Enjoy this chapter...(Does that even make sense anymore? Ben's dead!) and have a great day!

One week later...

Erica's POV

"It's been one week," I mumbled, looking nowhere but my tear-soaked pillow. We had flown back to Washington D.C. and shared the news with the whole school. I received bouquet after bouquet, condolence letters, letters to him, letters to me, candy and whatnot. The moment we entered the school, I came into my room. For a whole week I stayed in my room, having nothing but tea, water and salad without going out.

Cynthia and Jamie were recruited to Spy School as well, and they were enjoying the campus life.

There was a soft knock at my door. I got out of bed and slowly opened the door. I didn't care about any death threats on my door. I didn't care about anything, really.

It was a first year student, Jennifer. She was the one the CIA recruited because Ben died. She was a chirpy, cheerful girl who was really active and clever. She held a small bouquet of roses.

"Hi, Agent Hale. This is...for you and Ben. I'm really sorry," she said softly.

That was when I realized my face was wet. I tried to smile, but failed. I put up the best face I could and took the bouquet.

"You know what?" I told her. "You're the first person who's not my friend to come up to me and talk. I appreciate your courage."

She smiled shyly. "Thanks. I feel horrible that I'm Ben Ripley's replacement. He was amazing based off of the stories everyone told me."

"You're the first person who has given me a bouquet saying it's for both of us. That warms me." I was getting emotional, but I didn't care. "You know what? You can come here anytime and talk to me."

A grin spread across her face. "Really? Oh my gosh, thank you!" She ran off and I smiled.

As I closed the door, though, someone knocked again. I opened the door to find Zoe, Mike, Jamie and Cynthia.

"Hey, guys," I said, letting them in. Zoe had recovered too. Mike was still a little low, but I was the worst.

"Erica, you haven't come out for a week," Zoe said, placing an arm on my shoulder. "You need to get some fresh air."

"Do I?" I asked, grabbing a tissue and wiping my tears. I grabbed another one and blew my nose as well.

"Yes," Mike said. "We all mourn him, but that can't get in the way of regular activities, right?"

I nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'll come eat in the mess hall."

Everyone brightened and cheered. Mike and Jamie left the room, leaving the three of us girls. I washed my face while Cynthia pulled out a pair of jeans and a nice shirt for me.

"He stole all of our hearts," Cynthia spoke softly. "I'm pretty sure he's kissed all of us at least once.

Zoe nodded, and so did I. "Ben had his own girl problems," Zoe commented, and for the first time, I felt a smile play across my lips.

I quickly changed into the clothes Cynthia chose and we slowly walked towards the mess hall. It was summer vacation, so no classes were full, and the campus was covered with students.

The mess hall was unusually crowded. I grabbed a salad and found Mike and the other guys waving us over.

I sat down at the table and hundreds of eyes turned our way. I rolled my eyes. "Am I still the center of attention? Get back to your work, people."

Everyone continued eating and talking. I focused my attention on my friends, who were all eating salads.

"Copycats," I muttered, and everyone at the table burst out laughing. I felt a pang of sadness as I scanned the table group. Ben's absence was sickening. I felt nauseous. I didn't want to be there.

I left my salad, got up from the table and broke into a sprint, running away from anyone as fast as I could. I could hear Cynthia and Mike call after me, but I didn't care. I felt my food get stuck in my throat as I dashed into the nearest bathroom.

Then I puked.

"Erica!" Cynthia yelled, running into the bathroom just as I finished throwing up my breakfast and half of my lunch. "Are you okay?"

I leaned against the wall, a sick feeling arising in my stomach. "No."

She was followed by Zoe, who had a concerned look across her face. "Is everything alright?"

I groaned. "I miss him."

"We all do," Cynthia said. "Do you need to go back to your room?"

I nodded. "Alone."

They left me, walking away. I followed them out of the bathroom and they all started walking back to the mess hall. I started walking in the other direction.

The moment I reached my dorm room I buried my face in pillows. I didn't want to see anyone.

"Erica?" came a soft voice. A voice I knew all too well. I lifted my head from the pillows and stared straight into a pair of light brown eyes. Eyes I had never dreamed of looking into ever again.

"Erica?" he asked again. "How are you?"

Ben stood in front of me. I rubbed my eyes, wondering if it was a dream. But he was still there.

"Ben," I breathed, running to him. He opened his arms and let me fall into them. He felt so warm. "I missed you so, so much, Ben."

"I missed you too, Erica," he replied. "I've come back. I survived. I'm back, for you."

I smiled and hugged him, feeling happy for the first time. "Let's go tell the others," I said, tugging his hand and walking to the door.

"I'm afraid we can't do that," he replied. "Sorry."

"Why?" I asked.

Ben nudged me. "Wake up."

"I'm already awake!" I yelled.

"No, you're dreaming. Open your eyes," he said, but his tone was different. He had a british accent.

My eyes flew open as I sat up straight. "Ben!"
"Erica, darling," came Mom's voice. I looked that way and saw Mom standing in front of me. I leapt out of bed and ran to her as she wrapped me in a hug. I felt the tears again.

"You came all the way from Britain to see me?" I asked.

Mom put her arms on my shoulders. "I came to see my one and only daughter, her friends and make sure everything's alright."

I let a tear fall down my face. "I can't do this."

"He was like a son to me," Mom agreed. "I was broken when your father told me what happened. But this happens. What does Cyrus say?"

"In the world of espionage, sacrifices have to be made," I mumbled as Mom made me sit down on the bed. She grabbed my teacup and poured some tea into it, taking a sip.

"This tea is wonderful," she remarked. "Where did you get the leaves?"

"Ben and I made it together," I replied. "It was one of my favorites. I got him interested in tea and he made this for me."

Mom smiled. "You really like him, didn't you?"

I blushed. "Yes."

Mom hung out in my room for a little longer before she left to go see Grandpa because Dad was on some weird mission again. I lay down on my bed in a good mood after a long time.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I sprang up only to find the call from Grandpa.

"Yes, Grandpa?"
"How are you?"

I yawned. "Sleepy."

"I meant with Ripley."

"Definitely better."

Grandpa abruptly hung up. I laughed to myself as I walked down to the mess hall for dinner.

"You're back," Mike said as I sat at the table. "You good?"

"I'm in a great mood," I replied. "Let's eat."

I managed to stay happy for the rest of dinner, and we all walked to our dorms together, talking and laughing.

"Goodnight, Erica," Zoe said. I waved to them as I disappeared into my room. Once locked, I curled up in bed and fell fast asleep.