer to him and grabbing his hand, squeezing it. She was looking at him with so much concern and love. It was enough to snap him out of his panicked state. He had to calm down. He squeezed her hand back and takes a deep breath, focusing on the feeling of her hand in his that was enough to keep him grounded. He was grateful to have her. His anchor.

Eric's face softens slightly at seeing this. He was glad his son had Brylee. She was good for him. Eric sighs and runs a hand through his hair before responding. "A couple weeks ago, I received a letter from her. A stupid letter. Like she couldn't even be bothered to pick up the phone and call me. Or even text me...Though to be fair I did block her number." He picks up his glass and takes another swig of wine. "She wants to act like a family again, Benny. Can you believe that?" He laughs bitterly. "She acts like she can waltz back into our lives and then expects everything to be okay? After everything she put us through?" He shakes his head. "Not happening." 

Brylee frowned as she watched the interaction. She didn't know much about Bennett's mom, but she knew enough to know that she wasn't a good person. She had left when Bennett was still young, and he didn't remember much about her. She could tell that the news was upsetting him, and she wanted to do something to help, but she didn't know what to do. She understood completely how he felt. Her dad had ran out on her, her sister and mom when she was younger, and she knew how painful it was. 

Bennett didn't know what to think. He felt overwhelmed and confused. He didn't know what to do. He needed space. He needed to breathe. He had to get out of there. He couldn't stay in the apartment. "I gotta go." He muttered, pushing himself off the couch.

"What?" Eric asks, looking up at his son with surprise and concern. "Benny, where are you going? We need to talk about this."

"I just," Bennett pauses, glancing at Brylee and then at his dad. "I need to get some air. I'll be back later." With that, he turned and walked out of the apartment. Brylee sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She had a feeling she knew where he was going.

"I'll go after him." She told Eric, giving him a reassuring smile. She then headed out of the apartment, knowing exactly where to find Bennett.

****

Bennett had gone to the skate park and sat at the bench near the ramps, looking out at the view of the city. He knew his dad was just trying to protect him, but it didn't make things any easier. He had been doing so well, and this news had thrown him off-balance. He needed time to think, time to process. He felt like his whole world was crumbling around him, and he didn't know what to do. He had been hoping that his mom was dead, so he wouldn't have to deal with her anymore, but now she was back and she was trying to re-enter his life. He wasn't sure if he was ready for that. He wasn't sure if he would ever be ready for that.

Bennett hears footsteps approaching and he tensed up, ready to defend himself in case it was some stranger. His muscles relaxed when he saw that it was just Brylee, who took a seat next to him. He should've realized she would've come after him. "How did you know I was here?" He questioned, glancing at her with surprise.

"Lucky guess." She shrugs her shoulders, smiling a little. "This is your usual spot when you need time to think." She says. She then takes his hand in hers and squeezes it. "I'm here if you need to talk. You know that, right?" She told him softly. She knew that he was struggling with this new information, that was obvious. 

She could tell by the look on his face and the way he was acting. She had been there before. She had the same fears, the same worries. She had the same feelings he had, and she knew how hard it was. He was tense, his jaw clenched. His hands were clenched in fists, and his breathing was uneven. He was angry, and he had every right to be. Bennett appreciated Brylee's presence and her offer to listen. He appreciated her more than she knew. He squeezes her hand back, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. 

"Thanks, Bry. I...I don't even know where to start," He admits, his voice wavering slightly. "I just never expected her to come back, you know? And now that she's here, it's like everything's flipped upside down."

Brylee nods sympathetically, giving his hand another reassuring squeeze. "It's a lot to take in, I get it. But remember, you're not alone in this. You have people who care about you and want to support you through whatever comes your way."

He sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping as he leaned back against the bench. "I know. And I'm grateful for that. It's just...I don't even know if I want her back in my life. She left us without a word, without any explanation. And now she expects us to just welcome her back with open arms? It's not that simple." Bennett's voice is filled with frustration and hurt and Brylee looked at him with sympathy, moving her free hand to rub his pack to comfort him. 

Brylee frowns, feeling a sharp pang of pain in her chest as she heard the bitterness and hurt in his voice. She knew what he was going through. She had been there herself, and she knew how difficult it was. "I understand. It's not fair. None of this is fair. You didn't deserve any of this. But, Ben, you can't keep all this anger and resentment bottled up inside. It's not healthy."

"I know, I know." Bennett muttered, running a hand through his hair. He knew that Brylee was right, but he couldn't help the way he felt. He had spent so many years trying to move on, trying to forget about his mom, and now she was back, trying to re-enter his and his dad's life. Did she forget how much she hurt them? Did she not care? Why was she just now reaching out? All these questions swirled in his head, making it ache.

Bennett leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees and burying his face in his hands. "I'm just so confused and angry, Bry. I don't know what to do."

"Well," Brylee began, scooting closer to him. "You have a couple options. You can ignore her and pretend like she doesn't exist, which would be perfectly understandable. Or, you can give her a chance, let her try to explain herself, and maybe even forgive her." She suggests, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Either way, it's up to you. You have to do what's best for you, Ben. No one else can decide that for you."

"I know," Bennett murmurs, leaning into her touch. "But it's hard. I'm afraid of getting my hopes up and then getting let down again...And I'm worried about my dad. He's been through so much already, and I don't want this to hurt him even more."

Brylee nods understandingly, her heart aching for Bennett and his family. "I get it, Ben. It's a tough situation, no doubt about it. But just remember, whatever decision you make, we'll be here for you. Your dad too. You're not alone in this."

Bennett sighs, his shoulders slumping as he relaxed a little. He was grateful for Brylee's support and reassurance. It meant a lot to him, and it made him feel less alone. He leans his head on her shoulder, letting his eyes close. "I love you, Bry." He mumbled.

Her heart flutters at his words, and she can't help the smile that spreads across her lips. "I love you too, Ben." She murmurs, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. "And I'm here for you, no matter what." She kept her arms wrapped around him, rubbing her back to comfort him as her head laid on his. Her heart ached for him. She wished that there was more she could do, that she could take away his pain. But all she could do was be there for him and support him.

They sit in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other's company. It's a comfortable silence, though. Neither of them feel the need to speak, and they're content just being together. His arms were wrapped around her waist and his face buried in her neck. She ran her fingers through his hair, trying to comfort him as much as she could. She felt her heart breaking for him. She couldn't imagine what he was going through, but she wanted to be there for him and help him in any way that she could.

Bennett's body eventually loosened, and he sighed, the tension easing out of him. He felt calmer, more relaxed. He loved it when his hair was being played with and it helped calm him down too. It was nice to just have Brylee there, holding him and supporting him. It meant more to him than he could say. He was so lucky to have her in his life.

"Feeling better?" She asked softly, brushing her lips against his forehead.

He nods his head, opening his eyes and sitting up a little. "Yeah, a little." He sighs. "Thanks for coming after me, Bry."

"Of course," She says, squeezing his shoulder gently. "I'll always be here for you, Ben. No matter what." She presses a kiss to his forehead and then his cheek. "I love you, so much." She smiled softly at him, her eyes filled with love and compassion.

"I love you too, Bry," Bennett replies, lifting his head up to smile at her. His hand comes up to caress her cheek. "More than you know." He murmured before leaning in and kissing her. It was a sweet and gentle kiss, full of love and affection. She kissed him back, her hand cupping his cheek. They stayed like that for a while, just kissing and holding each other, trying to forget about the troubles of the world.

Her eyes closed, and she let herself melt into the kiss. He was all that mattered in that moment, and she was content to stay there forever. His hand moved down from her cheek to her waist, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her like his life depended on it, and she returned the kiss with equal passion and desire. It was as if the rest of the world faded away and it was just the two of them. It was a moment that she would never forget, and she knew that he wouldn't either.

After a while, they reluctantly pulled apart, both of them a little breathless. They stared at each other, their eyes full of love and longing. He was the first to break the silence, a small chuckle escaping him. "Wow."

"Yeah, wow." She giggles, resting her forehead against his. "That was...Wow." She couldn't find any other word to describe the experience. It was like nothing she had ever felt before.

"Yeah." He grinned, his hand moving to cup her face. His thumb traces her cheek, and he can't help but lean in and capture her lips again. He couldn't get enough of her. She was like a drug, and he was addicted.

"We should probably head back," Brylee sighs, breaking the kiss once more. As much as she would love to stay there and continue making out with him, she knew his dad was probably worried about him. "Come on, let's go." She took his hand in hers and stood up, pulling him along.

He groans, reluctant to leave the bench and go back to his life. He didn't want to have to deal with the situation he had left. He didn't want to think about his mom and everything she had put him and his dad through. But he knew he had to. There was no avoiding it. "Fine." He muttered, standing up and following her as she led him out of the skate park.

They walked back to the apartment, hand-in-hand. The walk was silent, but it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. They were just enjoying each other's company and the peacefulness of the night. Soon they got back, and Bennett sighed, preparing himself for the inevitable conversation with his dad. "Let's get this over with."

They entered the apartment and Bennett was greeted by his father's worried expression. "Benny! Where the heck have you been? I've been worried sick!" He exclaims, rushing over to him and pulling him into a hug. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did something happen?"

Bennett chuckles, hugging his dad back. "I'm fine, dad. I'm okay." He reassures him. "Just needed some air...Sorry I worried you."

Eric pulls back, looking him over. "As long as you're okay, that's all that matters." He says, relieved. He then turns his attention to Brylee, giving her a grateful smile. "Thank you for going after him. I'm glad he has you."

"Someone has to look after him." She joked, nudging Bennett playfully. He rolled his eyes, but he can't hide his smile.

"Hilarious." He said sarcastically.

"I know, I'm a comedic genius." She replied with a grin.

Eric chuckled at their banter. It was clear that they cared deeply for each other, and it made him happy to see his son so happy. He never thought he would see them as a couple. They had always been arguing and bickering with each other, and he had been convinced they hated each other. But now, he could see that they were meant to be. He was glad that his son had found someone who made him happy.

"Look, Bennett," He sighs, glancing at his son as he stepped back. "I know this is a lot to take in. I'm struggling with it too, but we'll get through it together. We always do."

Bennett nods his head, his expression serious. "I know, dad. I'm sorry for leaving like that. It's just...Like you said, it's a lot to take in. I just needed time to process everything." He explained. He felt a little better after having some time to think and talk things through with Brylee.

"I get it, Benny. And I'm sorry for dropping this news on you like that." Eric apologizes, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "But no matter what, you have my support, okay? Whatever decision you make, I'm behind you 100%."

"Thanks, dad. That means a lot." Bennett replied, smiling a little. He was grateful for his dad's support. He knew that it couldn't be easy for him either, and he appreciated that he was trying to make things easier for him. He knew that he and his dad would have to have a serious conversation about his mom and what to do next, but for now, he was just grateful to have his dad's support and Brylee by his side.

"So," Brylee pipes up, smiling at the two. "How about some dinner? I'm starving." She had noticed how tense the atmosphere was and figured that a distraction was needed.

"Sounds good. Pizza sound good to you kids?" Eric questioned as he walked over to grab his phone from the counter.

"Pizza sounds great." Bennett responded, glancing at Brylee with a thankful smile. He knew what she was trying to do, and he appreciated it. He could always count on her to be there for him. She smiled back at him, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

"Pizza it is then." Eric said as he ordered their food, the atmosphere feeling a bit lighter.

The rest of the night went by fairly smoothly. Bennett had been able to put the news about his mom on the backburner and just enjoy the evening with his dad and Brylee. They had eaten pizza and watched a movie, and it had almost been like any other night. But as he got ready for bed, he knew that the situation with his mom was still hanging over his head, and he had no idea what he was going to do. Brylee had to go home eventually and left shortly after dinner. 

After she left, he decided to call it a night and went to bed, knowing that tomorrow was going to be another day of uncertainty and confusion. As he laid there, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't help but wonder if his mom was out there, thinking about him and his dad, wondering what their lives were like. Was she sorry for leaving them? Was she going to try and make things right? So many questions swirled in his mind, and he had no answers. He sighed and closed his eyes, turning to lay on his side. He had a feeling that the next few days were going to be tough, but as long as he had his dad and Brylee by his side, he knew he could get through it. At least, he hoped so.

A/N after getting some help on what to write next, decided to do another original chapter to focus more on bennett & his mom! i also love writing bennett's & eric's relationship, its so fun to write