They took a break at lunch to eat Angel's prepared food, under the shadow of trees in a quiet place in the park. Benjamin had to admit that having a picnic here was very pleasant. The ladies knew the best spots in the park and everyone had an enjoyable time, with them dotingly trying to feed him or clean his face with wet napkins as if he was a small child. Benjamin docilely accepted their affection since they looked so happy to take care of him.
After lunch, they resumed playing bocce ball until it was finally time to go home. Just like the previous weekend, the three women were very reluctant to part with him. He had to let them hug him at length one by one, as if they were saying their final farewell to him, and promise to come to play with them again. In the car on their way back, Benjamin asked his grandmother about their attitude.
"Why do they like me so much, grandma? Today is only the second time we met."
"I understand why it might seem strange to you. There are several reasons. First of all, even though they look like this, they are very sensitive to other people's feelings toward them. When they see you having a good time with them without having any hidden thoughts, they can't help comparing you to other unsavory people they have met in their lives and feel happy about you."
She took a break in her speech, driving for a moment in silence, before continuing.
"Another reason is that they are very lonely. I have you guys at home so I am alright but the three of them live alone and it's sometimes hard for them when no one is around. You using your Sunday to spend time with us means a lot to them. Don't think they don't know what a holiday means to a teenager, they have been young too. If I were to exaggerate a bit, you spending time with them is brightening their days. I told you already but they have spent half of our time together last week talking about you. Just like teenagers blabbering about their first crush! Ahahahah!"
Benjamin marveled at her capacity to switch from a serious topic to a bad joke. He thought about what she just said and was surprised that his simple act of wanting to spend time with his grandmother affected her friends so much. He thought that they were good people and deserved the small amount of happiness he could provide. He also liked seeing them being cheerful, which confirmed his resolution to keep spending time with them.
After they reached home, he separated from his grandmother and relaxed in his room for some time before starting to prepare dinner. The rest of the evening was spent nicely with family and the weekend ended like this.
On the following day, Monday, Benjamin decided to fetch Chloe at school once again, though his reasons were different this time from the previous one. He didn't finish classes early on this day so he didn't go to her school but aimed for her path home instead. After some minutes of walking and him checking the students he met on the way, he managed to find her in a street perpendicular to where he was. She was chatting with the same group of friends as last time while moving away from school. He headed in her direction so that he would arrive from behind their group and when he was right at her back, he put both hands on her shoulders. She hadn't noticed him until the end and jumped at the sudden unknown contact, shouting in fright.
"Ahh!"
She and her friends looked back and saw him behind her, smiling at her brilliantly. Chloe scowled and started denouncing him.
"Ben! Don't do that, you scared me!"
He put his hands back on her shoulders and soothed her.
"Sorry, sorry. But you know why I did that, right?"
"No? Why?"
"Of course, it's to be sure you won't escape."
She watched him in incomprehension. He smiled meaningfully and asked her.
"How did your test go, Chloe?"
Finally, she understood what this was all about. She shuddered and her eyes started to look everywhere except at his face.
"I-I did super good?"
"Of course."
He turned toward her friends.
"Sorry girls, I didn't greet you. It's good to see you all again. I have a question. Are you all in her class?"
They nodded and he continued.
"Perfect. I suppose you know how much she got on the test?"
He gave his most charming smile and they looked at him, startled, before glancing at their friend, who was shaking her head negatively at them with all her strength. Seeing them hesitate, Benjamin ended the discussion.
"Whoever tells me will get a kiss on the cheek."
"She got 87!"
It was amazing how perfectly in sync they were. Chloe put on her most shocked expression at the quick betrayal, which everyone ignored.
"Thank you, girls, I guess I owe you four. I can't let Chloe go so please come to me instead."
They lined up and he gave them each a quick peck on the cheek, which made them blush and squirm happily. After that, they chatted while moving forward again until it was time to go separate ways. The girls each said goodbye to them and the siblings began to head toward home. Benjamin started the conversation with his little sister.
"87, huh. I didn't have any expectations from the start but you did better than I thought you would."
She glanced at him, hopeful. However, he immediately destroyed her hope ruthlessly.
"Since you managed to get a decent score, I will go a bit easier on your punishment."
She now looked like it was the end of the world and Benjamin laughed at her expression.
"Look at the face you're making. You're always exaggerating everything."
"I'm not! Ugh, I was so close! If only I didn't do that stupid mistake!"
He caressed her head and said.
"Yes, yes. You can do better next time, baby sister."
She stared at him, pouting, but didn't remove his hand from her head.