The Spark

Ben walked straight to his bedroom the minute he arrived home. He sat on the edge of his bed, with random thoughts circulating in his mind, trying to sink them all in. He glanced at his drawer, and noticed the golden dice his father gave him, rested on top of it. Ben took it in his hand as he stared at it. That dice was his favorite childhood toy, and has a great sentimental value for his father. It was the only memory Ben had of him left before he passed away.

He then remembers how flooded he was with despair that mournful moment; his mother's sweet and warm caress as she stood beside him in deep sorrow. Hot torrents of grief coursed down his face, eyes burned with ache to sob, whilst his stomach rocked back and forth on the harsh waves of dolor. There was nothing more heartbreaking than seeing his father at his worst those days. It tore him apart bit by bit, like a knife had pierced through his heart.

A succession of audible rings penetrated the silence. Ben's heart rose to his throat as he slowly grasped his phone beside him. He pressed it to his ear and listened to the stillness on the other end of the wire. "Hello?"

"Hello, Ben."

His pulse skipped a beat like an echo across a canyon the second he hears his name and the familiar voice reverberate through the line. "Hux? You bloody bastard!" Ben snarled, clenching his fist and jaw as he stood outrageously with an access of rage.

"It's been years, brother."

"You aren't my brother." He snapped. His voice screeched like a dentist's drill as he expostulated with him in vain. "You never were. And you'll never be."

"Ben, I didn't call to talk about the past. It's over. You may throw all your insults at me as much as you want. I won't bother."

"I certainly would like to." Ben couldn't bear Hux's ignorance. He wanted to spite him intensely but, if only he could. His face went red, trying to control himself away from the enmity inside. "All my life I've never felt so deprived. That's because of you and your vicious and cruel father. You're nothing but poison." He asserted, voice trembling with umbrage. "You manipulated me, and underestimated my entire being. I resisted everything — all the perish and contempt. There's no reason for me to shut myself off from the truth and what's behind me."

"Fine. But don't you forget that you owe us your position in the business. It's a mere fact."

"You know nothing. I never wanted the position. I was forced to." He claimed. The business was no importance to him. Why would he even want to work with the man who ruined his life in the first place? "I wouldn't want to be here if I had a choice. The only thing that really mattered to me was to be able to prove myself to your father, that I ain't someone despicable. I've done it to be free from the torments he has caused me... From hell."

Ben hoped to live a simple and peaceful life with her mother. But after the "crash", it all went the other way around. It felt like he lost everything, and yet he did.

"Now I don't want to spend any more time talking nonsense to you, Hux. Adios."

Their wrathful conversation ended bitterly. Ben breathed and gave out a sigh of relief, like his blood was previously boiling with temper, fury, and resentment. Yet with all the regrets and peril, he just wish he could isolate himself from this world; this appalling life he has.

==========================

Rey could hardly sleep any longer, and her mind was still in bewilderment. She felt this mutual connection — the "spark" between her and Ben. Though, she doesn't want to make assumptions and assume that he feels that same "spark" with her. Now that he's in the midst of distress, it isn't worth his time to think of at the moment.

More thoughts came through her, remaining conflicted about Ben. The affection and compassion with each other, the intimacy between them — all that lets the "spark" be a spark.

Her phone vibrated simultaneously. Rey trembled in nervousness as she read the text on the screen;

————— Text Message —————

3:08 P.M.

Rose:

Call me back. It's urgent.

———————————————————

Rey immediately called Rose, thinking of what could possibly be "urgent".

"Hello, Rose?" She hears soft whimpers on the other side of the line. "Rose? Are you... crying? What happened?"

Rose sighed heavily to calm herself down and be at ease. "I-I don't know how to say it." She was in tremor, her voice shivering in somewhat fear.

"Calm down, it's alright. Just tell me." Her voice as reassuring as a cup of coffee.

"It's... Finn." She murmured, "Rey, please... I need your help. Don't worry, I'll explain later. Just be here, please."

"Alright, alright. Text me the address and I'll be on my way."

As soon as Rey arrived at the hospital, she hurried to see Rose, sitting impatiently, worried about the man she cares for the most. "Rose?"

"Rey..." Rose uttered, her voice still quavering with discomfort. Without hesitation, she stood up from her seat and went into a desperate run towards Rey's arms.

"What happened? Tell me, I'm here now." Rey soothed.

"Well, he... H-he..." Rose stuttered. "He was at the cafe earlier this morning with his new motorcycle." With her lips quivering, she found it hard to verbalize the words. "Then, an hour after he left, I just heard that he went into an accident. Rey, I don't know what to do right now. I can't help myself."

"I get what you feel, Rose. You love Finn as much as I do. It's understandable if you're worried about him that much." Rey comforted, "But don't worry, Finn's a tough guy. He'll survive. Trust me, everything will be okay soon."

Rose regained her composure. Rey always lets her alleviate and calm herself down from panting during hard times like this that she's very sensitive of. She was her source of meditation. And without her, she wouldn't know how to handle the intensity all by herself.

==========================

Ben glared at his phone intently from a distance, and decided to put the ill impressions aside. For a while, he thought of Rey. He never felt this rare connection with someone; only with her. Wherein the fact that whenever she's around, there was always contentment and relief. Like all the hardships, adversities, and afflictions faded away — everything that hinders the existence of joy and satisfaction in oneself. Together with that fellow feeling — the belongingness they've been yearning for for years in a lifetime, and yet, they both found it in each other's presence.

==========================

While waiting, a surprising disturbance of simultaneous rings broke the still atmosphere. Rey rummaged through her tote bag to pick up her phone. "Ben?"

"Hey, you still home?" Ben asked in a soft and warm tone.

"Nah. I'm at the hospital right now. Why did you ask?"

"Hospital?" He replied, broodily concerned. "Why, what happened?"

Rey could hear the unsettlement in Ben's voice. "No, I'm fine. Don't fret." She assured. "It's just my friend. He got into an accident earlier today."

Ben overthought, "You sure?"

"Of course. Not to worry." She reassures him well. Nevertheless, she was baffled of his sudden dismay. "What's with the complex reaction? You seem to be worried, though."

"I am?" He questioned, innocently. Able to perceive the obvious display of his emotions, Ben tried to keep the affection concealed. "Well, let's just say that, it's my duty to keep an eye out on you..." he added, "as my employee, of course."

Rey slightly simpered at the thought of it. "Okay. I won't judge you, then."

"Why, would you if I tell you the exact thing?" He muttered.

"Which is?" She asked him out of curiosity.

Ben shook his head, pretending he didn't say anything unanticipated. "Oh, nothing." Yet, he thought one small, simple move would lessen his overthinking. "I was just wondering if... we could go out tonight?"

Rey remained speechless for a moment. Is he asking me out? Series of questions filled her head, unable to process it all at once. "Wait, wait, wait... You mean like, on a date?"

"If you're willing. But, it's okay. I'm not forcing you or—"

"Sure. I'm down. Just fetch me here at the hospital later tonight." 

Ben blushingly pressed his lips together and effortlessly smiled. "So, uh... I'll see you tonight, then."

"Yeah. See 'ya."

He couldn't sink it in, and so as Rey. The connection, the spark... They never thought that it'll all lead to something indefinite, yet unusual to happen such as this.

==========================

The night came so fast. Rey patiently waited for Ben, meditating about the matter of what could possibly happen tonight, and at the same time, the actuality and essence of him asking her out.

"Hey," Rose articulated as she settled into the seat opposing Rey. "Is everything alright?"

She jiggled her head, "No, everything's fine. I'm just in a blur, that's all." Rey clarified.

"I haven't thanked you yet."

"For what?" She asked, ignorantly.

"For what you did a while back. I appreciate it." Rose beamed with gratitude.

"Come on," Rey stood up from her seat and installed herself beside Rose, enclosing her in an embrace. "You know that it isn't a big deal."

"Yeah, but still... I wouldn't know what to do if it weren't because of you."

"Well, what can I say. I'm your friend. And it's what friends do best for each other." She held Rose's hand in tranquility.

The sincerity was present, and every word Rey said was uplifting. It was true, though, that friendship always lasts longer.

She sensed a predictable yet unsurprising presence approaching her beyond the hallway. It was Ben. He was suited in his favorite black leather jacket, perfectly fitted with his black t-shirt and jeans. Rey arose and walked towards him in a welcoming pace. "Hey, you're here."

"Uh, hey." Tongue-tied, there was a faint smile on his visage. "I was supposed to call you but, my phone went dead." Ben pointed out. "I hope it wasn't so rude of me."

"What? Nonsense, it wasn't." She replied. "Believe me, it's fine."

Rey glanced back at Rose who remained forbearing at where she sat. "Anyway, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Rose," She called-out in an approach. "Meet Ben Solo. Ben, this is my good 'ol friend, Rose Tico."

"Hi." Ben greeted in a sheepish manner. 

"Oh, hello there." Rose goggled at him in astonishment. "Rey, you never told me you have a boyfriend." She affirmed, while the two eyed at each other being in an awkward condition. 

"I don't, he isn't my boyfriend." Rey corrected.

"Exactly." Ben agreed. But instead of liberating the air between them, there was hesitation. And they both perceived it.

Rose, however, studied him continuously as her eyes screwed and peered with scrutiny. Yet, she found him attractive. "Oh, never mind what I said. Your standards are of boyfriend material. You'll do fine for my sissy."

She was totally geeked about their relationship. Rey never had someone special in her life, rather than her and Finn. She tells her to engage more with guys, but keeps on refusing to do so, believing there's a certain time for that. Rose was eager to push Rey through and through, concerning the fact that she's been single since then, and excluding the idealism that she hates relationships, which were known to be heartbreaking and tragic at the end. Though, it is often true.

"Rose, what the hell are you talking about? I told you, he isn't what you think he is."

"Then, tell me who he really is." She demanded.

"Ben's my boss. Done with it?" Rey clarified directly. There was a churning motion inside her. It was vague, which she couldn't define precisely.

Rose gaped at the revelation. "So, basically speaking, nothing?" She asked hopelessly. "How sad. You two even look great together."

"What do you mean nothing? And, what are you saying?" Rey could comprehend that Rose meant something else. It was all too obvious.

"Uh, forget it. By the way, it's nice to meet you, sir." Rose cheerily addressed.

"Oh, just call me Ben. Sir's too formal." Ben proclaimed.

"Well then, it's nice to meet you, Ben. Anyway, you going somewhere?" She queried curiously with her instinct.

"Yeah, anything too disturbing?" Rey urged.

"Um, Ben..." Rose grasped Rey's wrist vigorously. "Kindly excuse us for a while."

She then pulled her to a corner a distance away from Ben. The grip was a bolt from the blue, causing Rey to feel like there was a sudden impulse that crawled through her spine.

"Rey, what is going on?"

"There's no such thing going on." She contradicted, even if she was able to clearly apprehend the question.

"You just persuaded me a while ago that there's nothing going on between you and Ben, who's reluctantly your boss." Rose mentioned in a sharp tone. "And now, you're going out with him? How fascinating, Rey."

"Ben's my friend, as well. I couldn't ought to refuse."

"Yes, you could. Unless..." She cut her statement for a brief second. "If you like him."

The churning inside her became worse. And with that, she doesn't know how to respond to it.

"Do you like him?" Avid ruled Rose. The expectancy and willingness to hear Rey out, opening up herself regarding her feelings towards a guy like Ben.

"Rose, stop it. Why are you asking me such questions?" A simple discussion involving her feelings made the pressure intensify in a prick of a needle.

"Well, why don't you ask those questions yourself. You do like him, don't you?"

Rey couldn't bear it anymore in front of Rose. She tried to resist and conceal it within her but she failed to. "I-I don't know. It's too complicated." She finally admitted.

"I'll explain everything further to you next time. We have to leave." Rey walked back towards Ben and left with less dignity in her, since she couldn't fathom if he'd heard them the entire time; every word that came out of her mouth. It was either he didn't hear anything completely, or he did but pretends to be as deaf as a post.

==========================

The atmosphere surrounding them felt so different. The silvery sheet of the lake's surface reflecting the night sky; luminous street lights that gleam upon the darkness of the pathway as they stroll. Rey's scent was sweet and fruity, reminding Ben of the aroma of a freshly bloomed rose.

"This place is very fulfilling. Thank you for bringing me here." Rey gave off a radiant look, eyes luminous conveying great pleasure.

They eyeballed each other and smiled meaningfully.

"You're welcome." Ben stated, genuinely. "I thought you'd like it here."

Quietude filled the park's ambience. Only could they hear were crickets chirping melodiously; the cold wind blowing softly against their ears. The peacefulness that makes you feel the warmth, tenderness, and real beauty of nature.

"Anyway, I'm sorry about Rose." She apologized, in recall to the embarrassment that surrounded them back at the hospital. "She shouldn't have — you know what I meant to say, right?"

"Yeah, she thought that we're together. But, it's no big deal to me." To Ben, it was amusing. Calling him Rey's boyfriend is indeed a foolish act, but what he feels towards her is quite the opposite. Now, it became more serious than ever.

"Oh. B-but did you hear anything too stupid the moment we were at the corner?" She wasn't aware of having the audacity to ask him. Once more, her knees went weak, and there was the difficulty to breathe freely like there's a heavy load in her chest, with a weird small grumbling in her stomach. Rey thought that it was just hunger, but it wasn't.

"No. Why?"

"Just asking." She uttered. "Also, I didn't figure that you have the guts, the intention to ask me out on a date with you. You get that?" In an instant, they paused from walking. Rey turned to face Ben. "I mean, why would you even spend half of the night with a typically redundant girl like me? Considering that I'm just a waste of your time. Besides, I'm trash and basically, I'm nothing."

"You might feel and think that you don't have any place in this world. You're nothing." Words dramatically came out of nowhere. Ben stepped closer to Rey, an inch closer where he could feel her warm breath. "But not to me."

Their gaze at each other so longing with warmth, passion, and intimacy that made their world put to a stop, where everything started to fade away in the background. A bond so pleasingly romantic.

Ben slowly leans in, and Rey's heart begins to pound. She stood there, with desire running from her heart, to her chest, down towards her inner thighs. "Ben—"

The rest of her words were lost in his mouth. Her body went frailer than it used to be the split second his lips were already against hers. Rey closed her eyes steadily. She could feel his hands run through her waist as he kissed her softly — gently and carefully. She then gradually wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him for a deeper press. And as he did, low in her throat she faintly groaned.

Everything went leisurely so he could sense her temper. When they joined, Rey's scent was brave and strong and certain. Ben took it into himself; breathing her breath, feeling what she felt. It was passionately remarkable and extraordinary.