Chapter 12: Say hello to Ben

Parker is nearly skipping as he walks to his apartment with Tim beside him like a cool side kick. His stomach is full of nice food, he has a good new friend, and he has a paid trip to attend.

"Is this the guy from school?" Tim whispers and Parker’s eyes find Ben coming from afar.

Ben is walking to the building too. The guy is dressed in expensive designer clothes. His hair is tousled in an attractive way. He looks like he is just returning from the best trip of his life.

The future landlord finally spots the two friends and directs a wolf-ish grin at Parker.

"Hey, Park!" Ben says loudly as he raises his left hand in greeting. In his right hand, there’s a shopping bag that looks like it’s holding takeaway.

"Hi, Ben" Parker responds with a guarded expression. He doesn’t know what to expect from Ben this time around. In the past when he was forced to sleep at school, Ben had returned home with a pack of Chinese food and ate it all alone.

"I went to this sick party last night. I totally forgot to keep the keys for you; you look like you slept well...bro" Ben eyes Parker’s frame, and Parker folds his arms protectively.

"Yeah, I slept well. Were you expecting the opposite, bro?" he asks boldly and Ben’s eyes soften.

"My bad. I just feel guilty for taking the keys. Why is this weirdo always with you?" Ben asks as he jerks his chin towards Tim, and Parker speaks up for his new friend. "Tim is my friend. Any problem with that?" he asks and Ben laughs.

"Of course not, bro. I just don’t think I’m comfortable with having a stranger in our apartment" Ben says.

"But you always invite all your friends here" Parker complains and Ben laughs again. Something about his laughter felt odd. Ben was one of those people who knew how to charm everyone, but when he spoke with Parker, he rarely ever laughed.

"I’ll quit inviting my friends over from now on, I promise." Ben says as he holds his hands up in a mock surrender pose.

’Should I trust him?’ Parker asks in his head.

[System: is a wolf a dangerous animal?]

Okay. That was answer enough to make Parker rethink his question. He wouldn’t trust Ben, but he wouldn’t start an unnecessary conflict. It’s safe to play dumb.

"I won’t be long, Tim. You can wait here for me" Parker says and Tim waves him away good naturedly. He doesn’t mind waiting outside. He really doesn’t like Ben’s behavior so he would rather wait outside.

"You can even head to school if you want to" Ben says and Tim gives him a flat, unimpressed look.

"Parker, don’t forget to pack a bag, the trip is today" Tim says instead of giving Ben’s rude ass an answer.

"Trip?" Ben asks.

"Yeah, the school trip. I bet you know nothing about it since you don’t seem like the kind of guy who studies" Tim says with an attempt to sound bold, and Parker hides his impressed laughter.

So, he’s not the only one growing confident. Tim is also changing with him.

"I know about the trip, I just didn’t expect Parker to make it. Someone who’s too poor to eat a good meal shouldn’t be able to pass anything in life" Ben snickers.

"Yo, that’s such a stupid thing to say" Tim says angrily, and Parker stops his friend from acting out in anger by holding a hand up.

"He’s just kidding, Tim" he lies on Ben’s behalf.

Parker knows Ben isn’t kidding. He also knows what sort of messed up mentality Ben has. His ex-friend is fucked up in his mindset. Ben thinks a person who is unfortunately less privileged in life doesn’t deserve a chance at anything.

Parker is now more determined to change his life. He would teach Ben an unforgettable lesson on respecting others. He would be better than Ben in every way.

"See you soon, Tim" he says and walks into the apartment with Ben.

When they get to the elevator, Ben clears his throat and bows his head. "I’m sorry for my rude words. You know you’re my bro and I was just fucking around" he says and Parker lifts his head in surprise. He didn’t expect a proper apology from his roommate.

"It’s cool" he says.

"No, it’s not cool. I’ll never do it again. I promise" he says and Parker nods in acceptance. This is new to him; he didn’t know what to do with it.

[System: does a wolf stop being dangerous animal??]

"He’s being sincere with his apology" Parker argues under his breath and his roommate looks at him with confusion.

"Are you saying something to me?"

"No" Parker mutters.

"Okay. Ah, yes, would you eat with me as a peace offering?" Ben asks and Parker gulps.

He clearly remembers in his past life that Ben brought home some delicious Chinese food, and it was something he has never tasted before. He’s tempted to say yes, but he has some self-pride, so he refuses.

"Nah...I’m full" Parker says and shoves his hands into his pockets.

"If you reject my offer, I’ll assume you hate me and don’t want to mend bonds with me" Ben says and Parker sighs.

"Fine. I guess a bite or two wouldn’t hurt" he murmurs and Ben grins.

Parker packs up his bag and changes his clothes. When he’s done and ready to leave, he finds Ben waiting with the food open. The smell of mouthwatering fried rice fills their apartment, and even though he just ate a filling breakfast, he’s suddenly hungry again.

"Come have three bites buddy" Ben says with a warm smile and Parker takes a seat. He quickly picks a spoon instead of the chopsticks. He has no idea how to use chopsticks.

Parker takes the first three scoops of the delicious food, chews, and swallows.

"Okay, done" he says.

"Eat some more, buddy" Ben urges, and greedy Parker scoops more fried rice. After eating and swallowing, he suddenly feels his throat closing up.

Wait...something was wrong with the meal. He stares at the food and Ben gets up. Parker blinks twice to fight off the pain going through his system. Ben couldn’t have possibly fed him shrimps....

"B-ben...you know I’m allergic to shrimp" he stutters and look up at his friend who is grinning down at him. "Guess who isn’t going on the trip? That’s right. You. But don’t worry, I’ll send someone to give you an EpiPen before you die on me" Ben says happily before he leaves the room.

"Help..." Parker wheezes as he falls to the floor with the spoon in his hand. His sight is starting to blur, and his head is starting to hurt.

On the floor, Parker gasps for air, and reaches out his hand. "Help..." he begs for a hero who wouldn’t come for him.

Fuck...he should have listened to the System...he shouldn’t have trusted Ben!