CHAPTER 11: A safe space.

CHAPTER 11: A safe space.

Sarah exhaled softly as she sank into the plush comfort of her bed, exhaustion settling into her weary bones. The night had been long,draining, frustrating, and filled with too many recollections of the past. But here, in the safe quietness of her home, with the twins tucked safely in their beds, she could finally breathe.

Propping a pillow against the headboard, Sarah winced as she stretched her ankle.

Damn heels. Damn Edward. Damn Veronica.

Her ankle had started to heal, but it seemed to have become a bit more sore again, after she had had to stand on high heels all night.

Memories of the night came rushing down on her like an avalanche. As if to save her from reliving those weary memories, her phone buzzed.

Sarah picked up her buzzing phone from the nightstand close to the bed, and a small smile tugged at her lips as she saw the name flashing on the screen.

Benicio.

Sarah had been expecting his call all night.She swiped the screen to answer, and pressed the phone to her ear with a wide smile.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" she teased.

A deep chuckle filtered through the line, warm and familiar. "Shouldn’t you?" Benicio rejoined.

She sighed. "Touché."

There was a brief laughter, followed by a comfortable pause. The kind that only existed between two people who didn’t need unnecessary words to fill the silence.

Benicio spoke first. “How about the kids? Have they gone to bed?”

Sarah sighed, looking at her wiggling toes. “Yes I just tucked them in. They got tired waiting for your call.”

Benicio groaned. “I finished late at the office. I couldn't get away on time. I tried… I really did. The current project is just a lot to handle, but it's wrapping up soon. I hope the kids can forgive me?” he groaned.

Sarah smiled. She will always be grateful for him. He was always there for Liam and Robyn, and he treated them like his own children. Plus he was always there for her too.

“Don't worry too much, Benicio. You know the kids love you. They can never stay mad at you for long.”

“I hope you're right. So?" Benicio prompted, his voice smooth. "How was the party? Did Veronica behave, or did she try to throw you into a pit of fire?"

Sarah had told Benicio about Veronica’s presence in her office that day, and also about her inviting her to the launch party.

Sarah huffed a laugh. "Oh, she tried. She actually planted the press, and planned to humiliate me, by baiting them into questioning my past with Edward."

Benicio’s voice lost its teasing edge. "She did what?"

Sarah shrugged, even though he couldn’t see it. "Her plan failed miserably. I turned it around."

A low hum came through the line; approval, amusement, maybe even pride, suffused Benicio’s voice. "You never fail to impress me, Sarah."

Sarah rolled her eyes, adding in a playful tone "Flattery won’t make me ignore the fact that you still owe me dinner when you get here,Ben."

Benicio chuckled. "It’s not flattery if it’s true. But fine, dinner—anywhere of your choice, of course."

She smirked. "Naturally."

Another pause. This one softer. Warmer. These were some of the reasons why Sarah loved talking to Benicio. It came so easy. So warm—so uncomplicated.

Sarah shifted slightly, pressing her ice pack against her ankle. "I wish you were here."

She really missed him alot. He had the ability to make her laugh, even when she was having the worst of days.

He and the children made her happy.

Sarah knew she was sounding vulnerable at that point, but she didn’t care, as long as she was with Benicio. He was her safe space.

Benicio, however, seemed pleased. He was elated to hear that she missed him, and wanted him there. "Do you?"

Sarah sighed, feeling the severe exhaustion of the entire night, suddenly pressing down on her. "I do. It would’ve been nice to have you there. Someone who isn’t... complicated."

Not someone like Edward. She wanted to add this, but changed her mind. She didn't even want to say his name anymore tonight.

Benicio’s voice dropped, a little quieter now. "I like knowing you miss me. At least I know that you guys won't replace me."

Sarah knew that he was also referring to the kids, and she let out a breathy laugh . "Don’t let it get to your head, Benicio. On the other hand, no one can ever replace you."

He chuckled. "Too late, and on the other hand—that's good to know,” he replied, mimicking her.

She could hear the smirk in his voice, and it made something in her chest loosen, as she vibrated with laughter.

This. This was what she needed tonight. Something easy. Something safe.

Benicio wasn’t complicated.

He wasn’t Edward. He was Benicio, and he was her best friend and her safe space.

"Tell me something," she murmured, her voice softer now. "What time is it over there?"

"Does it matter?" He yawned.

Sarah smiled. "It does if I’m keeping you from sleeping."

Benicio’s laugh returned, rich and smooth. "I could say the same to you."

Sarah closed her eyes, feeling the exhaustion creeping in. “Alright, fine. We’re both terrible at sleeping. Happy now, Ben?”

“Very,” he beamed. “Very, very happy. “

She let herself smile again. This was truly what she needed.

"Get some rest, Sarah," Benicio murmured, voice softer now. "And if you need me, just call. You know I'd always be here."

Sarah exhaled. "I know."

She knew that he would always have her back, and catch her if she ever falls. Sarah knew she could trust him always, and also rely on him all the time. And somehow, that made all the difference.

As she ended the call and placed the phone on her nightstand, her thoughts drifted back to someone,not Veronica, not the press—but to a certain pair of dark, unreadable eyes that had watched her all night.

She shook the thought away.

This wasn’t about Edward. Not anymore. She would never give that man room to hurt her ever again.

As Sarah prepared to finally retire to bed, her phone for the second time that night. She picked it up, and her face scrunched in confusion.