Luke

Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the story. Here is part 16, titled, `Back to You'

`BACK TO YOU'

Since Benji Bennett first took an interest in fashion back when he was a young boy at the age of sixteen. He fell in love with the different styles and clothes that defined every individual's personality. Since that time, it's become his passion and it's shown through his wardrobe throughout his entire life. What Benji loved most about clothes is the attention they can receive. Some of it good, some of it bad, but no matter what, his style always got people talking. Yes, Benji loved to be noticed by his clothes; however, on this particular day he may look back on it and wished he rethought his choice of clothing.

1:20 AM

Benji was driving back to San Diego from Los Angeles where he picked up a table a few chairs for his new home that he recently bought. Since he was going to L.A. he wanted to dress to impress the high-glamour town. He wore a bright blue pair of skinny jeans, bright orange and yellow sneakers that he had flown in from Japan, a purple button-up shirt with blue cuffs and a white vest that fitted snug on him and to complete his look he wore a rainbow ring on his right index finger that he wore practically every day. It was an essential Benji outfit and complimented his larger-than-life personality.

When he pulled off the 5-freeway, he noticed that his gas tank was running low. He normally didn't like to go to gas stations so late at night, but he wasn't sure if he would have enough gas to get home. He figured that he better make an exception and find the nearest station. A couple blocks away he found a quiet gas station with no attendant around. He pulled in and got out of his car to fill up.

As he inserted his credit card into the fill-up station, a group of four men who looked to be in their early twenties walked by and noticed Benji.

"Check out those clothes," Benji heard one of the guys snicker to the group.

"He might as well be wearing a sign that says `I suck dick,'" another one added.

Benji looked over at them and glared, he looked each one up and down and only had pity for them and their horrible taste in clothes, they were dressed in baggy, ripped pants and t-shirts or basketball jerseys. He was tempted to say something to then, but decided to bite his tongue and ignore them.

"Did you see that?" one of them said, "He looked at us, he was checking us out."

When Benji heard this, he couldn't keep to himself anymore, he looked at them and scoffed, "Please, a hottie like me would never deal with people who look like you, bitches."

"You got something to say?" a shorter dark haired one in the group asked as he started to walk towards Benji.

"Yeah. I do," Benji replied. "There's this thing out now, it's called a washing machine, try running your clothes through them once in a while so you don't look like trash."

"Wanna say that again you fucking queer?" he asked as he stepped closer and closer. Benji looked him straight in the eyes and showed no sign of fear.

"Are you trying to scare me?" Benji asked. "Give me a break, why would I be scared of low rent homophobes?"

"Would you be scared if we did this," his intimidator asked as he swung his arm around and punched Benji in the face, causing him to fall to the floor next to his car. "Oh look at that, the sissy fag went down. Go figure."

The other men in the group laughed and added their unoriginal remarks, "What a fruit!" "Faggot!"

The main guy harassing Benji grabbed Benji by the arm and dragged him away from his car so he was lying down surrounded by the four men. They all proceeded to kick him and punch him.

"Where's the quick remarks now you dumb fuck?" the main guy asked as he ferociously kicked Benji in the stomach. Benji was curled up on the floor trying his best to protect his stomach and his head. "Come on fag, show me what you got?"

As Benji lay there getting beat, he couldn't help but find it ironic that the one thing that he is so passionate about (clothing, in particular, his clothing) is the one thing that got him in the situation he was in now.

Suddenly, everything went black and Benji Bennett lay in the middle of the gas station unconscious and alone.

8:00 AM

Luke was asleep in his bed when he woke up to the sound of his cell phone ringing.

"It's Saturday. Who's calling me so early?" Luke asked answering the phone.

"Luke, it's me," Shane said. From the sound of Shane's voice, Luke could tell something bad happened.

"What is it?" Luke asked sitting up in his bed. His heart dropped when he heard Shane tell him the news about Benji. "I'll be there soon."

Luke jumped out of bed and rushed to get dressed and head to the hospital. After he quickly put on a pair of jeans, t-shirt and his shoes he grabbed a jacket as he rushed out the door to his car.

As he was driving to the hospital he called up Ford. Even though he knew things weren't good between him and Benji, the four of them were still a family, no matter what.

"Hey Luke," Ford said answering the phone. "What's up?"

"Ford, I have some bad news," Luke replied.

"What is it?" Ford asked.

"It's Benji," Luke replied, not sure how to begin telling him what happened.

"Oh God, what is it?" Ford asked clearly annoyed be even being bothered with news of Benji. "I can really care less about what happens to him."

"He was beaten up last night," Luke replied. "He's in the hospital unconscious."

"What are you talking about?" Ford asked.

"I don't know the details," Luke replied. "All I know is that he was beaten up last night and he's in critical condition. I'm on my way to meet Shane at the hospital. Meet me there?"

Ford remained silent, his mind was just filled with thoughts of Benji. He didn't know what he was feeling. "Ford, you there?" Luke asked after a long period of silence.

"I have to go," Ford replied hanging up before giving Luke an answer on whether he'll be at the hospital or not.

After Ford hung up the phone, he thought about Benji and the friendship they used to have.

FLASHBACK

Ford was out with Benji at a new bistro that opened up. Ford was there for work, he was going to give a review of the restaurant while Benji was there for the free food that came with going out to restaurants with Ford when he worked. Ford loved being a food critic because it was the one aspect of his life where he felt he always won, he could decide the fate of a restaurant and he had to admit that the power he felt with it was rather intoxicating.

"This place is pretty fabulous," Benji said. "I've seen two waiters that I wouldn't mind sleeping with."

"Is sex all you can think about?" Ford asked taking a sip of his wine.

"I'm a twenty-five year old gay man, what else am I going to think about?" Benji asked.

"Maybe things like life and goals," Ford replied.

"My life is about sex and my goal is to have sex as much as I can while I'm still young and hot," Benji smiled. Ford just rolled his eyes. He knew the two of them would never see eye to eye on most things, but they loved each other anyway. It was amazing that the two of them were so close considering they had practically nothing in common. Even though many would call Benji a `manwhore,' no one could ever deny his heart. He was a good friend and was always there for his friends.

When they got their meal Benji looked around the table for some salt, but saw that their table didn't have any.

"Ford, be a dear and ask the table behind you for their salt," Benji said.

Ford turned around and tapped the shoulder of the man sitting at the table behind him. "Excuse me, could we borrow your salt." When the man turned around Ford's eyes grew wide, he was quite possibly one of the most handsome men that he'd ever seen before. And since the bistro was located in a very gay-friendly area he felt that the chances of the guy being gay were pretty good.

"No problem," the man said. He then flashed a gorgeous smile, "But if you try to steal it, I'm going to come after you."

Ford found himself speechless, he just smiled as politely as he could and took the salt shaker from the man, their hands barely grazed each other.

"He's delicious," Benji whispered as Ford handed him the salt. "Go talk to him."

"I can't, he's way too good looking," Ford replied.

"Ford, look at you!" Benji retorted, "You're the second hottest guy in this room. I'm the first of course."

"No, he was wearing a Rolex, he's way out of my league," Ford said.

"Bullshit," Benji said, he then stood up from his seat and yelled across the table, "Excuse me Rolex!" The man at the table behind Ford glanced at his watch and then turned around.

"Me?" he asked.

"Yes you," Benji replied. "What's your name?"

"Roland."

"Well Roland, my friend thinks you're very attractive," Benji said.

"Shut up!" Ford said through gritted teeth. He looked around the restaurant to notice a few tables and servers were staring at them. His face immediately turned bright red.

Benji simply ignored him and continued talking to Roland, "Don't you find my friend attractive?"

Roland's face turned red, he was obviously very embarrassed by the attention everyone in the restaurant was giving them. But he then admitted, "Um, yes."

"Well since you find him hot and he finds you hot, why don't you two exchange numbers and agree to call one another later?" Benji asked.

"You don't have to," Ford whispered to Roland, humiliated.

"No, I want to," Roland said taking out a business card, he handed it to him, "Call me later."

Even though Ford was embarrassed beyond belief he couldn't help but smile. "Okay."

"Good boys," Benji smiled.

"Is it okay if I go back to eating my lunch?" Roland asked Benji.

"Go ahead," Benji said sitting down and he began to eat his lunch as if nothing happened.

"I'm mortified!" Ford hissed at Benji.

"Oh shut the fuck up, I just got you a phone number from a hot man," Benji said half jokingly. He then took a bite of his salmon, "This is delicious, so much better with the salt." In the span of one minute Benji scored Ford a date with Rolex Roland.

END FLASHBACK

Ford got out of bed and went to go get dressed. Even though he didn't know how he was feeling, he knew he had to be at the hospital.

9:05 PM

At the hospital, Luke arrived and met Shane in the waiting room.

"How is he?" Luke asked rushing in.

"I don't know yet," Shane replied. "The doctor hasn't come out to talk to me yet."

"How did you know he was in the hospital?" Luke asked.

"His parents called me," Shane explained. "They're going to get on the next plane from New York."

"What happened? He just got beat up?" Luke asked.

"Police think it was a hate crime," Shane replied.

"Have they arrested anyone?" Luke asked.

"There were no witnesses," Shane said. "They don't know who they're looking for and with Benji unconscious, they can't get a description."

"I can't believe this happened," Luke sighed shaking his head. "I forget that some people still are so close-minded."

"I know," Shane said. "Did you call Ford?"

"Yeah," Luke nodded. "I don't know if he's coming or not though."

"This is unbelievable," Shane said shaking his head. He was clearly shaken up about all of this. Luke wrapped his arms around Shane tightly to comfort him.

"He's going to be all right," Luke assured Shane. "I know he will."

"I hope so," Shane sighed. "Thanks for coming."

"Had to," Luke replied. "He's one of my best friends too."

The two of them went to sit down and wait to hear some news from the doctor. It seemed like it was taking forever, the waiting and anticipation was killing them. They felt useless waiting as their best friend was in critical condition. All they wanted to hear was the doctor tell them he'll be okay.

After another long thirty minutes of waiting, a doctor came out to speak with them.

"How is he?" Shane asked.

"He's in critical, but stable condition," the doctor replied. "If he makes it through the next twenty-four hours then he'll have a fighting chance."

"How bad is it? Really?" Luke asked.

"I can't say," the doctor replied. "It's too soon to tell."

"You're a doctor! You're supposed to know these things!" Shane shouted irrationally. Luke grabbed him by the shoulder to calm him down.

"Sorry doctor," Luke sighed. "He's just upset. Can we see him?"

"Once he's settled into his room we'll come get you," the doctor replied.

"Thank you," Luke said, he then escorted Shane into the waiting room. As they sat down Luke put his arm around Shane's shoulder to comfort him, "I know you're angry, but you need to try to relax."

"I know. I'm sorry," Shane said. "I'm just so angry."

"I am too, but losing our temper isn't going to help Benji at all," Luke replied. Shane didn't reply, he found himself shocked into silence when he saw Ford walk into the waiting room. Luke looked to where Shane was looking and smiled when he saw Ford. "Thank God." He got up and walked over to Ford, giving him a hug. "I'm glad you decided to come."

"I'm still not sure why I'm here," Ford shrugged.

"You're here because he's family," Luke said. "Come sit with us."

When Ford sat down with them, he thought back to one of the times they had been able to resolve a fight they were having. It was the last time they resolved a fight between them. The one that came next ended their friendship.

*FLASHBACK Over at Benji's store, Ford came in with some coffee and scones.

"Hi," Ford said sheepishly as he walked up to Benji at the cash register.

"Hello," Benji replied coolly.

"I just came to apologize," Ford said. "What I said was really awful."

"Yes, it was," Benji agreed.

"And I didn't mean it. I was just upset with my situation and I took it out on you," Ford explained. "I should have been happy that you found someone you like."

"Well I could have been more sympathetic to you," Benji shrugged.

"No, you were right. I completely jumped the gun on my relationship with Roland. I kept trying to make him the one when he obviously wasn't," Ford said. "I guess I'm just a little lost about what a good relationship is supposed to be."

"I understand," Benji smiled. "How about we just forget this whole stupid fight?"

"Sounds perfect," Ford replied. "How about some breakfast?" Ford handed Benji the bag of scones and a cup of coffee. "So I saw you in the park with Scott last night."

"You did?" Benji asked.

"Yeah, it looked like you two were having a great time," Ford replied.

"It was fine," Benji said.

"You looked really happy," Ford replied. "I definitely see this going somewhere."

"Oh please," Benji scoffed. "We've only dated a few times."

"But I saw it in his eyes," Ford replied. "He's falling for you."

"He is not," Benji waved it off, not wanting to believe it.

"We'll see," Ford smiled hopeful that maybe Benji could finally let go of his resistance and give in to love.

The two of them continued to talk and laugh together for the next couple hours. They both completely forgot the fight they had with one another.

END FLASHBACK

"I'm going to go get some coffee," Ford said getting up.

"Wait, I'll come with you," Luke said getting up with him. "You want some Shane?"

"No thanks," Shane replied. "I'll wait here."

Luke and Ford walked out of the waiting room and headed to the cafeteria. As they were walking there, Luke couldn't help but ask, "So after everything that happened to Benji last night, you still can't forgive him?"

"I don't know," Ford replied. "I'm here okay? That's the best I can do right now."

"Ford, I know what he did was bad, but it was years ago," Luke said. "Can't you just forgive him?"

"Not now Luke," Ford sighed. "Please."

"I'm sorry," Luke said. "I'll drop it."

"Thank you," Ford answered.

"I'm just glad you're here," Luke smiled.

Twenty minutes later when they came back to the waiting room to join Shane a nurse came to them and allowed them to see Benji.

When they walked into his room, they all gasped when they saw his face. It was terribly bruised and dried blood crusted over his cut bottom lip. He looked as if he'd been to hell and back.

"I can't believe this," Shane said gently caressing the side of Benji's face with the back of his hand.

"I didn't expect him to look this bad," Luke said.

Ford didn't say anything, he couldn't, he was too shocked for words. His former best friend was now lying in a hospital bed in front of him. He felt conflicted, the part of him that hated Benji was fighting the part of him that wanted his best friend again. He thought back to the night before Benji moved to New York and they were saying goodbye to one another and how much they loved each other back then.

FLASHBACK

Outside of the restaurant, Benji turned to Ford. The two of them shared a smile with one another, both wanting to say so much to one another, but they were close enough to where they didn't need to exchange words to express how much they will miss each other. Benji leaned in and rested his forehead against Ford's, "I think I'll miss you most of all Scarecrow."

"How am I supposed to function without you?" Ford asked. "I need your common sense and quick judgments to keep me in check."

"Ford, there's something I need to tell you," Benji said.

"What is it?" Ford asked.

Benji was quiet for a bit before replying, "You can call me anytime." In many ways, the two of them needed one another to be whole.

END FLASHBACK

"I'll be back," Ford said as he quickly walked out of the room.

"Is he okay?" Shane asked Luke as they both watched Ford walk out the room.

"I don't know," Luke replied. "I really hope that he gets over his anger towards Benji. It's not healthy."

"I know," Shane replied. The two of them held each other's hands tightly. "So much for us giving each other space, huh?"

"I know," Luke said with a half-smile. "Seems like since we decided to keep our distance that it's only kept us closer together."

"I think all of this happening is a sign," Shane said.

"What do you mean?" Luke asked.

"We all need each other," Shane replied. "We all have been spending way too much time apart. We're not the friends we used to be and that needs to change."

"I agree, but do you really think things can just go back to the way they used to be?" Luke asked.

"They can if we try," Shane said. "Since Benji moved back we can be a group again."

"I'm all for that, but it's not completely up to us," Luke said. "Ford has to be willing to as well."

"I'll go talk to him," Shane said.

"Okay. Good luck," Luke said.

"Thanks," Shane smiled. He then gave Luke a hug, "I mean it. Thank you."

After Shane left the room, Luke sat down next to Benji and held his hand tightly. "Come on Benji. Come back to us. I can't lose another person I love." Seeing Benji like this, brought back bad memories of when he lost his boyfriend, Nick. He refused to lose another person close to him.

Shane walked outside of the hospital and found Ford sitting on a bench near the entrance. He walked over and sat down next to him.

"I just needed to get some air," Ford said.

"I understand," Shane said. "It's really hard to see Benji like this."

"Yeah," Ford replied. "Hard and weird and confusing."

"Ford, how can you see Benji like this and not let go of your anger towards him?" Shane asked.

"It's not that simple," Ford replied.

"Yes it is," Shane said. "He hurt you years ago. I know it made you angry, but it's time to let that anger go and move on. He needs you now."

"Shane, he slept with Patrick when I was dating him!" Ford exclaimed. "I'm sorry, but that's the worst thing that a best friend could possibly do."

Hearing that stunned Shane into a silence, he knew that Benji did something to hurt Ford, but he never knew exactly what it was. "I had no idea. I'm sorry Ford."

"It's just really complicated," Ford replied. "I thought when I came here I would know if I could forgive Benji or not. Why is nothing ever simple?"

"Nothing in life is simple," Shane said. "Do you think there would be any conflict in the world if forgiveness were simple?"

"I guess you're right," Ford sighed. He hated this torn feeling inside of him. "I just need to be alone for a bit to sort out my thoughts. Do you mind?"

"Okay. I'll be inside," Shane said giving Ford a hug, "I hope to see you back in Benji's room."

Back in the hospital room, Luke was sitting at Benji's bedside holding his hand tightly.

"Come back to us kiddo," Luke said softly. As he sat there he remembered the first time he met Benji and how he's never in his life met anyone like him before.

FLASHBACK

Luke had just recently moved to San Diego after a horrible loss of his boyfriend, Nick. It was after his first day of work and he had just met Shane who decided to bring him to dinner to meet his friends. He met Ford, Benji and Shane's boyfriend at the time, Rich. Luke remembered feeling connected to these guys right away and feeling that he could really relate to them. Benji in particular made a profound first impression on him. He never met anyone with such a larger-than-life personality like him. Every other word out of Benji's mouth that night was `fabulous.'

"So what do you think of San Diego?" Benji asked taking a gulp of his margarita, "Isn't it fabulous?"

"It's nice," Luke replied, "It's different."

"You'll love it here," Ford assured him, "I'll take you to some great restaurants around here. You'll be calling this place home in no time."

"Thanks I'd like that," Luke smiled. He tried his best to be upbeat and friendly, but everyone at the table noticed a sadness behind him. However, neither one of them wanted to ask him, they felt that it would come out as time went on.

"So I have a date on Friday," Ford declared with excitement.

"Who with?" Shane asked.

"His name is Forrest," Ford replied.

"Forrest and Ford?" Benji asked trying to contain his laugh, "I don't think so." All the guys at the table laughed, even Luke let out a small chuckle.

"Shut up," Ford shot back, "He seems like a nice guy. He's the brother of my friend Aaron's girlfriend."

"It's a set-up?" Rich asked. "What does Forrest do for a living?"

"He's currently on a sabbatical," Ford answered proudly. He felt that taking a sabbatical seemed so unique.

"AKA he's unemployed," Shane quipped. Benji let out a big laugh.

"Fabulous response!" Benji enthused.

"He's not unemployed," Ford countered, "From what I hear he has plenty of money. He's just taking a break."

"Which means he either got fired or can't find a job," Benji said. "Honey, do yourself a favor and just nip this one in the butt. He sounds like a dud."

"Oh shut up," Ford said taking a sip of his drink. "I'll prove you all wrong when he turns out to be an amazing guy. Maybe he'll be the one."

"And then you'll be inviting us to the wedding of Ford and Forrest?" Rich asked. "I'll hope for the best, but it sounds like a long shot."

"What do you think Luke?" Ford asked. "I need a different perspective on this. A fresh pair of eyes."

Everyone turned to look at Luke. He found his face getting red with all the attention suddenly on him. "Um, I'm not sure."

"Oh come on honey," Benji encouraged, "Just tell us what you think of this situation."

"Can I be completely honest?" Luke asked.

"Please," Ford said. "I would love a fresh person's view on this."

"When someone says they're on sabbatical it means that they just got fired," Luke said agreeing with Benji. "I think he'll end up being one of those guys who will expect you to pay for him all the time."

"Honey, welcome to the club," Benji smiled putting his arm around Luke. He loved the response Luke gave. "I couldn't agree more with what you said."

After dinner, the guys walked outside. Luke was about to get a cab home when Benji wrapped an arm around him.

"Luke, I think you are pretty fabulous," Benji said. "I'm so glad you came out with us tonight."

"Thanks. I had a really good time," Luke replied. "You guys are all great."

"Listen, I have your number now so let's do lunch sometime this week and I can take you around and show you the sites of your new home," Benji said.

"That would be great," Luke smiled. "Thank you." Luke was really touched at how kind Benji was and felt an immediate friendship with him. He knew then that Benji would be a great friend in his life.

"Anytime," Benji said. "Now honey, if you'll excuse me, I was eye-fucking a cute waiter in the restaurant who I have to meet up with now."

"Eye-fucking?" Luke asked.

"That's Benji-nese for making eye contact with," Ford added to the conversation.

"Okay boys, I will see you all later. I'm going to go get some now," Benji said giving all the guys air kisses before he went back into the restaurant.

END FLASHBACK

Luke's thoughts were interrupted by Shane who came back into the room.

"Any change?" Shane asked hopeful.

"No," Luke sighed. "Where's Ford?"

"He needed some time to think," Shane shrugged. "I hope he can get past his anger towards Benji."

"He has to," Luke said. "Benji needs him. This may sound weird, but I think Ford's the only one that can get Benji to wake up."

The two grew silent for a moment, both taking the time to really grasp the reality of the situation. Shane looked over and saw the fear in Luke's eyes.

"Does it bring back bad memories? Being back at a hospital under these circumstances?" Shane asked.

"A little bit," Luke replied. "It's weird, it's been years since Nick died but when I walked through the hospital doors today that whole night came racing back to me. It's strange, I thought I've moved past it, that the memory of it all couldn't hurt anymore, but it still does."

"Of course it still does," Shane said rubbing Luke's back. "You were in love with him. I couldn't even imagine going through what you went through with Nick."

"Well this is pretty close to it," Luke said gesturing towards Benji.

"You know, this is the first time we've talked like this in a long time," Shane said.

"I know," Luke smiled. "It's kind of nice."

"It really is," Shane said. The two gave each other a small smile, both feeling like it really would be possible for them to be friends again.

Outside the hospital, Ford was walking around in the garden area. He looked at a few patients who were being pushed in their wheelchairs by their loved ones. Two people struck him in particular, it was two young men, both seemed to be in their early twenties, the one sitting in the wheelchair had a broken leg, his friend was pushing him around and they were laughing and seemed to be in good spirits despite the fact they were in a hospital. He saw a lot of himself and Benji in those two guys, the way they used to be with each other. Best friends.

FLASHBACK

It was Ford's junior year of college, it had been a rough year for him. Since his fallout with Chandler the year before he had becomes somewhat of a loner. He didn't want to risk becoming the person he once was with Chandler so he's cut all ties with friends that had potential to be a bad influence on him. His loneliness must have been apparent because his lab partner, Benji, in his Geology class was able to sense it without even knowing him well.

"Is everything okay with you?" Benji asked as the two of them were trying to identify some igneous rocks.

"I'm fine," Ford replied unconvincingly.

"Really? This whole quarter you've hardly smiled," Benji said. "I don't mean to pry, but I have a sense for these kind of things."

"It's nothing," Ford answered. "I'll be okay."

"Well, if you're interested I'm having a little party at my apartment tonight," Benji said.

"Thanks, but I don't really do parties anymore," Ford said. "I've been trying to stay clear of bad influences. I had a rough spot last year that I've been trying to make up for."

"Honey, there are no bad influences at my parties," Benji said. "They consist of making some cosmopolitans and watching `Sex and the City.'"

"That's so gay," Ford laughed. He didn't know Benji well, but he knew that Benji was very secure with who he is and he admired that.

"I know, but it's fabulous," Benji replied. "So come join. It will be fun. Unless you have plans."

"I guess it could be fun," Ford said. "Thanks."

"Of course," Benji said.

It would be the first time they were hanging out together outside of class. Ford was touched by how Benji reached out to him even though they didn't know each other well. Ford realized then that Benji was someone special, someone who would go above and beyond for people he cares about.

END FLASHBACK

Ford took a deep breath and went back inside the hospital.

Back in Benji's hospital room, Luke and Shane quietly watched Benji when Ford came inside the room. Both of them smiled when they saw Ford, relieved he came back.

"Hey," Luke smiled.

"Hi," Ford replied. He then quietly walked over to Benji's bedside and sat down on the edge of the bed. He reached his hand slowly and took a hold of Benji's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Come back Benji," Ford said gently, "We have years of fighting left." He then paused for another moment before continuing, "I love you Benji."

The room grew silent as the guys stood around Benji. They all watched him with intensity. After a few tense beats Ford felt Benji squeeze his hand.

"I think he's waking up," Ford said. "Benji, come on. Wake up!"

Benji stirred a little, shaking his head slightly. After another few seconds, he slowly began to open his eyes.

"Oh my God," Shane said with relief. He looked at Benji as he opened his eyes weakly.

"Hey you," Ford said smiling.

"Hi," Benji moaned weakly. "What's going on?"

"You're in the hospital," Luke replied. "You had a little bit of an accident, but you'll be fine."

"Ford? You're here?" Benji asked confused.

"Yeah," Ford smiled. "I'm here."

"Are we going to be okay?" Benji asked.

"Yeah," Ford replied. "Everything will be okay."

It took Ford time, but he finally came to a place where he felt he could forgive Benji and salvage their friendship. Luke and Shane both smiled seeing Ford and Benji starting to rebuild their friendship, they then both exchanged a smiled with one another knowing that this could be the first time in a long while that the four of them can be a group once more.

To Be Continued...

With Any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!