Ben Matthews

"OK so what now? Why are they coming to our house? And that too to stay with us?" I asked.

"In the contract we signed, there was a rule where they could you know like visit us and stay for a few days for 'observation'. "uncle said.

"Observation? Seriously? Why can't we sue them?" I asked.

"We can't because we don't have proper evidence against their acts. If we did, I would have long ago", Dad replied.

"OK so Ben and I have to start acting now", Rita said.

Yeah. That's pretty much what you have to do. But without them knowing cause you know they are very observant as we have seen", Uncle said

"OK that's not hard", She said

"There's the hard part in that", Dad said.

"Oh no! What is it now?" Rita asked worriedly.

Silence filled the room. Our dads and mom couldn't speak another word.

"Dad, what's wrong? Mom?" I asked.

"Umm... honey it's better if we close all doors and windows first", mom said.

"Why? Isn't our house already soundproofed?" Rita asked.

"Yes, but if we close the windows too then it will be completely", mom said.

"Tell us what's going on", I asked firmly.

"You two might have to shift into the same room. Don't scream please", uncle said

"We'll not scream. Do you guys understand that this is an invasion in our personal lives?" I said angrily.

"I'm sorry guys. We'll surrender to the Bigs' then. I know we can't force you to do this. I understand", Dad said sadly

"NO! You'll not. I've had enough of these people. If they think we're weak and we'll surrender to them so easily then they're fools. Dad, we'll do what you asked. Don't worry. We'll adjust. Ben, come with me", Rita said or should I say ordered.

"So I'm gonna get ordered by her now?" I asked.

"Kind of, son. Go", Dad said and they all laughed as I was going.

Rita was quiet the whole time we were shifting belongings from her room to mine.

"So?" I asked.

"So? What?" she asked.

"Moving into my room. Huh?" I asked a bit disappointedly.

"Yeah, Ben. Just keep quiet", She said.

"You OK, Ri?" I asked.

"No. Would I be? I mean my life was going perfectly when these Bigs' came and ruined it. Is it regular that someone forces you to marry the one you hate the most? I never was this person who you know gets emotional and sometimes blushes. But this isn't... why am I telling all this to you?" she got angry.

"Can I just say something?" I said.

"What?" She snapped at me.

"You said that you have to marry the one you hate the most", I said.

"Ya so?" she asked curiously.

"Maybe the person you hate person doesn't hate you a lot rather likes you. And he's trying to hide his feelings but he keeps falling for you more", I said.

"Ben", she whispered.

"Rita. I know you don't like me but I like you. I admitted it yesterday. I know but why don't you like me?"  I asked

"Ben I don't like you and that'll never change. You are lying too. The feeling you're feeling for me is just out of regret. It isn't real. Just stop!" She shouted.

"Rita I'm not lying. Just..." I was saying when she stopped me.

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! Please?" she requested.

"OK, I'll come in a few mins. Then I'll help you with your belongings", I said and went out.

I went down to see everyone looking at me to ask what happened

"Hey guys", I said sadly.

"What's wrong Ben? Are you OK? Is Rita OK?" Dad asked.

"Yeah. She um... got a bit emotional. Uncle, why don't you go talk to her? She might feel better," I said

"Sure Ben", Uncle said and went up.

Rita Hall

"Hey honey", Dad said as he entered the room.

"Just go away, dad!" I exclaimed.

"Are you OK?" he asked calmly.

"Do I look OK?" I snapped at him.

"OK, that's enough. Get up. Sit here", He advised.

"Can I tell you something?" I said."You know you can share anything with me right?" he said kindly.

"I know. Dad, do you remember how mom used to take Anna and me to so many places when we got bored and you weren't home and also make our favorite foods for us even though she was busy with her work?" I asked.

"Yeah?" he said.

"She showed so much affection towards me as no one has shown before. I mean you have to but she was the best", I said.

"I know honey. You don't have to elaborate on that", he said politely.

"When she was there I never felt alone or lonely. But now that she's gone I can't help but feel like that. And when Ben shows the same affection towards me by saying he likes me, I..I.. can't bear it! I can't like him", I said. I couldn't hold my feelings anymore.

"But why Rita? You do like him, don't you? I mean after all this happened I've never seen you this happy. What's stopping you?" he asked hugging me.

"I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him too. Just like mom. An..and I CAN'T LOSE HIM TOO!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, Ri! Shh... You'll not lose him. I promise. He'll not leave you", dad consoled me.

Just then a knock on the door brought us back to our senses that Ben is back.

"Umm... come in", I said getting up and wiping my tears.

"Hey, Rita. It's me...well us", It was Ben along with uncle and aunt.

"Hey guys", I said.

"Are you OK sweety?" aunty asked.

"I'm fine now", I assured them.

"Well, this room is beautiful. I've never been here before", uncle said.

"Please come in. I didn't know Ben didn't let his parents come into his room", I teased.

"Technically this is your house and.." He was saying when I cut him off

"You've been staying here for many days now. Just saying", I said making him laugh a little.

"You need help with anything Rita?" aunty asked.

"No, all done", I said.

"OK. We'll get ready then. The Bigs' are on their way. You two get ready too", They said and left the room.

"Ben?" I called.

"Hmm?" He replied.

"I'm sorry for acting like that before", I apologized.

"It's fine. I shouldn't have put so much pressure on you by saying I like you", he said.

It...It's OK, I stuttered but remembered what dad said. Maybe I can give Ben a chance but not right now. I'll think about it.

"Ri?" He called.

"Yeah?" I asked.

He hugged me.

"Everything's gonna be OK", he assured me so I hugged him back.

We hugged each other for quite some time and lost track of time.