ARABELLA ⇢ BENNY RODRIGUEZ

nine

The ride came to a halt and Benny and Arabella were the first to get off. Hand in hand, they ran back to the tree beside the bush and watched their friends stumble off the ride.
Ham let a massive burp escape his lips. He sighed. "That feels better."

"Hey, guys, maybe you should go home and get changed." Arabella laughed.
Benny nodded in agreement. "We'll be waiting here, but make sure you're quick."
Scotty clutched his stomach and nodded. "Okay... but don't move."
Arabella innocently shook her head. "Don't worry, we won't."

As the boys all stumbled away, Arabella thought it would be the perfect time to yell out: "I told you so!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, you were right." Arabella heard Ham groan, making her laugh.

Benny knew this was his opportunity. "So," He began once their friends were out of sight. "it's just you and me for while..."
Arabella nodded as Benny took his chewing tobacco out of his mouth and throwing it in the nearest bin. He winced. "After a while, it doesn't taste so good."
Arabella giggled.

"You wanna get some food or something?" She asked him.
Benny shook his head. "Not after that, but if you want something, I can get it for you."
Arabella shook her head and was about to protest.
"Honestly," Benny stopped her. "it's fine."
Arabella smiled. "Okay sure."

In the end, Arabella decided on a lollipop, since she would've felt bad making Benny pay for anything expensive. She got cherry flavour, which happened to be her's and Benny's favourite.

"Okay," Benny said as the two of them walked down the grass pathway. "I know I said I didn't want anything, but cherry's my favourite flavour."

Arabella stopped walking, taking the lollipop out of her mouth and held it out in front of him. "Do you want some?"
Benny licked his lips, quickly scanning Arabella up and down.
It didn't take her long to realise. "Hey, I offered you some of the lollipop, why're you-"

Before she could finish, Benny cut her off by pressing his lips against hers.
At first, Arabella was so surprised, she dropped her lollipop and found herself frozen in her spot.
But soon enough, she was deepening the kiss and had managed to move her body.

Her arms wrapped around Benny's neck as his wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel his body radiating against her, whilst Benny could taste the cherry on her lips.

Their lips were locked for about 15 seconds until Benny pulled away with a smirk. "I could really taste the cherry there."

Arabella playfully pouted. "You made me drop my lollipop."
Benny chuckled as he took his hands in hers. "That's a shame-"

"Holy shit!" Scotty yelled, scaring Arabella.
"Scotty, you know what mom says about your language-"
"Shit...!" He repeated, running towards them. Scotty then grinned and jumped up and down. "The day has finally come!"

"What day has finally come?" Arabella asked, although she knew exactly what he was talking about.
"I saw you two sucking faces! You're in love with each-other." He teased.
Arabella wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

The word love was a strong word.
Neither Benny or Arabella had really experienced it up until now.
Benny sighed and turned to Arabella, squeezing her hand. "You know, I think I do."

Arabella's cheeks heated up, but for once, she didn't look to the ground to cover it up. "I think I do, too."

***

It didn't take long for Scotty to spread the word - he told each member of their group once they returned, and they all reacted in the same way - them giving Benny pats on the back and telling him: "you finally did it, man!"

For the rest of the evening, they spent most of their time on the rides, and were lucky enough to not make anymore trips back home.

Benny won a teddy bear and a baseball cap. He gave both of them to Arabella, but since he already gave her his favourite baseball cap, she only took the teddy.

Benny, Arabella and Scotty were now heading home after a long and fun night.
"I'll see you at 8!" Scotty said to Benny.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Smalls!" Benny smiled.

Once the two were alone, Benny readjusted his new baseball cap and let go of the Arabella's hand. "I'll see you tomorrow, babe."

"Wait!" Arabella called out, making Benny stop.
"What is it?" He questioned.
"Are we like? You know..."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Benny cut her off.
Arabella shyly nodded.
Benny smirked. "I was hoping so."

Arabella's eyes lit up. "That's great... because so was I."
Benny chuckled and took a step closer to his girlfriend. He gave her a soft kiss on her lips before tutting his head. "Bye!"

"Bye!" Arabella called back, waving him off before almost skipping up to her front porch and walking inside.

a/n: idk if this was cheesy or not, but just imaging this happening in my head ... I had to write it because come on ... we all want that to happen to us 😂

I hope you're all enjoying the book so far! :)

- olivia x