51: Just us

Ben loses his match. 

My arms tighten around my torso as the referee raises Ben's opponent’s hand to declare him the winner of tonight’s match. Both of them are breathing heavily with sweat dripping down their bodies. The lights rotate until it is focused solely on Jack. The crowd breaks into a louder scream and a chant begins. 

Ben searches the crowd for me, I wave and he looks away once our eyes meet. It might have been my imagination but disappointment laced with hurt flashed in his eyes. It wasn’t his fault, he gave his all. 

I fight through sticky bodies to get out of the auditorium, my toes curl with dread as Ben storms outside. I meet him pacing in front of my car. His hair is wet with sweat rolling down his forehead, he halts when he sees me and starts for the empty road. I race after him, jumping in his way to stop him from leaving. 

“Ben.” Sweat seeps into my palms as I cup his face. With his eye