Hidden Burdens

Shared But Different Feelings

Even though things were good again between her and Kayla, Kimmy still wanted Ben to take her to her family's visit that afternoon. Mostly because she wanted John to come along to meet Zach and he may not have come if it was Kayla. Besides, Kimmy had come to like that Ben preferred getting there early to be on time instead of being late, especially when there might be traffic.

On the way, they stopped for gas and drinks, which Kimmy helped since John already knew how to pump gas. She overheard him telling Ben he was saving up one day to buy his own car and was planning on getting a summer job. At least a decently used car, and asked if Ben would help him. Though, Kimmy missed in that moment the correlation of what that meant long term and figured John would have a car of his own by the time he left for college.

Ben seemed caught off guard by the question like he wasn't expecting it. But he shook off the surprise quickly and assured John he would help in any way he could. The rest of the drive to the visiting center was spent discussing cars and what to look for, including what John wanted. John just wanted a car that got him from point A to point B, with no other specifics except plenty of room to give friends a lift if they needed it.

"So, no sports cars then," Ben said teasingly.

John chuckled. "Nope, no sports cars." He then admitted to considering one of those small SUVs. Not something as big as Kayla's jeep, but nothing small he couldn't fit into.

"Like what Stephen drives?" Kimmy blurted out without thinking.

Ben jumped a little while John did not react and pointed out, "I don't know. What does Stephen drive, Kimster?" as if Kimmy always talked.

Kimmy blushed, looking away. She hadn't meant to interrupt the guys' conversation. Now that she had been speaking lately, it was getting hard to keep the filter in place. The filter was either on her mouth tight like a pickle jar, or loose like butter. There was no in-between, sadly. It scared her, actually.

John reached around the seat behind him to rub the side of her knee, affectionately, reassuring everything was okay. He asked again what kind of car Stephen drove, leaning closer so he could hear.

Kimmy leaned forward to meet him the rest of the way. "He called it a Sue-ba-roo or something like that," she finally said softly.

"A Subaru?"

Kimmy nodded.

John smiled. "Yeah, maybe something like that," he said and thanked her for the help like a great mystery was solved.

With a little more confidence, Kimmy also softly pointed out Stephen's tall size, who was a lot taller than John was. That apparently sealed the deal for him. Either that or John was hyping things up just for the kid.

Ben stepped in to also point out, "For the record, kiddo, if you want to give your input, just ask. It's usually the safer route," speaking as if from experience. He focused more on what was ahead of him but made a point to glance her way a few times while constantly switching back. "I personally don't care if you want to say what's on your mind, but I know others do, especially if you're not part of the conversation. If it wasn't meant for children's ears I wouldn't be discussing it in front of you."

He made sure to glance at her once more. "Okay?"

Kimmy nodded.

Ben then genuinely asked if she knew anything about cars.

She shook her head.

Stephen documents most of his life on his vlog and his car he had for most of his adult life finally quitting on him was something to talk about. He didn't share everything of course. There was a boundary Stephen needed to keep with viewers. But if it would help someone watching in need, he shared it.