After a couple more Stones songs,
Cat's in the Cradle, and an upbeat rendition of
American Pie, Ben and Marie had finished their playing for the day. He absently picked at the bottom strings of his guitar as Marie packed her own instrument away. "How come everyone loves the Stones?"
To this, Marie shrugged towards her older brother. “I don’t.” She muttered, and clipped her guitar case shut.
“Maybe it isn’t just the Stones, but the people playing,” said a voice familiar to Ben. Katalina had shown up, with a rather big smile on her face. “I know I appreciate it.”
Ben turned with a grin on his face, automatically recognizing the voice behind him. “I mean, hey. Marie’s the main attraction here.” He stood to his hand and offered a humorous handshake to Katalina.
Katalina took the hand and shook it happily. “Well, you’re both amazing. Also, hey Marie,” she said, offering a wave with her free hand. “You did get my letters this summer, right?” She asked, turning her head back to Ben.
“Letters?” He asked, feigning ignorance.
She gave him a look, and sighed. “You know what letters.”
Ben’s humor faded, but his eyes crinkled as he smiled lightly. “Yeah, of course I did.” He turned to Marie and said, “You good to go?” She nodded, heaving her case from the ground. She offered a shy wave to Katalina and turned to leave. Katalina returned the wave and smiled.
“Sorry I’m late! I heard you guys playing from my room, but was getting to know my new roommate.” Amy smiled. “It’s not Ash again, thank god.”
Katalina’s smile dropped. “That is because Ash is my roommate. Hey Amy.”
Amy with a sharp intake of breath, “Oh, I am so sorry.”
“Hm…” Ben observed. “She really did a number on you two, didn’t she?” He released a small laugh. “Should’a paired her with Marie, so she could let all that out to someone who really doesn’t care what she has to say…” He rubbed his chin, as if he was seriously pondering this.
Katalina shrugged. “It is alright. Maybe I can finally figure out why Ash dislikes me so.”
“Yeah, and maybe someday, phones will fit in your pocket and not have buttons.” He responded. “Besides…” He laced his fingers through hers. “I have no idea what she dislikes…”
Katalina smiled, seemingly accepting his hand. “Well besides Jamie and the lake, she doesn’t seem to like too much, but oh well.”
“Which with the lake basically off limits... You’re going to have fun watching her try to sneak out the window.” Amy says.
“Goodie. She can get mad at me when I tell Ms. Reese about it,” Katalina said.
“Oh,” Amy (remembering something) “I’ve got to go the library. I’ll see you guys later.” She runs off.
“See ya, Amy.” Ben calls after her. He breaths, then turns to Katalina. “Entertainment?” He asks, nodding to his guitar. She nodded and went to sit with him. “Any requests?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Just… no Stones... “
Katalina giggled. “How about
Heart of Gold?” She asked.
“As you wish, M’lady. ” He said, faking a bow with his head. “As long as you promise to sing and not chicken out!” He plucked a red pick from his pocket and began strumming. Katalina blushed a bit and nodded, soon joining him by singing.
As he finished the final chord of the song, he sighed exaggeratedly. “Oh the great works of Mr. Neil Young.” He glanced down at the watch on his wrist. “I know we just sat down… but Dinner’s soon, and I still need to unpack…” He said.
“I do as well… see you at dinner?” She asked, standing up.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He said, standing with his guitar. He bent down and lowered the instrument into it’s case, clipping it shut.
“Good, see you later then,” she said and gave a wave before walking off.
