New Friend

Ben woke up feeling a bit better than the previous day. After a quick shower, he got dressed for school, eager to embrace the day and make it as ordinary as possible.

He arrived at the Food Hall right on schedule. While other students were there, many wore expressions of gloom—mornings aren't everyone's favorite time. As he waited in line for his turn, he heard a voice from behind him. "You left yesterday without letting everyone finish their conversation."

Turning around, Ben recognized a guy from the popular group he had seen the day before, though his name escaped him. The boy must have noticed Ben's puzzled expression because he grinned. "I'm Jess."

Ben nodded and shifted his focus back to the front as the line inched forward. "Was I supposed to stay with you guys after everything that was said?" he replied, uncertain about Jess's motives. He silently hoped today would not mirror yesterday.

"You make a valid point. So, what's your name, 'special kid'?" Jess asked, scanning the area, which left Ben puzzled. Who was he searching for?

"I don't think that's really necessary," Ben replied, sensing something was off about Jess. He couldn't pinpoint what it was, but he wasn't keen on continuing the conversation.

"That's right. I don't even need to know your name for this," Jess remarked, casually shrugging. This left Ben puzzled—what could he possibly mean?

However, Ben couldn't ask for clarification as it was his turn. He grabbed his food and took a seat, glancing back to see if Jess was following him. He wasn't. So, Ben quietly ate his meal and then headed to class.

During the lessons, Ben made a conscious effort to avoid looking at Chloe and her friends—not even once. He wanted to steer clear of any awkwardness, as making eye contact would likely lead to that.

After class, Ben headed to the library to pick up a textbook he required for studying that evening. The books were part of a series, and he only had the first two volumes; he needed the third.

Upon arriving, the librarian pointed him in the right direction. As he reached the shelf, he unexpectedly ran into Eric, Chloe's boyfriend, who was engrossed in reading the back cover of a book. Ben couldn't help but wonder why he kept encountering the popular group one after another.

Eric looked up from his reading and, noticing Ben, offered a slight smile. "You're Ben, right?"

Ben nodded in response. A brief silence followed before he turned his attention back to finding the book he came for. Just as he was about to leave, Eric spoke up again. "I hope you're not upset with Chloe. She didn't intend any harm; she just wanted to be friends with you."

Ben felt uncertain. Should he just walk away? No, that would come off as rude, and Eric hadn't done anything wrong. What was the right response to that?

"Alright," Ben settled for that. Eric nodded and carried on with his task. As Ben exited the library, a single thought lingered in his mind: 'Perhaps I was too hard on Chloe.'

The following day, Ben felt compelled to make amends with Chloe, but he was uncertain about how to approach her. She was almost always surrounded by Eric, Liam, and their circle of friends. Reflecting on it, he realized he had never seen her socialize with anyone outside of that group. He pondered whether, if she weren't dating Eric, she would have any friends at all.

After all, Eric's friends were her friends, and Ben understood that it wasn't her fault. The other girls in their class seemed to dislike her solely because she was with Eric. In truth, Ben concluded, she wasn't all that different from him—at least in terms of friendship dynamics.

But why would she want to befriend him? She had made it clear by introducing him to the group as her friend. Was it out of sympathy for his lack of friends? He felt conflicted about that. He couldn't shake the feeling that he might be the subject of her pity.

Regardless, he still wanted to clear the air with her. He didn't hold any anger towards her; he simply wanted to express that to her.

That's why, during the night class the following day, he scanned the hall for Chloe. He spotted her engrossed in a book alongside Eric, Casper, Bia, and Mel. Should he approach them now or wait until she was by herself? Moments later, Natty and Jess joined their table.

He decided to wait until she was alone.

Fortune smiled upon him when she stood up and walked away with Eric trailing behind her. Ben noticed the frown on her face. 'What happened?' he wondered.

This was his moment to have a conversation with her, and he wasn't certain when he might get another opportunity to be alone with her. Plus, Eric was a laid-back guy, making this a significant chance for him. He stood up and followed them outside.

When he arrived, he found them in an embrace. Perhaps this wasn't the right moment, but just as he contemplated retreating, Eric called out to him. "Ben." Chloe pulled back from their hug and turned to him, her previous frown replaced by a softer expression.

"I wanted to talk with Chloe, but if you're busy, I can come back later," Ben offered.

Eric glanced at Chloe. "No, it's okay. I'll head back inside." With that, he walked away.

"Uh, are you alright?" Ben inquired.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just needed some fresh air," she replied. Ben sensed there was more to her story, but he didn't want to pry.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said the other day. I shouldn't have brought that up," Ben admitted.

"Me too. I really regret how dinner went. I just wanted you to enjoy the meal with me. I'm genuinely sorry," she responded earnestly.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Ben pressed on, wanting clarity. "Just be honest, Chloe. What's with all this? I know it can't just be about the burgers."

Chloe let out a sigh. "I really just wanted us to be friends. Honestly, I'm not sure how to reach out to you since you tend to keep to yourself..." Ben recognized the truth in her words; he was indeed isolated, but it wasn't a choice he had made.

"Why do you want to be friends, though? You already have plenty of friends, so I don't quite understand," Ben inquired.

"Well, I guess I haven't really made any friends on my own. I usually just tag along with the others. I mean, they're nice, some of them..." Chloe's voice trailed off, and Ben understood her sentiment. He had observed it himself during their time together.

"Not really your true friends, huh? I get it," Ben completed her thought.

"Exactly, they're more like Eric's friends. Anyway, I'm really sorry for all the chaos I caused."

"No worries. I hold no grudges," he replied, genuinely empathizing with her perspective.

"Can we still be friends?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm not really comfortable with your group of friends..." Ben thought about going through that experience again and quickly dismissed the idea.

"No, just you as my friend," she said, flashing a smile.

"Okay then." He smiled back at her.

"How about a handshake?"

"Are we twelve or something?" They both chuckled.

"Shall we head inside?" Ben proposed.

Chloe glanced towards the classroom and shook her head. "I think I'll just head back to the dorm."

Ben realized she wasn't keen on studying with the others. "You can join me for some reading if you like."

Chloe beamed. "Yeah, that sounds much better." They both entered the classroom together. Chloe grabbed her books and settled at his table, and they read side by side.

Two hours later, they finished their reading. As they exchanged goodbyes, Eric approached them. Chloe and Eric left together while Ben headed back to his room, a smile brightening his face.

Even after four years, he was grateful for the new friendship he had formed.

He made a new friend.