things in the night

 Bentley was beginning to think the only person he had to talk to was Penny. He guessed he could have it worse. Yet, he was feeling blue. As if maybe he was a lost soul in the comic book store.

He went to bed early because it felt like he'd spent days getting all the books organized. Naturally, no one came to look. Maybe Penny was right, they should start making milk tea. They needed something to bring in customers.

Perhaps, that was what left him tossing and turning. But it was the voices too. Murmurs perhaps. Suddenly, he threw the covers back and reached for the light. No way was their ghosts. He'd never heard anyone speak of it.

He winced hard. If only Mannie was home. When would he ever get back? What was he up to with Sadie?

Suddenly, he felt so alone. As if no one really cared what happened to him. He thought he might cry but held it in. He went to Liam's door. Of course, Liam didn't answer when he knocked. Bently waited. But he couldn't wait too long. 

Bently turned the knob and carefully opened the door. He hopes Liam was home, and he was. But he wasn't alone.

Ben could hardly believe his eyes. Liam was with a woman. A WOMAN. 

Shocked. Ben shut the door and went straight to the bathroom. After he relieved himself, he walked back and forth for a bit wondering what he could do about this. What would Mannie do? What would he think?

All this time, Bently thought Liam was surely a priest of some kind. He'd never, Bently thought.

Just then the bathroom door opened and it was Liam.

"What are you doing, man?" Liam winced. "Just standing here in the dark?"

"Oh, I..I had a bad dream." No way could Ben mention what he'd saw. "I..just..."

"Go to bed!" Liam ordered. He needed to pee.

Ben nodded and slightly moved on. Liam shut the door behind him.

Ben nodded. How did Liam do it. Just how did you get a girl to sleep with you.