The Darkest Hour of Night- Malia & Ben
Given the hour, Ben had answered immediately when Malia called. He couldn’t help thinking the worst, and was relieved when he could help her with something as easy as meeting her this late at night. There wasn’t even a decision to be made, he just left a message for his grandfather excusing himself from their morning walk, just in case, and left the house again, locking them up tight.
It took him a little bit to find the house, never having been to that part of town before, but once he did he was out of the car and up the driveway in no time, having even forgotten to lock his car.
“Hi,” He breathed with a sigh of relief when she looked okay, his face furrowed in worry. He shook his head. “No, you didn’t. I had just gotten home from the club when you called.” Ben reassured her, knowing he’d come even if he had been dead asleep.
“I…” Ben said, hesitating a little but reaching for her all the same just a reassuring touch on the arm. “I just want you to be okay, and if I can help I’ll do anything.” He said, honestly. He wasn’t necessarily known as being a big comforting person. The help he gave was usually in the form of muscle and the like so he just hoped he could help.
Malia had never expected for Ben to pick up on the first ring when she called. She had been trying to think of something to say as he was still saying hello. It completely shocked her. All she could get out was for him to come over because she had a nightmare. She sounded like a stupid scared school girl and she hated herself for it. She was not one to rely on the help of others.
She continued to pace back and forth eyeing the whiskey that sat on her bar. She could drown herself in it and forget that any of this ever happened. Then, her eyes caught the image of her sons on the portable nanny camera tablet that she brought downstairs with her from her bedroom. Eli and Ethan were both deep in sleep. Eli sprawled out while Ethan was curled into a ball. Lights streamed across the large windows of her house and made her turn around. He moved so quickly that it shocked her. “Oh...well, I guess I’m keeping you from sleep then.” she frowned a little biting her lip. He had just gotten home from work and rushed over to see her. She was a fucking damsel in distress and she hated that. “I’m so stupid.” she breathed and covered her face with her hands taking a few breaths.
She dropped her hands and looked at him as he started to speak. Usually, she didn’t like to be touched, but she watched his hand reach out and land on her arm and she didn’t pull away. She didn’t want to pull away. His words caused her to look him in the eye again. Malia could tell he was being honest and it touched something inside of her that hadn’t been touched in a very long time. That someone cared for her in a way she had forgotten about. “Do you want something to drink?” she asked before closing the door to her house and walking into the kitchen. She wasn’t sure what to say. There were things bubbling up that she wasn’t used to. “I have a hard time relying on people.” she said as she stared at the transparent glass of her refrigerator. “People usually rely on me and I’m always there for them. I appreciate you coming over and just being here...for me. There are not many who would do that.” She said taking out a Coke. She got a cup and some ice out before pouring the Coke into the cup and took a long sip. Licking her lips softly, Malia looked over to Ben. “The fire brought up...things about my husband. He...um...was killed in an explosion.” she told him before taking another long sip of Coke.