Timeline: 17 Years Earlier
Location: Parkvale, California, Earth.
Vivian first met Ben at the dead end of a sleepy cul-de-sac, a perfect circle of manicured lawns and identical two-story houses baked in the late afternoon sun. He was cornered against the hot asphalt, surrounded by a pack of three boys with scraped knees and casual cruelty. These bullies, to stave off their boredom, had formed a tight semi-circle around Ben. Their bikes lay discarded on a nearby lawn like inconsequential scrap metal. The pungent smell of the asphalt mixed with the aroma of cut grass just daring an allergic reaction. Combined with the low hum of a distant lawnmower, it all created a mundane backdrop for the tense standoff.
The scuffle began when Ben was being insulted by some kids in the neighborhood who thought he was too pretty to be a boy. They said he should change his name to Benly or Benjamina or Benily. Ben wondered for a moment why they didn't suggest Benificent, but sighed knowing that would be too big a word for them to even cross their tiny little brains.
Vivian didn't do anything heroic. And—to be honest—Ben was insulting them back with words they probably had never heard before, making things worse. Yet, with all the confidence she could muster, she shoved her way into the group, exclaiming, "There you are!" Vivian grabbed Ben's hand and tugged. "Your mom says if you're not home in five minutes, she's coming to get you herself."
Just after Ben and Vivian managed to completely break free of the group, Ben turned back and yelled, "The next time you use an expletive, at least try to use it correctly, shithead!" Vivian tugged his hand even harder and started running with Ben in tow.
Their escape was frantic because Vivian leading the pair was ludicrous. She had no idea how to navigate through the neighborhood and everything looked practically the same. But their sneakers continued to slap against the concrete sidewalks, announcing their arrival. To VIvian, this new town was a cookie-cutter collection of lawns, fences, and the occasional barking dog startled by Ben and Vivian's sudden escape. The running duo dodged sprinklers that cast shimmering rainbows in the air and skipped over stray garden hoses slithering at their feet.
The window-eyes on the uniform houses watched them mockingly as Vivian questioned every turn and corner. After the second loop around their neighborhood, Ben yelled breathlessly, "Stop! They aren't even chasing us!"
Vivian checked for herself. "Huh. I wonder why..."
His gray eyes locked onto her green ones and said with a wry smile, "They're probably still trying to find out what 'expletive' means and whether or not it is an insult." They both burst out laughing, and Ben continued to chat as they walked the rest of the way home together.
"I'm Ben, by the way. I think we both live on the same street."
"Vivian. Nice to meet you. And I think I've seen you around—usually with a book or two."
"I do like to read, but I can do other things, too." He paused, looked down at his feet, and said, "Anyway, thanks for helping me out back there, but it will probably just make you a target."
"Then we'll just have to look out for each other," Vivian announced and put her hand out for him to shake.
"Hah. Deal," Ben responded while shaking her hand to form their new friendship.
"Deal," Vivian enthusiastically replied as they continued their walk smiling.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the quiet streets as the sky blushed into dusk wearing hues of orange and purple. The air grew cooler, carrying the scents from a nearby prized garden and the faint, delicious aroma of someone's barbecue. Their clumsy escape was now slowed to a leisurely stroll. The earlier tension had melted away, replaced by an easy camaraderie. As they walked, Ben's chatting mixed with the sounds of crickets chirping and the soft scuff of their shoes on the sidewalk. The two small figures moved through the twilight of a world that suddenly felt safe again.
"This is me," Ben said, pointing. His house stood apart from the others, not in size, but in character. It was a cheerful, light-blue colonial with crisp white trim and shutters. A wide, welcoming porch wrapped around the front, complete with a gently swaying porch swing and pots overflowing with vibrant, well-tended flowers. A picture-perfect large oak stood sentinel in the front yard. It gave off a lived-in warmth, a place that felt like a home, not just a house. "I hope to see you around again. Feel free to come say 'Hi' sometime."
"Okay," Vivian nodded and then looked at Ben seriously. "But first, I have a question."
"Yeah? Go ahead."
In a quiet voice, Vivian asked, "So... uhm.. what does 'expletive' mean?"
Ben stared at her for a moment. And then they both started laughing again.